If Hong Kong's societal upheaval during the 'Occupy Central' movement is best represented by yellow umbrellas, Winnie Ma wants neckties to be the symbol of its reconnection.
Following the 79 days of uproar, she created Les Beatitudes, a social enterprise with a name that reflects its purpose; to bring blessings and happiness.
The products are similarly literal, with men's neckties donated to make goods like handbags - a process which ties the community together.
Winnie says, "Many of us are very sad when we see our society fragmented and our relationships torn apart. So we just wanted to do something to rebuild the positive ties or positive relationships in society."
So far, 40 stay-at-home women are earning a living through the project, by turning old unwanted ties into beautiful accessories.
Siu Yu Kwan is one of them; with a disabled husband and two children, she says sewing the products allows her earn much-needed income, while still caring for the family at home.
Siu Yu Kwan works as a seamstress, which allows her to provide money for her family and care for them at home. Source: SBS Small Business Secrets
"It's better to earn our daily bread and with more income we can buy more clothes and fruits for my children."
Many of the women working for Les Beatitudes come from Sham Shui Po, an area that once was full of garment factories. But after most of industry moved to the mainland, many of the families living here struggled to make ends meet.
Hong Kong Social Enterprise Summit Chairwoman Jane Lee, has spent the past decade working in the non-profit sector.
Hong Kong housing has become virtually unaffordable for many families. Source: SBS Small Business Secrets
She says the enterprise caters to women who are excluded from Hong Kong's rigid 9 to 6 pm work culture.
It's not because they can't find a job, but the job can't match with their need. So that's a type of heavy mismatch in [this] context.
Last year the products caught the eye of ICBC personal banking manager Flora Lang, who made the biggest order from Les Beatitudes to date, giving 300 pieces as Christmas gifts for her most important clients.
Les Beatitudes employs 40 stay-at-home women who would otherwise struggle to find work. Source: SBS Small Business Secrets
"I was very impressed by their products because they're all handmade and of exquisite quality, I would say."
When iconic Hong Kong design store TDC agreed to stock Les Beatitudes products, it was a coup, not just for the enterprise founder, but all its workers.
"Without a job their self-confidence is very low, when they go out and see the products being made by them being sold in the store they are so proud of themselves. Their children are so proud of their mother as well," Ms Ma said.
The founder's next goal is for the garments to be stocked across Hong Kong in gift shops and hotels.
These products are being stocked in shops across Hong Kong. Source: SBS Small Business Secrets
"We hope through this project we can bring positive energy to Hong Kong people again. Not only for the women, but for the men, and for the community."
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