We now have a number of gorgeous Hong Kong businesses whose work and products we LOVE and now sell alongside The Lion Rock Press goodies (in store and online). We thought it was time we showcased the people behind them! Kate Sbuttoni launched the Ginger Jar Lamp Company in 2016. I'm the very happy owner of a number of her creations and we sell her Hong Kong Homage Ginger Jar and prints, some of her Ginger Jar Lamps. Here she shares a bit more about herself and the inspiration behind the business she has created.
About You
Hello! I'm Kate Sbuttoni, the founder of The Ginger Jar Lamp Co., which I started in 2016 after a 'light bulb' moment during a trip to China with girlfriends. At an antiques market there I discovered piles of dusty ginger jars and decided to have one made into a lamp. I saw their potential as something both functional and beautiful, and so the idea for my business came about.
I have a background in PR and marketing but come from a family of entrepreneurs. I have always been interested in design, and specifically beautiful interiors and objects.
Your Inspiration
My inspiration stems from a passion for unique, authentic, beautiful things, I have always loved collecting treasures on my travels to remind me of a place or time in my life.
I am drawn to colour and do not own anything beige, It seems like a wasted opportunity me. Colour has the power to lift both moods and spaces and I especially love jewel tones. You can find all the colours of the rainbow in our range of artisan lamp shades.
Of course, as my second home, Hong Kong is a huge source of inspiration for me, its energy and dynamic landscape, history and unique charm. I honour this unique city through my ‘Hong Kong Homage’ collection which is a celebration of all that we love about the +852.
Favourite Thing to Do or See in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a city that never ceases to amaze me and I think it is unique in the world - where else can you swim and hike so close to such a bustling metropolis! A swim at one of the many beaches, South Bay, is a particular favourite pastime for me. And I love to hike - the sweeping views from Jardine's lookout are breath-taking. Saturday afternoons are a favourite time to go, followed by an early dumpling dinner at Wang Fu on Wellington street or Din Tai Fung in CWB.
Having lived near it for all our time in HK, Hong Kong Park holds a special place in my heart. I love to walk around at dusk when the birds and cicadas are at their loudest. The park’s Lok Cha tea house and nearby museum are also worth a visit. Leafy Asia Society is a stone’s throw and also nice for a tranquil stroll, before heading down to Wan Chai, my favourite district. I love to shop for flowers and tropical fruit at the wet market there.
Favourite part of the creating/design process
I love developing the seed of an idea, thinking about it over the coming days, then working on making it a reality. The iterations of an idea, with each stage seeing an improvement until the finished product, is very rewarding. Then when I get great feedback from a customer, its lovely recognition. To know that you are creating products which others respond to and enjoy is a very satisfying thing and gives me a lot of pleasure.
