Bespoke furniture store Nature Evolution sets up in Central

Chiu: "I found it extremely satisfying selecting furniture that our clients also liked. Ben and I met and became friends 15 years ago and we decided [on a trip] that it was time for a change. We'd worked hard and made some money on property deals. Ben has always been in sales and we share a love of furniture and design.

"During our travels across Asia, we met a mainland interior designer who owned furniture stores in Macau and Zhuhai. He was very generous, teaching us a lot about the business and giving us invaluable help and guidance. When we returned to Hong Kong, we found a dream location for a shop. It was serendipitous!"

Yiu: "My given Chinese names mean 'nature', and 'evolution' felt right because we are making a change, starting a new stage in our lives. More than that, everything evolves, including furniture."

Yiu: "Contemporary paintings, sculpture, furniture and lighting [made to order], mainly. We have five elements, or collections: nature indoors (solid wood items that bring natural elements into your home); nature outdoors (furniture to enjoy outdoors); retro evolution; old style made new (reproductions of original Bauhaus classics); and modern evolution (furniture that doubles as art). Each element has its own unique characteristics, but they can be mixed to create an individual look."

"We were very fortunate; the space had been designed well by the owner. All we had to do was add shelves and a lick of paint. It was perfect, with a big plate window to the street, a mezzanine floor and an outdoor terrace."