Our new series of online people profiles covers a wide range of backgrounds, careers and personalities of individuals in Hong Kong. Here, we meet JOSÉPHINE TRAN, one of the brains behind breastfeeding clothing business Milki Train.
Where are you from originally? What do you miss about it?
I’m from Paris, France. I miss my family, friends and – as cliché as it can sound – the food and wine culture!
Tell us about your expat “trail”. When did you first come here? Where else have you lived?
I lived in Australia, Brazil, Vietnam and came to Hong Kong the first time in 2009 to visit my best friend who was studying here. I immediately had this feeling that Hong Kong was like a second home.
And do you still feel that way?
Yes, Hong Kong is definitely my second home!
What do you do here? Tell us about your business.
I’m the co-founder of Milki Train, an organic breastfeeding clothing company. Our mission is to empower breastfeeding mums through sustainable and stylish fashion. When we created our nursing tees, we had in mind the epitome of the freedom every mother should be entitled to. I want the brand to gather a community of women who are kind and supportive of each other, and we are 100 percent committed to help and support normalising breastfeeding in public.
Give us an insight into a typical working day for you.
Sometimes I wish there was a typical working day, but there really isn’t one for me, and that’s also why I love being an entrepreneur! Being flexible is almost always a requirement. I wake up early, I don’t drink coffee at all, and the best way I’ve found to get me into a creative mindset is to follow my sport and meditation routine.
Then there are so many different things I could be doing during the day: supporting an NGO campaign to normalise breastfeeding in public, designing the next collection, sourcing some new sustainable fabrics, organising a workshop revolving around motherhood to meet our mums, doing a shooting for the brand… Whatever the challenge is, being driven and proud about our mission, I’m happy to face it.
What neighbourhood do you live in, and what are the three things you like about your neighbourhood?
I live in Sai Ying Pun. I love the little restaurants, the terraces, and there’s a European atmosphere that I truly love in SYP. It reminds me of home.
Outside of work, what are your hobbies in Hong Kong?
I love going on hikes, going to the beach, reading and listening to podcasts.
Quick questions about Hong Kong: What is your favourite …
- Casual restaurant? Pizzeria Italia
- Date night restaurant? La Petite Maison
- Bar? Salon 10
- Local food? Tim Ho Wan
- Thing to do with visitors? Victoria’s Peak, Lantau, Lamma Island
- Thing to do with kids? Beach activities
- Nearby holiday destination? Vietnam
Like this? See more in our Living in Hong Kong section!
