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INFLUENCING
The 2021 Women of Influence winners were recently announced, and amid the impressive line-up is Yu Mei founder, Jessie Wong. Taking out the Business Enterprise award, Jessie has seen amazing success in her career, and is making her presence known in the fashion industry. Metropol writer Georgia Summerton chats to her about her journey so far.
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est known for beautiful leather handbags and wallets, Yu Mei is a much-loved leather goods label that holds sustainability and quality at the core. Jessie is the founder and director of Yu Mei, and has spent the last seven years growing and developing the brand into what it is today. “To be recognised by the Women of Influence awards is a huge honour especially as someone from the fashion industry, in such a strong business category. It’s not just a reflection of me personally, but an acknowledgement of the grit of our small team, who absolutely punch above their weight. Eighty-five percent of our leadership team are women, and I’m always in awe of the drive and focus they have when it comes to building the best ways to do business beautifully and effectively.” Since launching her business back in 2015, Yu Mei now has three stores across New Zealand and a wholesale network of
37 stockists. There is no doubt a strong sense of pride when reflecting on what the label has achieved so far. “I’m most proud of our exceptional team. We have a lot of fun together and have really pulled off some incredible work in extremely high-pressure times. I think one of our most proud moments as a team was when we opened our Yu Mei Lounge in Newmarket - a result of everyone’s hard work toward growing the brand. The store launch went until 2am, no mean feat for a retail opening.” Being recognised as an influential businesswoman is as Jessie says, a huge honour. When asked about who is the most influential in her life, it is those she holds close. “All of the incredible women who came before me - my mum Jane, grandma Judy and great grandmother Vi, (all of whom have bags named after them!) Then there are all the female business mentors that I’ve been lucky enough to have around.
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