With a passion for exploring and making a positive impact, Hong Kong sustainability advocate Kitty Tam juggles her professional work on wildlife conservation and climate change policy with being a digital creator focusing on sustainable fashion. We were keen to learn more about this multi-hyphenate’s motivations and insights.
Kitty shares her motivation for making some big changes in her life
Hey Kitty! Tell us a bit about you and your background.
After majoring in geography, business management, and environmental governance during my school days, I embarked on an incredible journey to the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest. Can you believe it? I stayed there for 9 whole months, immersed in nature as a scientific field researcher. Since coming back to Hong Kong, I've been dedicated to working on policy-driven solutions to tackle wildlife conservation and climate change.
But there's more! In my downtime, I love to embrace my inner wanderer and fashionista. As a travel and fashion influencer, I'm often jetting off to new and exciting places to seek fresh inspiration. I'm always on the lookout for fashion that align with my values – it's not just about looking fabulous, it's about expressing myself in a way that reflects my passion for sustainable and ethical choices. So, you'll find my account @kittyunofficial exploring different styles with an eye for those gems that not only make me feel fantastic but also contribute to a more conscious and responsible fashion industry.
You made some big changes professionally this year! Tell us about your motivations; did you face any challenges in making a change?
This year, I decided to embrace remote work and even started my own YouTube channel! I'd come to realise that there's a limited amount of time for us to truly savour every moment. So, I made a conscious decision to prioritise my happiness and enjoyment.
Don't get me wrong – I still have a deep love for what I do in my professional work. But instead of just letting work define who I am, I've shifted my focus towards discovering my ikigai, my "reason for being" in life. It's a beautiful Japanese concept that encompasses finding purpose, having a mission, pursuing passions, and engaging in a fulfilling profession.
Of course, making these changes didn't come without its fair share of challenges. Stepping into the world of remote work required me to adapt to new routines, manage my time effectively, and find a balance between work and personal life. Starting a YouTube channel brought its own set of challenges, like mastering video-making and finding my unique voice amidst the vast sea of content creators. But through it all, the motivation to live a life that aligns with my passions and brings me joy has been my guiding light.
Having worked with an international wildlife NGO and now an independent think tank, what do you see as some of the major challenges around eco-advocacy in Asia?
A significant big-picture hurdle is the prevalent mindset that prioritises short-term gains over long-term benefits. It's a common perception among individuals in positions of power or with substantial wealth that their primary focus should be on immediate business growth. However, sustainability requires us to take a broader outlook, encompassing planning and actions that span a decade or even several decades ahead.
Nevertheless, it's encouraging to see that sustainability is gaining traction in Hong Kong and other Asian countries! More and more people are recognising its importance and are actively engaging in initiatives to make a positive impact. However, it's crucial to remember that there's always more work to be done – the journey towards sustainability is an ongoing process that demands our collective commitment and effort.
Kitty explores Hanoi in our Sleeveless Midi Shirtdress
As a sustainable fashion influencer, what are your thoughts on shopping sustainably in Hong Kong?
Here in Hong Kong, it can be a bit of a challenge to find a wide array of sustainable brands. Transparency is also an issue, as there's a lack of readily available data showcasing the reasons behind a brand's sustainability claims. One of the biggest issues I find is the absence of a standardised sustainability label or certificate for fashion. It’s difficult to discern whether a brand is genuinely committed to sustainable practices or simply using it as a greenwashing tool.
However, there's a glimmer of hope as we're starting to witness a shift in consumer demand for sustainable fashion. People are becoming more conscious of their fashion choices and are actively seeking alternatives. This growing demand can hopefully encourage brands to prioritise sustainability and provide more transparency in their practices.
As a sustainable fashion influencer, I believe in using my platform to promote and support genuinely sustainable brands. I strive to educate my audience, encourage them to ask questions, and make informed choices. I truly believe we can collectively drive change and push for a more sustainable fashion scene in Hong Kong.
As a digital creator as well as professional consultant, how do you strike a balance between both jobs and your personal life?
Ah, the eternal quest for balance! Let me tell you, I'm still figuring it out myself… it's an ongoing journey filled with ups and downs.
A year ago, I found myself feeling overwhelmed in my previous workplace, and that's when I made the decision to transition into a role that allowed me to work remotely. And it's been a game-changer! Working remotely has given me a sense of relaxation and freedom. It provides me with the space and time to think outside the box and explore new ideas.
Going back to my ikigai: If something doesn't bring me joy or align with my values, it's simply not worth it. I've learned to listen to my intuition and make choices that prioritise my well-being and overall happiness.
Of course, it's not always smooth sailing. There are still moments when I need to reassess and make adjustments. But by keeping my focus on what truly matters and being mindful of my own happiness, I'm gradually finding that balance between my digital creator role, my professional life, and my personal life. It's a work in progress, but I can't wait to share this journey with you on my upcoming YouTube channel!
Stay tuned for more interviews from our Tove & Libra community! Looking for sustainable fashion in Hong Kong or Singapore? We ship locally or worldwide.
