Sister Kaki Au
TSA Hong Kong Island East Corps
It is already the third year since I started running my wedding supplies rental shop. Compared with a kid, a 3-year-old will be an adorable child who keeps jumping around. I am so thankful for this ‘kid’, for in him I find countless blessings.
Stepping outside my comfort zone
Early 2019, I quitted my day job and took up a small shop for eco-friendly wedding supplies rental. This shop promotes green wedding and the concept of renting instead of buying. Reused and recycled wedding supplies are rented, a way that extends their lives and the items are used to their fullest extent in order to reduce waste. At that time I was already operating a vintage select shop. I had struggles making the decision to get out of my comfort zone. It has always been my dream to engage in a green business, but in fact this is not a stable and easy path. I quietly prayed to God, ‘Father, if this is your will, please open the way for me and grant me strength!’
A good steward pleasing to God
Our Heavenly Father grants us the earth, this lovely place, so I always think environmental protection is closely related to us Christians. From the time we are entrusted with the stewardship of the earth, we are responsible for treasuring our environment and everything in it and managing it wisely. That is why the concept of green wedding really got to me. I could tell from the market that this business would only be making meagre profits, but I was prepared to pay for the loss with the profits I would make from my vintage shop and finally decided to take up the green wedding supplies shop, with the hope of promoting the concept and work of green wedding with my sheer enthusiasm and sincerity.
Meeting an angel on a rough road
We all have our own mission, whether in the job market or any other positions. People may think I am rather naïve and impulsive to engage in the green wedding business, but I believe this is an alternative mission God has given me. As expected, starting a green wedding business from scratch took me extra efforts in operation, and practically I spent the profits generated from my vintage shop to subsidise the wedding supplies shop.
Despite a rough journey, our Heavenly Father is always there to help and bring wonderful angels to my life. There was a time when a customer of my vintage shop showed interest in promoting green wedding with me. As we talked, I found that she was also a Christian. We encouraged and walked with each other. It was just a short period of time, but I am grateful to God for He has given me an angel and companion who brought blessings to my life when I was lonely.
Persistence, Perseverance, Conviction
The wedding supplies shop experienced the social movement and COVID-19 pandemic shortly after its opening. During that time, God granted me and my husband a new baby, and meanwhile the shop business was gradually growing. I remember once when I attended church, a bible verse from a sermon struck me hard, ‘But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.’ (Deuteronomy 8:18) There have been frustrating and upsetting moments over the past years, but every time God was my ever-present help. I thank God for my landlord agreed to lower the rent (be it a small amount), for the supplies donated by my friends and customers, for the recommendation and support from my friends… These are all the grace of God!
In March 2021, I had a media interview. At that time the pandemic was slowing down as well, and my shop’s turnover of that month hit a record high. Hallelujah! I did not make a fortune, nor am I rich, but my heart is full of God’s grace and blessings, for which I am content and thankful!
