My unusual journey...
Born and raised in Hong Kong during the British colonial era, my love for global cuisine and vintage treasures blossomed during my college years in New York City. However, it was in France that I discovered my true calling. Inspired by the meticulous craftsmanship of French artisans—who take their time to achieve excellence—I made the bold decision to leave my job at a French luxury group. Despite it was the best period of my employment life, I chose to embrace a new path at my own rhythm. It wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. Sure, Hong Kong is a bustling international hub, but at the time, it was far more conservative—especially compared to today’s world of digital nomads. Quitting a "glamorous," stable job wasn’t something most people could understand. Critics emerged—close friends included.
Yes, we live in a society where life is often defined by career ambitions—or, for women, by the expectation to find a husband and settle down as a tai tai (wifey). But what if I’m the outcast who favors liberty over corporate success? And what if no "suitable" husband comes along?
Deep down, my instincts told me that making the right decision brings us closer to our dream life. And so, I did it my way.
"As the wise say, life is a journey,
not a destination.
So it’s the joy we find in what we love that truly matters."
— QueenEco
From Solo Travel to Learning Holidays in France
For over 10 years, I’ve been wandering through the charming landscapes of France like a curious soul on culinary escapades—long before I found my love and settled in Paris. I’ve savored the diverse flavors of many regions, from cozy bistros serving comforting local dishes to secret family recipes whispered to me by my friends’ mums. And those Michelin-starred gems, where chefs craft exquisite dishes that highlight the freshest seasonal produce! These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the rich heritage of French terroirs, châteaux, and historical sites, particularly through professional wine tastings and immersive vineyard visits. With stays ranging from six weeks to five months every year, I’ve felt more like a local than just a visitor, taking my time to relish each moment. Out of pure passion for the French Art de Vivre, I’ve also pursued a few professional diplomas to to dive deeper into the subjects that fascinate me.
I’m always up for something fun, whether it’s a leisurely week-long cooking class at a cozy farmhouse in the Southwest or running my first (and last!) full marathon—the Marathon du Médoc in Bordeaux—sipping wine and shucking oysters while passing the region’s finest classified-growth châteaux.
These slow, immersive journeys, which began long before the Instagram era (I’m no influencer!), have genuinely been life-changing. As an introvert, they’ve coaxed me out of my cozy shell in ways I never imagined, helping me forge incredible friendships along the way and discover that there’s no single 'right' way to live life.
Spreading the French Art de Vivre in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, QueenEco was founded as the only Cantonese platform dedicated to celebrating French Art de Vivre before the social media era. It included a blogazine, a pioneering book project The Girls' Book to Paris, and a cozy, members-only private event venue, The Girls' Room by QueenEco. Events were organized in collaboration with French entrepreneurs to share the art of living well with discerning local female customers.
The cozy venue was recognized as one of the top 10 tea salons by Hong Kong’s leading newspaper, sharing the spotlight with glamorous 5-star hotels and luxury restaurants. It has also received plenty of unexpected love from various media outlets, including TV (TVB's Dolce Vita, Viu TV), newspapers, business journals, radio, and magazines. Often referred as a pioneer of the "slash" lifestyle—juggling roles like dream pursuer, France travel specialist, Art de Vivre event organizer, and book author—I was honored to be frequently invited to share my thoughts on everything from tea time etiquette to table set up ideas, to the joy of slow travel, quirky French cultural encounters, and my bold decision to leave the corporate world in pursuit of my dream life. I genuinely enjoyed discussing my adventures and the joy of crafting unforgettable experiences. It was blessed to have my insights featured in major local newspapers, weeklies, and on TV channels like TVB and ViuTV, as well as in the Hong Kong editions of Elle, Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan.
From Exploring Paris to Crafting Dreams
Since 2019, I’ve been on a gradual sabbatical, preparing for my big move to Paris in 2020. Yes, I moved for love! But it was my passion for the French Art de Vivre that led me to meet the love of my life—not vice versa. Once again, I followed my instincts to make a bold decision.
After a period of reflection and transformation—like an artist who destroys their work to create something new—I relaunched QueenEco as QueenEco Paris, breathing fresh life into my vision.
Indeed, how we live is a form of art; we are the artists of our own lives, and each day we shape our experiences into a masterpiece. In Paris, I’ve been living at my own rhythm—sometimes savoring the slower pace, sometimes channeling my Hongkongaise energy—flowing with life as it unfolds.
As an introvert, I find joy in the quiet pleasure of writing from my cozy space, sharing genuine opinions and insights. This blog (now in English) is my way of reconnecting with the curious child within us all, celebrating the pursuit of our passions and the art of living fully.
Vivre the French Art de Vivre! In addition to my QueenEco Paris blog, I’m launching Palais Paris, a curated travel experience that lets you sip, savour, and soak up Paris with the discerning taste it deserves. Because, let’s face it—I’m not the wifey type, and I’d rather put my knowledge to work, helping you craft your dreams.
