With a stylish selection of minaudières, evening clutches and shoes, Fiona Kotur-Marin’s eponymous brand has changed the nature of the accessories game. Her most iconic pieces include her birdcage and #getsmart clutches, designs that clearly demonstrate her ability to seamlessly blend old and new. Coincidentally, the blending of opposites is a trait she loves about life in Hong Kong, a place she now considers home.

Originally from New York, she is also recognised as being instrumental in the establishment of the Tory Burch brand. However, 2015 marks Kotur’s ten-year anniversary – no easy feat for a woman in a city that bows down to big brand names.

The entrepreneur, mother, and philanthropist (not necessarily in that order) tells us about her experience so far and why she plans on staying ahead of the game

My first memory of Hong Kong is flying into Kai Tak airport, onto a narrow strip between buildings no wider than Park Avenue, looking into people’s living rooms and watching them hang their laundry. I remember the rush and excitement, feeling like we were in the middle of a dynamic city, landing in the middle of gritty real life, but surrounded by a contrast of futuristic skyscrapers. That memory still represents Hong Kong to me.

When it comes to business, I think Diana Vreeland said it best: “Give em’ what they never knew they wanted”

I feel any accomplishments are still a work in progress, but I am most proud of my kids and family.

My only regret is that I wish I had invested in Apple.

The people who inspire me the most are personal friends and women of character. There is nothing more attractive than confidence, those who possess a strong point of view and who own their personal style.

What I love most about running my own business is the fact that the only boundaries you come across are the ones you set yourself.

My advice for budding entrepreneurs is to get going. You will never know whether it might be possible until you begin to make it happen.

When thinking of the end goal it’s important to remind yourself that it’s all about the journey.

Ten years from now, I foresee a dramatic change in retail and manufacturing and plan for our business to focus more on online, with content -driven retail platforms. We are looking into new avenues for manufacturing, with hopes to produce everything to order via 3D printing. I suppose in the future we might be considered as much a tech company as an accessory one.

‘Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken’