International Women's Day is about shining a light on all of the inspiring women who make a difference in our lives and the lives of others. Our founder, Jennifer Margolin says she wouldn’t be where she is today without an amazing circle of strong women who have played an instrumental role in her personal and professional life. We took the opportunity to sit down with her to ask her to share some of her own experiences, insights and advice.

1. Why is it important to you to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)?

As women, we’re used to wearing multiple hats everyday so it’s easy to overlook or downplay our achievements as just something we’ve checked off our to-do list. IWD is an important day for promoting women’s rights and equality but it’s also a reminder of the importance of celebrating our successes, both big and small, to encourage and inspire others. 

2. As a female leader to a mostly female team, how do you support and encourage them?

I encourage my team to take ownership of their projects and run with them. I love seeing the satisfaction when a project is successfully completed and the growth they achieve with each win. Of course there will be mistakes along the way but that’s part of the learning and growing process. 

3. Since your last IWD interview, you have been busy. Tell us what you have been up to. 

It has been a busy year! While BYDEAU continues to deliver beautiful, fresh flowers and gifts in Hong Kong, I have also launched Belevivi with my business partner. Belevivi is an online marketplace that brings luxury European homeware brands to the Asian market. We believe that beautifully made, artisan pieces should be easily accessible for everyday living and it has been rewarding to see our vision come to fruition.

4. As a multi-business owner, what do you think are some of the most important attributes every entrepreneur needs?

When you’re running different businesses and juggling multiple projects, it’s not only important to know how to prioritize and delegate, but you need to know how to adapt and be flexible as not everything goes according to plan. You need tenacity and determination but above all else you need to have vision and be passionate about what you do.

5. What advice would you give your younger self?

I think when we’re young and lack confidence we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to do things perfectly or risk failure. I would tell my younger self that you don’t need to know how to do everything. As long as you focus on doing your best, just put one foot in front of the other and get started. Be happy and don’t forget to enjoy the journey!

6. What keeps you motivated and where do you go for inspiration?

As the saying goes, it’s not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts. I’m so lucky to be surrounded by a supportive network of family and friends. We may not all have the same interests and aspirations but they live their lives to the fullest which inspires me to do the same. It’s about sharing experiences and encouraging each other to be the best we can be.

7. What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Creative, driven and adaptable.

8. With all that you have going on, what’s your favorite way to relax?

There’s nothing better than spending time with family and friends. As much as I enjoy a fun night out, what I love most are dinners at home. My friends know that I’m all about hosting, dreaming up menus and experimenting with new recipes. Mahjong is also a passion of mine but I wouldn’t necessarily call it relaxing as we’re all super competitive!

9. In your opinion, what defines a “strong” woman? 

Someone who is not afraid to speak her mind and to stand up for herself and others. She believes in herself, takes risks and pursues her dreams. She also respects others and shows kindness and compassion. I was lucky that I grew up with strong women as role models who instilled that in me from a young age and I’m just as lucky now to be surrounded by a great circle of strong female friends. We’re each other's biggest cheerleaders and we also keep each other’s sanity intact! You need that when life sometimes gets overwhelming.

10. What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.”