What would you do if you had a six figure salary? Maybe you’d never cook another meal or enjoy a monthly Thai massage and Soho House membership to de-stress from being on your A game.
Here at The Good Life you no longer have to imagine what life at the top is like: Get real-life inspiration on how the most successful people live their lives.
today luck Meet Vivien Wong, the co-creator of Little Moons: those scoops of ice cream wrapped in a glutinous layer of sweet rice that went viral during the pandemic.
In January 2021, the brand became a social media sensation as slime-obsessed Gen Zers tried the mochi-inspired snack—and it’s unusual texture—for the first time.
In the week after it went viral on TikTok, British supermarket giant Tesco saw a 700% increase in sales of Little Moons.
Of course, the small business was completely unprepared for the popularity of TikTok in the midst of a pandemic. The shelves were quickly emptied of stock, but the brand became even more desirable: those who could get their hands on the product, demonstrated their purchase with an unboxing video and a taste test; The #LittleMoons hashtag got almost 20 million views; And to keep pace, the company grew from the area From 100 to 400 employees in a few months
20,000,000
The number of views achieved by the hashtag #LittleMoons.
Looking back, 44-year-old Wong recounts luck that the success story of the night was “12 years in the making”. Wong and his brother, Howard, launched Little Moons in 2010, when “the icy hallways were known as the graveyards of innovation.”
Having seen the rise in popularity of sushi and ramen, but not deserts in Japan, the siblings knew there was a gap in the market for mochi to fill, and combining the traditional treat with ice cream made it an easier sell to the British.
The company grew from the area From 100 to 400 employees in a few months
They started serving it in Japanese restaurants, and they thought that more people would be willing to try it. From then on, Little Moon was a slow and steady success. In 2015, the brand was launched in Whole Foods and listings in Ocado, Waitrose and Tesco followed, before the impact of Covid and the brand went viral on TikTok.
Little Moons is currently available in all UK supermarkets and in 34 countries and is expected to gross £50 million ($63,000).
Finances
Luck: What was the best investment you ever made?
The best investment I ever made was my own well-being. Running and owning your own business is relentless, so I’ve devoted significant time and resources to both my mental health (through therapy and executive coaching) and my physical health (with personal trainers, acupuncture, and movement training). These investments have been invaluable and will continue to pay dividends for the rest of my life.
And the worst?
We built a beautiful outdoor kitchen during the pandemic. We have a Gozney Pizza oven, a green egg, an Ooni, but we don’t use them as much as planned, thanks to the unpredictable British summer!
“The best investment I ever made was my own well-being.”
Vivien Wong
What are your living arrangements like: glamorous city apartment or suburban sprawl?
We live close to the city because we love everything London has to offer. With my husband’s restaurants in Mayfair and Soho, being close is perfect for working and enjoying the vibrant energy of the city.
How do you go to work?
I take the tube or walk. Walking around London is a privilege if you take the time to see the architecture and history, especially on the Strand and Fleet Street. These stunning old Tudor buildings tell stories of centuries past. It’s a great reminder that history is always there, if you slow down to notice it.
Do you carry a wallet?
I carry a slim card holder for ID, the odd credit card and the membership cards you need to get into places.
What personal finance advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
I followed my parents advice and invested in a property when I first started working. Living at home allowed me to save for this, and made sure to live within my means while avoiding credit card debt. While I understand the value of putting money into a pension fund after 20, the reality is that life is expensive and at the time I didn’t have much extra to spare.
Where is your wristwatch from?
An Apple watch!
the needs
How do you get your daily coffee?
My husband brings me coffee in bed every morning. I like daily rituals in my life; I start with a coffee and end with a Little Moon as a sweet ending.
What about eating on the go?
I usually have breakfast at home and opt for a light appetizer instead of skipping it. Our office is surrounded by incredible food stalls serving cuisine from around the world, so you’ll be spoiled for choice!
Where do you buy your groceries?
My local farmers market fruit and vegetable market. We order chicken from Fosse Farm, fish direct from the day boats (peskyfish.co.uk or hendersontohome.com) and everything else from Ocado. My husband is a chef so he is picky about where we get our food. We also grow them in our garden which gives us great joy. Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, spinach, bok choi, apples and pears.
How many times a week do you eat dinner at home rather than cook?
We often cook at home, but we also love exploring the new restaurants that are constantly popping up around London. There are always exciting places to try, and we love eating out. Borough Market’s Rambutan is a favorite – it never fails to deliver an exceptional meal.
To help unwind from the work at the top, Wong likes to walk her dog:
Vivien Wong Little Moons
Where do you shop for your work wardrobe?
When I worked in the factory every day, my uniform was Paige or rag & bone jeans, a white t-shirt and a sweater. Recently, I’ve elevated this look with a jacket: vintage Chanel or Alexander McQueen when I’m in the office.
gifts
Are you the proud owner of a futuristic gadget?
I’m not into technology massively. I recently discovered that you can move the cursor on an iPhone by pressing the spacebar and it’s been a game changer!
Ibiza seems to be the holiday destination for the entrepreneur and his family:
Vivien Wong Little Moons
How do you disconnect from the above work?
At the end of a work day, I like to walk my dog, chat with my husband and cook or go out for dinner. I also talk to friends who own businesses and that clears my head. A problem shared!
What’s the best bonus treat you’ve ever bought yourself?
I marked many bonus moments with a beautiful piece of jewelry from Anabela Chan. Her shop is a whimsical break from reality and the best way to reward yourself.
Take us on holiday with you, what’s next on your holiday list?
For us, traveling is about experiencing something new whenever we can. One place we can’t seem to stay away from is Ibiza, especially when we need a quick recharge in the off-season. There’s something about the warmth of the Mediterranean sun on your face that instantly transports you into the moment. It’s the perfect way to relax and escape.
The next trip we have planned is Thailand for Christmas with my mom and her sister. They grew up there and speak the language, so it’s always a great opportunity to experience the country through their eyes, authentic and sometimes off the beaten path. We can’t wait to explore the vibrant markets, sample delicious street food and visit the hidden gems that tourists sometimes overlook.
Here at The Good Life you no longer have to imagine what life at the top is like: Get real-life inspiration from how the most successful live.
Fortune wants to hear from Europe’s leaders what their “Good Life” looks like. Contact: orianna.royle@fortune.com
