What would you do in case you had a six-figure wage? Maybe you’d by no means prepare dinner one other meal once more or take pleasure in a month-to-month Thai therapeutic massage and a Soho Home membership to unwind from the stress that comes with being at your A sport.
Right here at The Good Life you don’t need to think about what life on the high seems like anymore: Get real-life inspiration for the way probably the most profitable dwell their lives.
As we speak Fortune meets Vivien Wong, co-founder of Little Moons—these little balls of ice cream wrapped in a glutinous layer of candy rice that went viral throughout the pandemic.
In January 2021, the model turned a social media sensation, with slime-obsessed Gen Zers flocking to check out the mochi-inspired snack—and it’s uncommon texture—for the primary time.
Within the week after going viral on TikTok, gross sales of Little Moons on the British grocery store large Tesco surged by 700%.
In fact, the small enterprise was utterly unprepared for TikTok fame within the midst of a pandemic. Cabinets had been rapidly emptied of inventory—nevertheless it made the model develop into much more fascinating: Those that may get their arms on the product, confirmed off their buy with an unboxing video and a style check; The hashtag #LittleMoons gained almost 20 million views; And to maintain up with the tempo, the corporate grew from round 100 workers to 400 in a matter of months.
20,000,000
The quantity of views the hashtag #LittleMoons gained.
Wanting again, the 44-year-old Wong tells Fortune that the in a single day success story was “12 years within the making.” Wong and her brother, Howard launched Little Moons in 2010, when “the frozen aisles had been often known as the graveyard of innovation.”
Having noticed a rise in recognition for sushi and ramen however not Japanese deserts, the siblings knew there was a niche out there for mochi to fill—and mixing the standard candy with ice cream made it a neater promote to Brits.
The corporate grew from round 100 workers to 400 in a matter of months.
They began out serving it in Japanese eating places, the place they figured extra individuals could be prepared to provide it a style. From there, Little Moons loved a sluggish and regular success. In 2015, the model launched in Entire Meals and listings in Ocado, Waitrose and Tesco adopted, earlier than Covid hit and the model went viral on TikTok.
As we speak, Little Moons is accessible in all U.Okay. supermarkets and 34 nations and it’s forecast to turnover £50 million ($63,000).
The funds
Fortune: What’s been the most effective funding you’ve ever purchased?
One of the best funding I’ve ever made has been my very own well-being. Working and proudly owning your individual enterprise is relentless, so I’ve devoted vital time and sources to each my psychological well being (by remedy and government teaching) and my bodily well being (with private trainers, acupuncture and motion teaching). These investments have been invaluable and can proceed to pay dividends for the remainder of my life.
And the worst?
We constructed a lovely outside kitchen throughout the pandemic. We’ve got a Gozney Pizza oven, a inexperienced egg, an Ooni, however we don’t use them as a lot as anticipated, not helped by the unpredictable British summer season!
“One of the best funding I’ve ever made has been my very own well-being.”
Vivien Wong
What are your residing preparations like: Swanky condo within the metropolis or suburban sprawling?
We dwell near the Metropolis as a result of we love all the pieces that London has to supply. With my husband’s eating places in Mayfair and Soho, being close by is ideal for each work and having fun with the colourful vitality of the town.
How do you commute to work?
I take the tube or stroll. Strolling by London is such a privilege —in case you take the time to search for and take within the structure and historical past, particularly down the Strand and Fleet Avenue. All these wonky outdated Tudor buildings inform tales of centuries previous. It’s an incredible reminder that historical past is all the time proper there, in case you decelerate to note it.
Do you carry a pockets?
I carry a skinny card holder for ID, the odd bank card and membership playing cards you should entry locations.
What private finance recommendation would you give your 20-year-old self?
I adopted my mother and father’ recommendation and invested in a property early on once I first began working. Dwelling at house allowed me to avoid wasting for it, and I made positive to dwell inside my means, avoiding bank card debt. Whereas I totally perceive the worth in contributing cash right into a pension fund from the age of 20, the truth is that life is dear and on the time, I didn’t have a lot further to spare.
The place’s your go-to wristwatch from?
An Apple watch!
The requirements
How do you get your each day espresso repair?
My husband brings me espresso in mattress each morning. I like each day rituals in my life; I begin with a espresso and finish with a Little Moons as a candy sign-off.
What about consuming on the go?
I often have breakfast at house and go for a light-weight lunch moderately than skipping it. Our workplace is surrounded by unbelievable meals stalls providing delicacies from all all over the world, so that you’re really spoiled for alternative!
The place do you purchase groceries?
My native farmers marketplace for fruit and greens. Rooster from Fosse Farm, we order fish immediately off the day boats (peskyfish.co.uk or hendersontohome.com) and all the pieces else from Ocado. My husband is a chef, so he’s choosy about the place we supply our meals. We additionally develop some issues in our backyard which carry us a lot pleasure. Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, spinach, bok choi, apples and pears.
How usually in every week do you dine out versus prepare dinner at house?
We regularly prepare dinner at house but in addition love exploring the brand new eating places that consistently pop up round London. There are all the time thrilling locations to attempt, and we actually do love consuming out. Rambutan within the Borough Market is a favourite – it by no means fails to ship an distinctive meal.
To assist unwind from the highest job, Wong enjoys strolling her canine:
Vivien Wong Little Moons
The place do you store in your work wardrobe?
Once I labored within the manufacturing unit each day, my uniform was Paige or rag & bone denims, a white T-shirt and a sweater. Extra not too long ago I’ve elevated that look with a jacket—both classic Chanel or Alexander McQueen once I’m within the workplace.
The treats
Are you the proud proprietor of any futuristic devices?
I’m not massively into tech. I not too long ago found you possibly can transfer the cursor on an iPhone by holding down the area bar and it has been a sport changer!
Ibiza appears to be the go-to trip spot for the entrepreneur and her household:
Vivien Wong Little Moons
How do you unwind from the highest job?
On the finish of a piece day, I really like strolling my canine, chatting to my husband and both hanging out and cooking or coming out for dinner. I additionally discuss to my mates who personal companies which clears my thoughts. An issue shared!
What’s the most effective bonus deal with you’ve purchased your self?
I’ve marked many bonus moments with a chunk of nice jewellery from Anabela Chan. Her retailer is a whimsical break from actuality and one of the best ways to reward your self.
Take us on vacation with you, what’s subsequent in your trip checklist?
For us, touring is about experiencing one thing new each time we will. One place we will’t appear to steer clear of is Ibiza, particularly throughout the low season after we want a fast recharge. There’s one thing concerning the heat of the Mediterranean solar in your face that immediately pulls you into the current second. It’s the proper technique to unwind and escape.
The subsequent journey we now have deliberate is Thailand for Christmas with my mother and her sister. They had been raised there and converse the language, so it’s all the time a singular probability to expertise the nation by their eyes—genuine and typically off the crushed path. We will’t wait to discover the colourful markets, savor the scrumptious avenue meals, and go to the hidden gems that vacationers typically overlook.
Right here at The Good Life you don’t need to think about what life on the high seems like anymore: Get real-life inspiration for the way probably the most profitable dwell life.
Fortune desires to listen to from European leaders on what their “Good Life” seems like. Get in contact: orianna.royle@fortune.com
