Fall Issue, 2014

Nevertheless, as a devoted St. Johnian back at HKU, Wong found herself ready to cope with “enterprising” challenges. “The tradition of St. John’s College of ‘Strive for the Best’ has prepared me with the right attitude to keep fighting in this ever-changing market.” From the start, 90% of Snaparty customers were coming in for selfie snaps while the rest were attending the party venue. Now, the respective proportions have reversed to 30% and 70%. Wong is fully aware that she has to be the trend-setter to stay afloat. “We also diversify and offer space for e-shops selling skincare products. This helps to occupy the shop space whilst we continue to encourage customers to our business.” Overseas investors are also exploring the possibility of becoming franchisees. The once the Chief Happiness Storyteller of Laughfull, a local youth group aiming to bring joy to people through various activities, Wong shared her ultimate mission of setting up Snaparty: “It’s more than a business. I hope my customers leave my studio with big smiles on their faces.” She once shared her experiences at a local TEDx conference in 2012 and said, “If you have the passion and you want to make an impact, or like us spread happiness, then just do it!” Startup Resources • Hong Kong Science and Technology Park – 3-year Incu-Tech Programme www.hkstp.org/en-US/Services-Programmes/Incubation-Programme/Incu-Tech/About-Incu-Tech-Programme.aspx • Cyberport – Entrepreneurship Centre www.cyberport.hk/en/about_cyberport/our_5_centres/entrepreneurship_centre • Hong Kong Trade Development Council – SME Start-up Programme www.hktdc.com/info/mi/sbr • 8080SPACE – Co-working space platform www.8080space.com • Jumpstart - the first start-up magazine in Hong Kong jumpstartmag.com • The Hongkong Federation of Youth Groups – Youth Business Hong Kong ybhk.hkfyg.org.hk • British Council – Global Social Enterprise Programme www.britishcouncil.org/society/social-enterprise • StartUps HK – Hong Kong’s tech startup community www.startupshk.com • TiE Hong Kong – Entrepreneurship fostering platform hk.tie.org • CoCoon – an entrepreneurship community www.hkcocoon.org • Good Lab – A hub for social entrepreneurs goodlab.hk • The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited – Microfinance Scheme www.hkmc.com.hk/eng/pcrm/ourbusiness/mf.html • Technology Startup Support Scheme for Universities TSSSU@HKU www.tto.hku.hk/public/tsssu Cover Story 13