All about Eve

Amy Tsien is a survivor. No matter how tough it gets, she never gives up. "It's not going to be easy, but I can do it," she would tell herself.

That resilient spirit stood her in good stead when she started founded Eve, Hong Kong's first fortified soda, in 2021.

Skepticism over her product began long before the initiation, whether it was from professional suppliers or peers.

"I must have texted Japanese suppliers 30 times in one month. They kept rejecting my idea, but I kept going," Tsien said. "I didn't want to lose my self-esteem."

She had honed her gung-ho nature in her previous job in the health and wellness industry, where she had to go to Japan and speak in Japanese to suppliers and farmers.

"My boss had given me the opportunity to create a brand, I had to find and sell different products to merchants. It also sparked the interest to create something by myself."

While this experience gave her courage, it was challenging to create a new brand that no one had ever tried before.

Peers were not as supportive as she had hoped. "Some friends suggested that it was safer for me to stay in my previous job. Sometimes they meant well; sometimes not," she said. "But I just believed in my product and enjoyed the process. If everyone stopped because of criticism, there wouldn't be any new products."

One friend, though, believed in her and allowed her to bounce off ideas about design and branding. Her friend helped her design the logo and picked an image of the sun to be part of the design. "I still work with that person very closely," she said.

Persistence got her what she wanted.

Eventually, Tsien gained support from professional suppliers and founded Eve, which she calls a "functional recovery soda."

Basically a natural energy drink, it is packed with Asian herbs, vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes to rejuvenate the body.

"The idea of never giving up really helped me during the process," she added.

Family support also gave her energy to face difficulties. Her father often offers suggestions and helps analyze strategies for her. Her mother, a trader, also inspires her.

She launched the product at her wedding. "Everyone could try at the wedding and my husband was very supportive."

And when it gets too stressful, Tsien puts on her running shoes.

"Running is a great way for me to relax as I just need to look at the road and keep going."

During her runs, she listens to podcasts - especially the ones about entrepreneurs.

Tsien said she learned a lot in the process of starting her own company - not only commercially but also about how to face rejections.

She said: "Initially, it was hard for when people were mean about my ideas. But now, I smile at them and express my gratitude for their comments."

She tries to see every criticism as a chance to better herself and her products. "Instead of feeling awkward and upset, having a positive attitude is important physically and mentally."

While challenges can arise at any time, she has learnt the art of enjoying the process and it energizes her to work hard and play hard.

She shares her expectations with the team.

"One of the reasons behind the brand's name is that Eve is a girl's name obviously, and she was the first woman on Earth."

Tsien hopes her team can help more girls and serve the female community more. "My mother works in an all-men industry, her experiences motivate me, and enables me to see the power of women," said Tsien.

She has begun to have conversations with girls.

"I attended events and worked with female entrepreneurs worldwide. Helping women is meaningful to me."

This attitude is a throwback to her time in Japan. "When I tried to communicate with material producers at first, I received many rejections in this male-dominated industry," she recalled.

Tsien understands that supporting women offers a lasting impression - especially when they are from different nationalities, backgrounds and culture.

She has attended events that aligned with her brand values and continues to do so.

"We would love to support not just physical wellness events, but also mental wellness events," she said. "Life is short, and feeling good should not be a luxury."

Given her career background, mental health is important to her. This is what motivated her to create functional soda.

The original ingredients in her product enhances the mood and can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

"If I were go back to the beginning, I would give myself more confidence," she adds.

Not being given an easy start meant that she had to find resources on her own and face negativity head-on.

And now, having come out on the other side, she wants to motivate others. Her words of wisdom to the younger generation of entrepreneurs?

"Enjoy the process and believe in yourself, never give up."

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