First-time writer Maseena Ziegler answers Matt Fleming’s million-dollar questions about 12 entrepreneurial Hong Kong women

There’s wealth everywhere you look in Hong Kong. But that doesn’t just refer to those chaps in Armani suits. There’s a wealth of talent here as well – and Maseena Ziegler is testament to that. Her debut book, Ladies Who Launch in Hong Kong, has been a bestseller in the city after it was launched at the IFC’s Bookazine store last month. And she was keen to answer a few questions from Time Out – particularly as she admits her ‘trigger’ for beginning the book was reading an article on self publishing in our magazine…

Tell us about Ladies Who Launch in Hong Kong. What’s the book about?

It’s about how 12 women started their businesses in Hong Kong, the lessons they learned along the way and the secrets to their stunning success. I wanted the book to be something which inspired people to give entrepreneurialism a shot, but at the same time satisfied the curiosity of those who may not necessarily be interested in starting a business, but enjoyed reading about how others did it. The insights shared by the entrepreneurs in Ladies who Launch in Hong Kong will satisfy both these types of readers. The book has been endorsed by Stephen Covey (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People), Guy Kawasaki (Enchantment) and Lois Frankel (Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office). Not too shabby for a self-published book!

Why did you focus on just women? 

I felt there was a gap in literature about women-owned businesses – particularly in this region. I think my ladies demonstrate how it’s possible to be both fiercely determined and committed in pursuing a business objective while still maintaining the thing that sets them apart – their femininity. 

Each woman in the book is inspiring – but whose story did you find the most inspirational?

It’s like picking your favourite child! I found every single story inspiring. I had goose bumps when I interviewed all 12 of these entrepreneurs – and if I didn’t, they wouldn’t be in the book. That was a barometer for me.

The book’s already selling well. Did you expect this level of interest for your first venture?

Not in my wildest dreams. I printed more than three times what I thought – and was told – we would be lucky to sell in one year. In just one week, we reached number one on the bestseller lists in Hong Kong and I’ve already had to go to print again. This is one of the lessons in the book though – if you spot a gap in the market, you really should just go for it. I didn’t let the fact that I didn’t have any experience in writing or publishing a book get in the way. All I focused on was the fact that Hong Kong needed a book like this – and then just tried to do the best job I could.

What next for Maseena Ziegler?

People have asked me for sequels – and one for men. But I’d rather get my hands into a million-dollar start-up! Especially after the tips I’ve learned from the entrepreneurs in this book – definitely! Ladies Who Launch in Hong Kong is available in Dymocks, Bookazine and Kelly & Walsh for $138. There’s an e-book out soon as well. For more details on the book, check out www.ladieswholaunchbook.com.