Valerie Chow of Mama Kid interview

Former model, actress and PR executive Valerie Chow, owner of the high-end children’s boutique Mama Kid, opens up  to Sassy Mama about life as a mother in Hong Kong, what she wishes she had more time for, and how she balances parenting and work.


What do you wish you had more time for?
Live music, travel, reading, to be outdoors.


When your children grow up what do you hope they remember?
The music , the cooking, the travel.


What is your key to balancing parenting and work?
A very hands-on husband and a flexi-schedule at work.


What is your favourite thing to do with your kids?
An early dinner with everyone at the table.


Favourite kid friendly restaurant
Spices, Repulse Bay


What advice would you give parents new to Hong Kong?
Explore the beaches. The playground at the Peak is great.


What is your favourite Hong Kong discovery?
Mini buses.


Hong Kong store you can’t live without?
hmv.


Favourite HK walk?
Bonham Road.


Of the tourist spots Hong Kong has on offer which would try not to miss?
The Peak.


Which is the best kid friendly hotel in HK?
Island Shangri-La


What did you want to be when you grew up?
An archeologist.


Three things you can’t live without?
Music, soup, clean clothes.


Describe MamaKid in three words
Unique, loving , thoughtful.


Favourite clothing brands for kids?
Milk on the Rocks


Favourite kid’s book?
Papa, please get the moon for me, by Eric Carle


Tell us one thing we don’t know about HK
The best Cantonese food is at Ming Yuen,  Parkview.




Valerie Chow has starred in numerous television series and films including Wong Kar-Wai’s critically acclaimed Chungking Express and was the first Chinese spokesmodel for Revlon USA, appearing in ad campaigns alongside Halle Berry and Salma Hayek. Valerie stepped back from the entertainment industry in 2000 to work in the fashion industry. After nearly 10 years in luxury retail with the Pedder Group, the footwear and accessories division of Lane Crawford Joyce Group, Valerie left her position as Vice President, Marketing to launch Mama Kid, a designer concept store for children, which launched in September 2010. Valerie lives in Hong Kong with her husband and daughter.