BOKI KWOK
TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BUSINESS.
Hi! My name is Boki and I am an Interior Designer. People around me know me for my tasteful, feminine aesthetic and empathetic approach. I was definitely born to be a designer because I am peculiar about everything, I love to solve complex problems, and I love to work with clients on a personal level and listen to their stories as we build their homes.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
It was always an eventual thing for me to start a design practice because it was important for me to take complete ownership of what I do - rather than work for someone in which they take the credit - even if it means working more hours!
WHAT WAS ONE HIGH POINT FOR YOU?
A high point for me was when a client (whom I had only decorated her backyard) reached out to me to decorate her entire house, having been impressed at the outcome and with how assertive I was, encouraging her to be more adventurous with the overall design vision.
WAS THERE EVER A SITUATION WHERE YOU WANTED TO GIVE UP? AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THAT (YOUR A-HA MOMENT)?:
There definitely have been low times where business was slow and I worried if I had enough clients to survive, but I never wanted to give up because I know design is my gift; I just had to do my best with the opportunities in front of me, continue to strive to improve, and results will come. My truly 'entrepreneur' moment is realizing I could never go back to working for someone so I had better do everything I can to succeed!
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A B.A.B.E.?
I love being a part of the B.A.B.E. community because there is so much to learn from the other hard-working women in this group and knowing that there are many others going through the same journey is the biggest encouragement anyone can have. I truly believe that we all succeed when everyone succeeds.
TELL ME 3 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU.
When I was 16, I started my first business, a jewelry and accessories shop, that used Facebook groups as the primary platform. I was so young then and knew nothing about how to run a successful store but was proud that I made the sales I did back then!
I love to read business and self-improvement books and confidently say they have shaped who I am today. One of my favourites is 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie.
I'm naturally talented at languages and can speak English, French, Cantonese and Mandarin to an extent!
WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE US?
"Stop telling your Big Dreams to Small-Minded People" - Steve Harvey. I learned the hard way to never take advice from someone who hasn't succeeded in doing what you're trying to do. Be extremely selective about who you share your entrepreneur journey with.