Off the Book: Passion for books shelved teaching aspirations of Bookazine owner Arti Mirchandani

John Lennon famously said, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” This piece of wisdom from a former member of the Fab Four could be a perfect summation of how Arti Mirchandani’s life and career in books have unfolded. Coming from the entrepreneurial family behind Hong Kong retailer Bookazine, her youthful passion was art, not books, and this love of visual creativity drove her to study art at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University).

Her parents, Mohan and Nisha Mirchandani started the family business in 1985 with a bookstore in the Hopewell Centre at a time when there were no “big” English-language bookshops in Hong Kong. Mohan had previously moved to Hong Kong from Nepal to work with his uncle and they started off as distributors of books and magazines, initially selling to street hawkers and chain stores.

Young Arti was never much of a reader even though her father would come home with boxes full of books. “He would sigh and say, ‘I am the king of books, and my daughter doesn’t read!’” she relates with a laugh.

The art of teaching

Before heading to Melbourne to study, she worked as an assistant teacher at the Peak School. She mainly tutored a boy who had meningitis as a newborn leaving him about two academic years behind his peers. “While it was a very challenging role, it was also incredibly rewarding when we had little breakthroughs and I felt really good leaving work every day like I had achieved something,” she recalls.

This sense of fulfilment was a light-bulb moment for her first choice of career. “That is when I decided that combining my two passions – art and kids – would be the ideal job for me. I wanted to become an art teacher.”

Early ambition shelved

With nine months to kill before starting a teaching certificate in the UK, she joined the family business “with no real role”. Her father made her start at the bottom, unpacking boxes of books, shelving them and even dusting the shelves. “He told me in order to be successful, you have to learn the A-Z of your business – so as to not be afraid to get my hands dirty. What he meant by that was, ‘Don’t think just because you are the boss’s daughter, you don’t need to do all aspects of the job!’”

Checking invoices, arranging books in beautiful displays, interacting with customers, taking orders, working behind the till, and tallying up the cash at the end of the day were all part and parcel of her learning process.

“It was hard work, but it was the experience I needed in order to gain the respect of my staff today. When I ask them to do something, they can’t say to me, ‘Oh, she doesn’t know what she’s talking about’!” After three months, she started to enjoy working in the bookstore and dropped any idea of teaching.

Also Read: Indra Banga on being one of Hong Kong’s foremost philanthropists

Storybook magic

It was only upon joining the family business that Mirchandani truly discovered the magic of stories and books. She has a special affinity for children’s books, saying: “I think this comes from my love of kids and my teaching experience. I have always loved the illustrations and fun rhyming text. I used to love watching children’s faces light up or hearing them giggle when we read books to them at school. How can you not love something that brings that much joy?”

As she sits in front of crammed shelves in a corner of Bookazine’s flagship store in Landmark Prince’s, she speaks enthusiastically about her role as a buyer of books, toys and gifts. “It’s like going shopping everyday….with a corporate card. I do really enjoy seeing all the new products before they hit the market; I get very excited like a kid in a toy store. I also love watching my customers’ reactions when the products hit our stores.”

Bookazine has seven shops in Hong Kong and has been in Prince’s Building for more than 30 years. The company hosts most of its book launches there and the space is also used to showcase local authors and designers.

She particularly enjoys receiving proof copies of new books ahead of their release – that feeling of having access to privileged information. “It’s like we belong to a very exclusive club; it’s also just really nice to be able to read a book right away after the publisher has just told you a story. You do not have to wait a couple of months to find out how it ends.”

Also Read: Seven must-read books about Hong Kong

Sharing the passion

Mohan Mirchandani established Bookazine to share his love of reading with a vision to become a family-friendly community bookstore. “My father wanted it to be a place where families came and everyone left feeling happy or inspired. I think we have achieved this, or so I have been told,” says the daughter fondly.

His death aged just 58 taught her that life is very fragile and to be grateful for every day, to live for the moment and never plan too far ahead.

Customers (and daughter) know best

Mirchandani is at ease throughout the interview, articulate and well-spoken. It is no surprise that she loves interacting with customers in the store, citing it as one of her favourite aspects of the job.

Many customers have been loyal for 38 years and she feels immense gratitude for their support and invaluable feedback. Her daughter has also been a useful barometer of the latest toy trends, helping her increase the toy offering at Bookazine. “Even though she is aged 14 now, I still ask her opinion on some new trending toys and plush. She has got a real knack for knowing what will do well – except now she asks me if I will pay her!”

Family matters

Like with most family businesses, relationships can become strained. Her mother, Nisha, is the company chair, while her sister, Shonee, is also part of the management team. “Sometimes it’s really hard, and definitely in the early days we used to clash a lot,” she says candidly. A copy of Spare by Prince Harry is prominently displayed on a nearby shelf.

However, business matters now run smoothly within the family, possibly due to maturity or finding the right rhythm to make it work. “I am very close to my family; they are my pillars of support and I feel very lucky to be able to work with them.”

Reading the future

Mirchandani remains confident in the future of their business. She no longer feels that e-books pose the existential threat to traditional bookstores that appeared to be the case when they entered the market. Fortunately for them at Bookazine, the initial drop in book sales did not last long as people returned to reading in the traditional print.

“There is something quite special about flipping the page or the smell of books,” she says. “And then with some bigger online bookstores, the threat is that they can be quite competitive on pricing and things like that. But, you know, at the end of the day, I think everyone needs a good bookstore. I can’t imagine a world without bookstores.”

Photographer: Jack Law Art Director: Joseff Musa Fashion Stylist: Jhoshwa Ledesma Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Hair & Make Up: Owen Ko Venue: Bookazine, Landmark Prince’s

Anna Flores of The Chaless Wellness and Beauty turns passion into success

Inspired by the warmth of cabins and chalets in the mountainous regions of Europe, Anna Flores brings over two decades of her wellness experience to Central’s buzziest urban sanctuary.

The Chaless Wellness and Beauty takes a contemporary approach. What inspired you to start this transformative beauty hub?
I’ve been in the wellness industry for over two decades now. From the moment I came to Hong Kong back in the ’90s and realised the potential of the beauty and wellness sector, I became actively involved in the spa business. The name Chaless, comes from the names of my three children, who bring immense love and joy in my life. I wanted the same love and light in my clients’ life as well.

Over the years, the concepts and foundation of beauty have evolved – its cleaner, gentler and more targeted now. My vision was to recreate a destination on the slow beauty lines and help my clients embrace the richness of massage and facials minus the harshness of fast treatments – and understand that skin health improves overall wellbeing.

gafencu interviews Anna Flores of The Chaless Wellness and Beauty turns passion into success (3) — Anna Flores wearing bracelet by agnès b. Ring by Stéfère Jewelry; Embroidered cotton-poplin shirt by Totême, courtesy of NET-A-PORTER; Original distressed mid-rise straight-leg jeans by Totême, courtesy of NET-A-PORTER Heels by Aquazzura

What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is a lot of things. It’s a holistic way of living, it’s about empowering us to look after themselves. It’s way beyond and deeper than makeup, skincare, or getting a massage; it’s the bond of self-care and self-love, of achieving an equilibrium of body, heart, mind and soul. That was the intention behind creating a wellness destination and not a beauty centre. I want our clients to relax, rejuvenate in this little oasis of zen and partake in the critical aspect of healing while they take care of the temple that is their body.

“Wellness is a lot of things. It’s a holistic way of living. It’s about empowering us to look after themselves and goes way beyond makeup and skincare”

How do you start your day?
I wake up and make up my bed. It’s important to begin the day with a tidy and structured frame of mind. A cup of coffee followed by morning exercise or simply stretching on busy days – it’s always good to carve out some ‘me time’ before my children wake up.

I have three kids. The eldest is in boarding school in England and the two little ones, six and eight years old are with me in Hong Kong. So, my routine really depends around them and whether they are at home or school. After tending to the family – if the spa is open – I will head over there and oversee the operations.

What’s the best part of your job?
Hands down it’s the people, my clients. I am gifted in looking after people, I love the customer service aspect of running a spa – right from listening to people, understanding their needs, having a tab on their feelings, and creating bespoke treatments. It’s a fulfilling aspect of my profession.

gafencu interviews Anna Flores of The Chaless Wellness and Beauty turns passion into success (4) — Anna Flores wearing Bari cutout wool-canvas mini dress by Jacquemus, courtesy of NET-A-PORTER

What do you do to unwind?
I love being alone as much as I love being in the company of friends and family. Whether it’s taking time out to read, hike, or just sit with my phone in peace. It’s so enriching to carve out ‘me time’ to reflect and re-energise.

If I don’t have to attend to the children, I’ll happily come for a massage or a facial. Being in the spa industry, I am always surrounded by people. I love that, but at times I need a break to drown out the noise, be in a still environment and feel cared for. Living in the moment, actively savouring and stretching every minute is critical to me. It adds richness and value in my life.

You have flawless skin. Could you share with us what your skincare routine is like?
[laughs] It’s not perfect, but I understand the anatomy of the skin. I pamper it when it needs the touch, leave it alone when it needs to breathe. Cleansing, eye creams, serums, facial essence and sunscreen are my must-do steps every day. Using a face roller, gua sha (a traditional Chinese medicine practice) or any other tools are integral in flushing out the toxins and tightening the facial muscles.

There is no magic formula that will work overnight, even the best products take months to show results. You’ve got to work hard to maintain what you have and it begins with identifying effective, powerful ingredients tailored for your skin concerns. Sometimes you might have to try many different formulas to find a suitable one. But once you identify what works, be diligent in your routine and mindful of your gut health and stress levels. Afterall, your skin is a true reflection of your lifestyle. Make it shine.

“I love the customer service aspect of running a spa – right from listening to people to creating bespoke treatments. It’s a fulfilling aspect of my profession”

What are the most common mistakes people make when it comes to skincare?
Understand the seasons and the changes they bring. Shake up the regimen accordingly otherwise your skin becomes used to the same ingredients rendering them ineffective over time. Invest in the right tools and products. They don’t have to be the most expensive, but the results from regularly using clean, targeted products are irrefutable. Remember to check the expiration date of your beauty products and clean beauty tools regularly to avoid bacterial build-up.

List five makeup products that can always be found in your handbag.
Reviving Marine Mist from Thalgo for a refreshing, remineralising skin boost; a plumping and a hydrating Lip Serum from Fresh; a good hand cream because our hands are always dry from sanitizers and constant cleansing; an eyeliner; and a bit of blush for a natural tint in the cheeks.

gafencu interviews Anna Flores of The Chaless Wellness and Beauty turns passion into success (2) — Anna Flores wearing earrings by Chanel; Cuffs by Koket; Bahia draped knotted voile mini dress by Jacquemus, courtesy of NET-A-PORTER; Heels by Alexandra Neel

Opening a beauty business amid a pandemic is problematic. How did you manage the challenges of the last two years?
Back in January 2020, when the pandemic had just started, I eyed the current Aberdeen Street location – but with social restrictions at the time, and so much uncertainty on the horizon, I shelved the idea. In May 2021, with a strong belief in the city and the resilience of the people, I took the plunge and Chaless Wellness and Beauty opened its doors in August 2021. We’ve faced multiple Covid-related setbacks. It was very challenging but much like the spirit of Hong Kong, each time we bounce back stronger.

It wasn’t an easy time. While the beauty and fitness industry were shut down multiple times, we were paying salaries and rents, but our clients were very supportive and loyal. We are positive about the government’s move from hereon. Fingers crossed!

gafencu interviews Anna Flores of The Chaless Wellness and Beauty turns passion into success (5) — Anna Flores wearing earrings, necklace and bracelet by ARAO; Bracelet by The 5th C; Dynamo stretch-organic cotton jumpsuit by Rivet Utility, courtesy of NET-A-PORTER; Heels by Le Marais

What’s your mantra for the year ahead?
Take a leap of faith. In my view, being afraid is a positive thing, it implies you’re aware of the consequences. Trust the process and don’t be held back by doubts. If it doesn’t work out then it’s a lesson, if it does then it calls for a celebration.

Though the fifth wave is behind us, Hong Kong is still on shaky ground. Could you offer any advice for someone starting out in the wellness business?
Understand finances because cash is king. Without financial resources it’s impossible to invest in talent, build a brand, let it grow and expect returns.

Thank You.

(Interview by: Nikita Mishra; Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Videographer: Jackie Chan; Hair and Makeup: Owen Ko; Venue: The Chaless Wellness and Beauty; Nails: The Chaless Wellness and Beauty)

International Women’s Day: 8 influential Hong Kong women breaking the bias

Managing teams at work, orchestrating change, leading the way, breaking the glass ceiling in a very male-dominated world, making key decisions, inspiring young women along the way – empowered women, empower women – truly, no better time to reflect on those words than today, on International Women’s Day. With the theme #breakthebias, Gafencu shines the spotlight on eight influential, powerful women who are truly working to make their fields more open, inclusive and accessible to all…

Yolanda Choy

Co-founder of EcoDrive

On a crusade to fight the burgeoning rise of single-use plastics, Yolanda Choy has made it her mission to to educate the public on the environmental damage of single-use plastics and hopes to create a greener, more sustainable future. With roots in fashion and Marketing and PR, she connects with corporates to provide solutions for sustainability and encourages lifestyle change on both the individual and community level through campaigns that promote sustainability initiatives. She also co-founded Central Weddings, a luxury bridal salon.

“Education plays a big part, because, by and large, many people might be throwing away things that contaminate the entire collection bin unrecyclable and sent to a landfill instead…We educate people different ideas on how they can make a difference to create a better, more sustainable world for future generations.”

Yenn Wong

Founder and CEO of JIA Group

For the thousands of foodies and discerning diners in Hong Kong, there is high chance you have dined in one of Yenn Wong’s many establishments that embrace an array of culinary concepts. As the owner of multinational F&B company, JIA Group, the continuously growing vibrant and diverse gourmet flavours have Yenn Wong to thank for. Especially, during strict social distancing rules, JIA Group has spearheaded bringing fine-dining and Michelin-star menus to the comfort of patrons’ homes through its digital platform JIA Everywhere.

“We pride ourselves on providing a range of gourmet experience, ranging from casual to fine dining, all of which place equal emphasis on the quality of the cuisine and the dining environment. Our outlets not only aim to satiate a customer’s appetite, but also deliver a visual feast. It’s a formula that resonates with our guests and one I take a great deal of pride in.”

Mei Mei Song

Brand and Product Transformation Director of Plaza Premium Group

It’s no secret that aviation has been the hardest hit global industry in the Covid-19 pandemic crisis, but Mei Mei Song exemplifies what rising from adversity looks like. She took the tumultuous Covid period to revamp, regroup and reinvent the brand, making travel better with initiatives such as opening their first pay-per-use lounge in Africa, introducing pet-friendly services, valet, baggage-wrapping, buggy and a plethora of other convenient amenities at key international airports, and tapping into new markets such as train lounges in China and launching their first zero carbon footprint lounge in Helsinki. Song is creating a new benchmark of sustainable, convenient, premium hospitality in the travel sector – her team aims to increase their current 230-plus global lounges to be at 550 by the year 2025.

“Founding a successful business is not enough. How you conduct that business and the strength of your vision and values are key.”

Betty Ng

Architect and Founder of Collective Studio

With a degree from Cornell University and a masters from Harvard University and stints in prestigious global design firms like Herzog & de Meuron and OMA, Betty Ng is Hong Kong’s leading architect and has already amassed an impressive body of work and founded her own Hong Kong-based firm, COLLECTIVE Studio, all before her late 30s. A diverse amount of local and international work can be credited to her name including the “Things, Spaces, Interactions” exhibition space in the new M+ museum, all four Kapok lifestyle stores, and is currently working New World Development on their twin tower and commercial podium project in Cheung Sha Wan. Having only started COLLECTIVE Studio six years ago, they have already been awarded a MIPIM Asia ‘Best Futura Project’ Award in 2021, for the King Lam Street commercial development. Betty strongly believes in giving back and inspiring the next generation of architects through her work, she teaches at the prestigious Chinese University of Hong Kong, and hopes that more young women will follow in the future.

“Personally, I don’t think too much about whether I am female or male – I am an architect. I focus on the designs I create. In return, fortunately, I am surrounded by people who see me for what I bring to the table rather than my gender. I hope to inspire the younger generation and remind them that in 2022, disrupting the state of play is certainly possible.”

Also Read: 2021 Power List 300: Hong Kong’s most powerful and influential minds of our time

Helen Ma

Socialite, Entrepreneur, Mom

For a girl discouraged by her father to work, Helen Ma blazed a trail in fashion, beauty and catering. After a slew of successful businesses which range from launching a magazine, Helen Ma Loves Muse, running a successful F&B venture and introducing the French-influenced Japanese luxury skincare brand Evidens de Beauté to Hong Kong – the style guru and beauty goddess has done it all. But no venture comes close to the gratification of being a mum to 9-year-old, Shymie. Currently running her lifestyle e-commerce platform, One Plus One, Ma is eyeing yet another successful, quality lifestyle venture with the idea of creating healthy food, sustainable trends, home styling and engaging experiences. Her advice to the modern-day career woman juggling family and home:

“Balancing a thriving career and a blissful family will take too much of your strength and resilience. Try to live guilt-free [and] happy.”

Ariel Yang

Executive Director of DS Regenerative Medicine

Having started her career teaching from Zhejiang University’s Faculty of Science, followed by a stint in its School of Management, before pursuing other passions such as designing Chinese jewellery, and following her lifelong passion for beauty and skincare by leading the DS Regenerative Medicine business in the field of regenerative beauty and medicine. Recently, she has gone back to her teaching roots and started a new youth education venture to raise awareness of artificial intelligence for young minds. Her company, DS Regenerative Medicine was listed in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2017.

“Our company currently helps more than 200 primary and secondary schools across Hong Kong, training them to develop requisite skills within this sphere. We also host activities to increase awareness and encourage development, be it annual competitions or even international conferences. I believe it’s something that fills an unmet need, and that’s very meaningful to me.”

Veronica Lam

Executive Director of Big Honor Entertainment

Daughter of Lam Kin-ming and successor of Big Honor Entertainment, Veronica Lam is an innovative promoter of musical talent, even co-founding Hardbit Music with her brother, to put a new light on alternative music and DJ events in the city. Despite the hard hit that the entertainment industry took throughout the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, her response has been confident and resilient. She launched B.Live app to bring the experience of live music and theatrical shows to audiences in the safety of their won home; allowing people to enjoy music while interacting in chat rooms. All the while pursuing her own passion in photography work through VL Visuals.

“At a time when in-person musical events are all but non-existent, we have to keep creating new spaces for musical acts within the entertainment industry. B.Live is a streaming app that offers viewers multiple angles during broadcasted events, so they can decide how they take in their favourite acts.”

Christal Leung

Skin Formulator, Founder of Skin Need

A major in biochemistry at the University of California, Christal Leung had a natural inclination towards the science of beauty. Growing up, her mum ran a beauty centre where she spent her weekends. Seeing her mum’s approach to skincare – customising products with fresh fruits and vegetables – and watching the way she brought joy and confidence to her customers, sparked a keen interest in beauty. Skin Need, her hugely successful line of skincare with an exceptionally attractive, minimalist packaging was launched with the same childhood passion of simplifying beauty, customising products according to the need of the skin and bringing joy from within. A firm believer in sustainability, clean products and bespoke products, Christal credits her accomplishments to a loving family, a brilliant team and the loyal customers.

“Our philosophy evolved from the experiences and skincare problems that my mother encountered over her career, and how she felt beauty products should actually be addressing those needs.”

Also Read: In Conversation with Ryan Cheung, CEO & Founder, PressLogic: Asia’s new-media wizard

Continuum Capital founder Marie-Louise Jungels on demystifying the world of finance

Marie-Louise Jungels, the Luxembourg-born founder of Continuum Capital, talks to us about the city’s banking potential, starting her own financial firm and her upcoming book.

Tell us a little bit about your early years…

I was born in Luxembourg, a tiny country in Western Europe. I have one sister and, by and large, my childhood was pretty normal. I grew up in a very rural, cosy environment – one that would be seen as rather provincial nowadays. Growing up, I primarily spoke Luxembourgish and German, my mother’s native tongue. I also studied French and English. It may seem like a lot, but many of my countrymen are quadrilingual, as we’re right at the crossroads of so many major cultures.

And then how did your education pan out?

I completed my primary and secondary schooling in Luxembourg, but I had to go abroad to attend university, the reason being that, back then, Luxembourg had such a small population – about 375,000 people – that it didn’t really have any high-level tertiary education institutions to speak of. Ultimately, I ended up collecting several finance and economics-related diplomas from universities in France, Belgium and the US.

Was finance always your one calling?

Honestly, growing up, I would never have guessed I’d end up as a banker. I was far more interested in the arts, so much so that I seriously thought about becoming an artist at one stage. But my father who advised me that something a little more financially lucrative might be wiser in the long run. After toying with the idea of becoming a scientist or a doctor, I finally settled on economics and finance, because they seemed to offer the broadest opportunities.

What brought you to Hong Kong?

After completing my studies, I was somewhat at crossroads in terms of what to do next. The obvious thing would have been to return to Luxembourg to work. The not-so-obvious choice, though, was to explore the wider world. I had never been to Hong Kong – or even to Asia – before and I wanted to see what could be achieved here. So I enrolled in a PhD programme in Economics at HKU, but ultimately decided to forego getting another degree in favour of gaining some real-life experience, preferably somewhere I could put all my theoretical knowledge into practice.

Having come to that decision, was it hard to find work?

It was a bit of a struggle to land my first job, largely because I was an economist interested in corporate strategy at the time, whereas Hong Kong finance companies were far more focused on immediate results rather than long-term planning. Eventually, I stumbled into private banking and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. What kept me in that sector was that I found a niche for myself – I loved managing client portfolios and met many amazing people while I was in that role. Gradually, I started to become more involved in bond portfolio management.

What led you to launch Continuum Capital, your own business?

It was down to a mix of several different factors. Firstly, I’d been working as a bond portfolio management specialist for many years and, while I enjoyed the challenges of working in a bank, I felt that it was somewhat restricting in terms of what I wanted to achieve for my clients.

In 2012, after the Global Financial Crisis, I was working for Merrill Lynch. Given the traumatic upheaval the company was going through, I thought it might be a good time to branch out on my own. Ultimately, though, it was my clients – many of whom I’d built strong relationships with over the years – who gave me the confidence to start Continuum Capital.

Tell us a little more about your business and about what makes it special…

Basically, it’s an independent asset management firm. We specialise in managing clients’ bond portfolios, working closely with them to meet their individual requirements and specifications. The company’s aim is to help preserve their wealth while building exponential financial gains over time.

In terms of your future plans is there anything that is particularly exciting you at the moment?

Actually, I’m currently writing a book, one that looks to explode the myth that finance has to be complicated – an impression that many in the industry seem keen to maintain. I’m writing it in a way will be accessible to everyone and will enable them to gain a solid working understanding of how the different aspects the industry all inter-relate. Sadly, the world of banking is not very transparent at the moment, something that I hope my book will help change.

Finally, what advice would you give any other female entrepreneurs looking to start her own business?

Well, it takes a lot of courage to start your own company, but – having said that – I would encourage everyone to give it a try. Irrespective of your field, keep a firm grip on your finances. Above all, you must be tenacious. While there will be hurdles and unexpected setback, much the same can be said of everything else in life. Above all, always keep a calm head and ensure you are well-prepared for every eventuality – no matter how positive or how negative.

Thank you.

Interview by: Tenzing Thondup
Photos: Jack Law
Art Direction & Styling: San Wong
Venue: Andante Lifestyle Store
Video: Kingsley Lau