Mother of two, yoga enthusiast and entrepreneur, Lindsay Jang is a culinary force to be reckoned with, with go-to Hong Kong restaurants Yardbird, Ronin and Sunday’s Grocery under her belt. Most recently, she’s ventured into media with style website MISSBISH and fitness with elite boutique studio TOPFIT.
We were lucky enough to chat with Lindsay about her career, secrets to staying fit and healthy with such a busy lifestyle as well as her must-visit Hong Kong hotspots.
Meet Lindsay Jang
What brought you to Hong Kong?
I had left New York after my daughter was born in 2008, travelled the world for a year and ended up landing in Hong Kong when my business partner (romantic partner at the time) got a job here.
What does an average work day look like?
Wake up with my kids and hustle them to school. Clear my inbox. Copy edit. Allocate time to exercise for that day. Meet with my teams for the restaurants and TOPFIT. Run random errands. I aim to be home when my kids get home from their after school activities so we can have dinner and wind down as a family. If I’m not exhausted by then I’ll go out and entertain or else it’s TV and food on the couch (a.k.a. my favourite thing to do!).
How do you balance running MISSBISH, three restaurants as well as raising two children?
I’m a delegator. I macro-manage. I truly believe in empowering people in their roles and giving guidance along the way. I look at everything from a solution-based standpoint, I don’t waste time complaining or focusing on problems. I am a problem solver.
What are your top tips for a healthy work/life balance?
I don’t feel guilty when I take “me” time. I make sure that everyone I’m responsible for has what they need and feels supported by me and then I allow myself the freedom to map out my own time and schedule.
As a businesswoman, what are your top three tips for people starting out?
#1 Have a real plan – business, money, labour, operations, communication, etc. Think of everything that needs to be done and be realistic about who’s going to do it.
#2 Be ready to work your ass off. Your own business means you work ALL the time. If you’re phone is on, if there’s Wi-Fi, you’re working.
#3 Be kind. Put all your efforts into building a team that will create a foundation for growth, not only for you, but for everyone involved.
Why is health and fitness important to you?
It’s always been a part of my life. I don’t know any other way to feel amazing both inside and out.
How did you begin practising yoga?
I was a serious snowboarder when I was young and I went to a yoga class to stretch. It sparked my interest and I just kept doing it. That was 16 years ago…
Apart from yoga, what are some of your favourite workouts right now that give you fast results?
I’m in love with the Megaformer. I’m super into Jane Fonda-style workouts, they remind me of watching my mom do aerobics in the 80’s. I’ll basically do anything that’s fun and can be done in a group.
Can you talk us through a day on your plate?
There are days that I am the picture of health – no carbs, kale, no dairy, no alcohol, etc., and then there are days where the hospitality person wins and I eat and drink whatever I want. It’s all about balance, right?
How do you start and finish your day? Any healthy rituals?
My kids really dictate my mornings. If they’re happy to get up and go to school, it’s awesome. If they’re grumpy and fighting me to brush their teeth, it’s a little rougher. I usually end my day by leaving my phone far away from me for the last few hours before I go to sleep and spending some quality time with my boyfriend. Boring, but necessary.
Do you have a daily mantra or quote you live by?
Be good.
If you were to spill your handbag on the table what would we see?
Three different kinds of lip balm, my iPhone 6s+, two extra chargers for my phone, my business card holder, headphones, meds (advil, antihistamines, multivitamins), water and my wallet.
Where are your favourite places to eat, workout and relax in Hong Kong?
I’m obviously biased and love my spots, but I’m also a huge fan of CHINO, Ho Lee Fok, Carbone and dim sum. I’m a massage junkie too. I have my go-to masseuses at Happy Foot, Thai Relax in Kennedy Town, and Ten Feet Tall.
What are your top three travel essentials?
Sleeping pills, TonyMoly 24k Snail Masks, my MacBook Air.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I have no clue. I imagine I’ll still be growing, learning, taking risks in business. I’ve come to realise that I’m a serial entrepreneur. I know for sure that I will do everything in my power to remain HAPPY and HEALTHY and to provide that same environment for my kids and my loved ones.
Quick Questions
Coffee or juice and what type?
Neither. I gave up coffee a while ago and juice has too much sugar. I like tea.
Run or meditation?
Active meditiation – yoga.
Brunch date or cocktail date?
Cocktails for sure.
Trainers or heels?
90% trainers, 10% heels. I have a shoe problem.
Book or DVD?
Apple TV.
I never leave home without…
My phone.
My New Year’s resolution is…
Continue to push myself and my peers to be better, do better.
I’m currently listening to…
Whatever Alex (my BF) is playing.
My Woman Crush Wednesday #WCW is …
Are* all my girlfriends who are carving out their own spaces in their respective fields.
Favourite emoji
The eyeroll.
