Gaelle Grandeau, Kinoa
When Gaelle became pregnant, she decided she only wanted to feed her baby organic food and use organic skincare and cleaning products. She originally imported European products for personal use, but as she became more knowledgeable, she recognised the need within the local community for a range of European organic products.
Since 2006 Gaelle has run online business www.kinoa-shop.com importing, promoting and selling organic food and products from Europe (mainly France).
As Gaelle built up her clientele, she started receiving many questions about the organic products she was selling. This prompted the growth of a significant part of her business, providing free workshops for like-minded “green” people.
Locally in Hong Kong: She is striving for a “greener” Hong Kong. Personal customer contact has enabled her to give advice and open minds. She loves to teach people about these products and loves having wholesome products on the market.
Gaelle lives and runs her business in Discovery Bay. Through word of mouth, people hear about what she is selling, while on her website, as well as selling products she provides information about chemicals contained in non-organic products on the market.
Previously Gaelle worked for Youssou Ndour (an African singer). She saw how a famous singer could influence people by singing about cleaning up their environment and was inspired by this.
Gaelle’s goal now is to create her eco product brands, and she has already launched her brand of eco detergents. She also wants to expand her free workshops to training helpers about eco-friendly products and explaining eco-friendly processes, i.e. saving water, turning off lights when rooms are not in use, turning down air conditioners or replacing with fans etc.
Nationally in China: So far she has a small number of customers in China.
Internationally: While there is no progress here yet, she stays in contact with Youssou Ndour so may do something with him in the future.
“Education is important. Start on a small scale and gradually encourage people to make the necessary changes in their lives.”
Contact: gaelleHK@yahoo.fr
