This week we chatted with Brenda Wilson, founder of Swoon Soirées, which has been Hong Kong’s foremost destination for stylish partyware, chic décor and creative hosting inspiration for over seven years. She talks to us about her journey, changing her career path from a global human resource management consultant to owning a partyware boutique, after styling her daughter’s 1st birthday twelve years ago. She is here to share with us her vision on her company and how she balances her work and family life.
1. Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your background? How long have you lived in Hong Kong?
I am originally from Los Angeles, California. I have lived in a variety of cities and countries over the years. My husband and I transferred to Hong Kong over 16 years ago from the United States moving for both a job opportunity and an adventure. We had dreamed of living in Asia one day so when the opportunity presented itself, we jumped on it.
Prior to starting Swoon Soirées, I was a partner in the consulting firm, Mercer, a global human resource management consulting firm. I was the Practice Leader for the Talent business responsible for all markets across Asia. I worked with global multinationals and local enterprises helping to define their workforce strategy and solving business challenges. After working in and across Asia for 8 years and in human resource for 20 years, it was time for a change. After our daughter was born, our priorities started to change and the pull to stay closer to home grew stronger.
2. What inspire you to start Swoon Soirées?
I have always had a passion for all things paper, glitter and entertaining. It’s not a complete surprise that I own a partyware boutique. However, the process to get there was years in the making.
After styling our daughter’s 1st birthday twelve years ago, I found a new creative outlet to express my love for design and other mommies started asking for help with their events. In the early days, we would literally smuggle party supplies back to Hong Kong from the United States every time anyone in my family would travel. I was like a sugar mule hiding sprinkles in every nook and cranny of my suitcase.
Back then, planning a party in Hong Kong was like a scavenger hunt. You never knew where you were going to find that coveted item you just couldn’t live without. You needed to knock on a lot of doors before you checked off your entire list. So, after several years of buying supplies here, there, and everywhere, we decided to launch an online boutique that offers stylish partyware for the modern hostess all in one place.
3. What are your goals for Swoon Soirées in 2022?
Swoon Soirées’ main goals for 2022 are the same goals since our inception: find and import the most stylish, whimsical, and highest quality partyware on the planet. Offer an expertly edited collection of pretty partyware online in simple searchable categories and offer free delivery within 24 hours.
4. How do you balance your work and family life in such a fast paced city?
There is no magic recipe that works for everyone but having the right staff, being clear about what is in and out of scope and knowing when to switch off each day is part of my approach.
5. How do you make yourself happy and ritzy in life?
I get a great deal of energy and satisfaction from creative pursuits. Whether it’s dreaming up magical experiences, designing elaborate costumes or styling an event, executing on the plan is my wonderland. When travel allows, we spend our time between California and Hong Kong, and an occasional jaunt to one of my favorite cities, Paris. This is my happy place.
6. Could you share the most memorable moment of you and your family in Hong Kong?
After 16 years in Hong Kong we have had some of the most amazing experiences here and across Asia. The most memorable moments have always been with family, whether we have hosted our families from the United States or just our immediate family here together. Some of the funniest times have been the more recent multiple quarantines and the silly antics we have gotten up to: from pirate days complete with costumes, designing our own giant treasure map and finding hidden gold doubloons to an afternoon tea princess party. Always look for the silver lining!
Ritzy Chat
There is a story behind every successful woman. Every week, we catch up and chat with incredible women doing incredible things shaping Hong Kong.
