The founder of The Popsy Collective speaks to us about art, fine dining and the power of perseverance

KCF_9328-1.jpgSince a young age, Jennifer Chung dreamed of having a home that would operate as a design gallery and also as an event space for artists to create and teach. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Jennifer always had a deep appreciation for art and after spending years in the luxury industry and working at companies including Dior and Van Cleef and Arpels, Jennifer decided to branch out on her own and founded The Popsy Room. Jennifer tells us about her creative journey to date and her hopes for the future:


I find that Hong Kong is a place of many possibilities and opportunities can often manifest quite quickly. Doing business in Hong Kong often requires perseverance, if one believes and fights, Hong Kong is the perfect place to grow a business. In my experience, I found many people are willing to help and networks are often very close knit.

At the The Popsy Collective, which includes the Popsy Room and Popsy Modern Kitchen, we make delicious, beautiful food and create unforgettable dining experiences by incorporating concept and design at my two unique restaurants, as well as producing one of a kind events and catering for both corporate and special celebrations. 

My proudest accomplishment has to be creating The Popsy Collective. With my first gallery private kitchen I attracted a lot of international press attention and was invited by different companies and brands for collaborations, I was flattered and thrilled that people embraced my ideas.

Looking back, I cherish every experience along my journey and I wouldn’t want to change a thing.

I am constantly inspired by the creativity and strategy of my mentor Peter Cheung and how he can always see everybody’s potential, whether a company or a brand. It’s almost like magic, watching him turn something ordinary into something extraordinary.

KCF_9402-1.jpgThe best part about running your own business has to be the freedom of creation, and to be able to execute many unconventional ideas or to create occasions for our guests that will last forever. I love being able to turn an everyday meal into an everlasting memory.

My advice to budding entrepreneurs is to never give up, perseverance is key, when you feel like you’re hitting an enormous road block, hang in there a little longer, and something unexpected will flourish. So keep going, don’t be too stressed!

My end goal is that at the end of the day I hope to be very happy and satisfied with all that I’ve done, and to be really proud of my creations and my journey.

In ten years I hope to be one of the leading creative food and beverage companies in Hong Kong and to really lead a new channel that combines art and food into one of a kind experiences. 

My words to live by are: “Stay true to your heart and believe in your potential. There is no better day than today to start making your dreams your reality.”


Photography by Michaela Giles