Interview by Aude Camus
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! While Hong Kong might not be your classic ‘white and snowy’ Christmas destination, it knows how to dial up the festive charm. From extravagant displays in shopping malls and dazzling tree-lighting ceremonies at five-star hotels to yuletide-themed afternoon teas, indulgent festive menus, and charming Christmas markets, the city celebrates in true style.
When it comes to adding a touch of local flair to the season, one brand always tops my list: The Lion Rock Press. Their Hong Kong-themed ornaments are cherished keepsakes I look forward to unpacking and hanging on the tree each year, while their curated lifestyle products are perfect for Secret Santa surprises or gifting someone a meaningful treat.
In the spirit of the season, I caught up with Claire Yates, the creative force behind The Lion Rock Press, to learn about her entrepreneurial journey, her deep connection to Hong Kong, and how she built the brand we’ve all come to love. Plus, she spills the details on her exciting new venture, Roksaan, which specialises in personalised greeting cards.
Exclusive for Hong Kong Madame readers: visit roksaan.com for personalised greeting cards and use code HKM59 to send a card for free!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! While Hong Kong might not be your classic ‘white and snowy’ Christmas destination, it knows how to dial up the festive charm. From extravagant displays in shopping malls and dazzling tree-lighting ceremonies at five-star hotels to yuletide-themed afternoon teas, indulgent festive menus, and charming Christmas markets, the city celebrates in true style.
When it comes to adding a touch of local flair to the season, one brand always tops my list: The Lion Rock Press. Their Hong Kong-themed ornaments are cherished keepsakes I look forward to unpacking and hanging on the tree each year, while their curated lifestyle products are perfect for Secret Santa surprises or gifting someone a meaningful treat.
In the spirit of the season, I caught up with Claire Yates, the creative force behind The Lion Rock Press, to learn about her entrepreneurial journey, her deep connection to Hong Kong, and how she built the brand we’ve all come to love. Plus, she spills the details on her exciting new venture, Roksaan, which specialises in personalised greeting cards.
Exclusive for Hong Kong Madame readers: visit roksaan.com for personalised greeting cards and use code HKM59 to send a card for free!
Can you share with us the story of your upbringing and family history, and how these factors influenced your decision to launch The Lion Rock Press?
Our family’s connection to the paper industry goes back over 120 years in Hong Kong. The smell of ink and the sound of printing machines still hold such a nostalgic charm for us, and that’s why we included the word press in our name - it’s a nod to that heritage.
Back in 2013, I was a new mum looking for a way to honour our family’s tradition of responsibly sourcing high-quality paper while having the flexibility to spend time with my little one. With my mother’s side of the family being Hong Kong Chinese and my father’s side from Birmingham, England, I thought it would be fun to creatively explore these two cultures through printed stationery and gifts. At the time, I couldn’t find modern, tastefully designed greeting cards and wrapping paper that were culturally relevant and affordable, so I decided to create them myself.
Today, The Lion Rock Press tells our story by blending Hong Kong-inspired designs with Western humour and sentiments. It’s been heartwarming to see both local and expat customers resonate with our products.
If you were to sum up The Lion Rock Press in just a few words for those who may not be familiar with it, how would you describe it?
Our family’s connection to the paper industry goes back over 120 years in Hong Kong. The smell of ink and the sound of printing machines still hold such a nostalgic charm for us, and that’s why we included the word press in our name - it’s a nod to that heritage.
Back in 2013, I was a new mum looking for a way to honour our family’s tradition of responsibly sourcing high-quality paper while having the flexibility to spend time with my little one. With my mother’s side of the family being Hong Kong Chinese and my father’s side from Birmingham, England, I thought it would be fun to creatively explore these two cultures through printed stationery and gifts. At the time, I couldn’t find modern, tastefully designed greeting cards and wrapping paper that were culturally relevant and affordable, so I decided to create them myself.
Today, The Lion Rock Press tells our story by blending Hong Kong-inspired designs with Western humour and sentiments. It’s been heartwarming to see both local and expat customers resonate with our products.
If you were to sum up The Lion Rock Press in just a few words for those who may not be familiar with it, how would you describe it?
We specialise in premium Hong Kong-inspired gifts and stationery - designed to be used, played with, treasured, or shared.
How do you believe The Lion Rock Press embodies the essence or spirit of Hong Kong?
Hong Kong isn’t just my home - it’s my muse. Walking its streets fills me with energy, and I find inspiration in every tiny detail. It could be the waft of garlic frying in a wok, the swish of a rattan broom, or the sight of hawkers calling out their wares. Even a little dashboard trinket in a taxi or a bird flitting between bauhinia blooms catches my eye.
These ordinary moments, which I find extraordinary, are the heartbeat of my designs. The Lion Rock Press celebrates these uniquely Hong Kong details, capturing the city’s spirit in every product.
Could you highlight some of your best-selling products? Additionally, what are some of your personal favourite designs or products?
How do you believe The Lion Rock Press embodies the essence or spirit of Hong Kong?
Hong Kong isn’t just my home - it’s my muse. Walking its streets fills me with energy, and I find inspiration in every tiny detail. It could be the waft of garlic frying in a wok, the swish of a rattan broom, or the sight of hawkers calling out their wares. Even a little dashboard trinket in a taxi or a bird flitting between bauhinia blooms catches my eye.
These ordinary moments, which I find extraordinary, are the heartbeat of my designs. The Lion Rock Press celebrates these uniquely Hong Kong details, capturing the city’s spirit in every product.
Could you highlight some of your best-selling products? Additionally, what are some of your personal favourite designs or products?
Our Christmas decorations have been a runaway success since 2015 - over 70 designs and counting! They’re loved by locals, expats, tourists, and corporates alike, and people buy them year-round. This year, we’ve introduced 12 new designs, and I know I’ll look back fondly on each decoration, remembering where the business and my life were when they launched.
Personally, I adore our bilingual educational games for kids, like Hong Kong Habitat Ludo, Snakes & Trails, and Hong Kong Transport Bingo. Creating them has been a passion project, especially working with HKU’s ecology department for research. While they’re not our most commercially successful items, hearing how families have discovered Hong Kong’s biodiversity and culture through them has been incredibly rewarding.
For 2024, I’m particularly excited about our new embroidered Chinoiserie cotton napkins. They’re the perfect East-meets-West addition to festive tablescapes, and I can’t wait to use them during Christmas!
Reflecting on the past 11 years, what have been some of the most challenging obstacles you've had to overcome as an entrepreneur? On the flip side, what are some standout moments?
Personally, I adore our bilingual educational games for kids, like Hong Kong Habitat Ludo, Snakes & Trails, and Hong Kong Transport Bingo. Creating them has been a passion project, especially working with HKU’s ecology department for research. While they’re not our most commercially successful items, hearing how families have discovered Hong Kong’s biodiversity and culture through them has been incredibly rewarding.
For 2024, I’m particularly excited about our new embroidered Chinoiserie cotton napkins. They’re the perfect East-meets-West addition to festive tablescapes, and I can’t wait to use them during Christmas!
Reflecting on the past 11 years, what have been some of the most challenging obstacles you've had to overcome as an entrepreneur? On the flip side, what are some standout moments?
Building a business from scratch is a constant balancing act, especially as a mother. For years, I felt torn between being a good mum and a good business owner. It’s tough, but with time and the support of an amazing team, I’ve found a better balance.
The pandemic was particularly challenging yet transformative. From supply chain disruptions to creating quirky Q-venirs like Penny’s Bay Was Not My Cup of Tea mugs, we adapted in ways I hadn’t anticipated. These products resonated deeply with our customers, and that period saw us grow exponentially.
You're deeply involved in ESG initiatives through The Lion Rock Press and Eco Drive. Could you elaborate on your community engagement efforts and their impact?
Giving back is at the heart of what we do. Through our charity Christmas collections, we’ve raised almost HK$500,000 for Mother’s Choice and tens of thousands for causes like HK Dog Rescue and the HK Bird Watching Society.
The pandemic was particularly challenging yet transformative. From supply chain disruptions to creating quirky Q-venirs like Penny’s Bay Was Not My Cup of Tea mugs, we adapted in ways I hadn’t anticipated. These products resonated deeply with our customers, and that period saw us grow exponentially.
You're deeply involved in ESG initiatives through The Lion Rock Press and Eco Drive. Could you elaborate on your community engagement efforts and their impact?
Giving back is at the heart of what we do. Through our charity Christmas collections, we’ve raised almost HK$500,000 for Mother’s Choice and tens of thousands for causes like HK Dog Rescue and the HK Bird Watching Society.
I also visit schools with our bilingual games, inspiring kids to learn about Hong Kong’s biodiversity and heritage. Additionally, our collaboration with Eco Drive has helped businesses rethink corporate gifting, focusing on sustainability and meaningful choices. At the core of it all, I hope our products celebrate Hong Kong’s magic and inspire others to see it with fresh eyes.
We've heard about your new project, Roksaan. What inspired this venture, and how does it complement The Lion Rock Press?
Roksaan (a blend of Lion Rock and the Cantonese word for mountain) is the future of greeting cards. It combines convenience with creativity, allowing users to personalise and send cards from anywhere.
But it’s more than just a platform - it’s a community for local artists and creators. We’ve partnered with brands like Mandarin Oriental to offer thoughtful, customisable gifting options. Check it out at roksaan.com and use code HKM59 to send a card for free.
Lastly, could you share some of your favourite spots in Hong Kong?
I’m obsessed with Sheung Wan, where our HQ is based. It’s a treasure trove of dried seafood shops, antique stores, and spice shops with a charming blend of tradition and modernity.
For food, I’m spoilt for choice: pork chop rice after late nights at the showroom, dumplings with my team, or curries at the newly renovated Cooked Food Market on Queen’s Street This city takes its food seriously, and I’m lucky to be surrounded by kindred spirits!
We've heard about your new project, Roksaan. What inspired this venture, and how does it complement The Lion Rock Press?
Roksaan (a blend of Lion Rock and the Cantonese word for mountain) is the future of greeting cards. It combines convenience with creativity, allowing users to personalise and send cards from anywhere.
But it’s more than just a platform - it’s a community for local artists and creators. We’ve partnered with brands like Mandarin Oriental to offer thoughtful, customisable gifting options. Check it out at roksaan.com and use code HKM59 to send a card for free.
Lastly, could you share some of your favourite spots in Hong Kong?
I’m obsessed with Sheung Wan, where our HQ is based. It’s a treasure trove of dried seafood shops, antique stores, and spice shops with a charming blend of tradition and modernity.
For food, I’m spoilt for choice: pork chop rice after late nights at the showroom, dumplings with my team, or curries at the newly renovated Cooked Food Market on Queen’s Street This city takes its food seriously, and I’m lucky to be surrounded by kindred spirits!