What would you do if you had a six-figure salary? Maybe you’ll never cook another meal again or indulge in monthly Thai massages and Soho House memberships to de-stress and be on your A-game.
over here good life You don’t have to imagine what life at the top looks like anymore: get real-life inspiration for how the most successful live their lives.
today good luck Meet Vivian Wong, co-founder of Little Moons — those little balls of ice cream wrapped in a sticky layer of sweet rice that went viral during the pandemic.
In January 2021, the brand became a social media sensation, with slime-obsessed Gen Zers flocking to try the mochi-inspired snack for the first time—and it’s unusual texture.
Within a week of going viral on TikTok, sales of Little Moons at British supermarket giant Tesco increased by 700 percent.
Of course, small businesses weren’t fully prepared for TikTok’s popularity amid the pandemic. Shelves were quickly emptied of stock—but that made the brand even more desirable: Those who could get their hands on the product demonstrated their purchase with an unboxing video and taste test. The hashtag #LittleMoons garnered nearly 20 million views. And to keep up the momentum, the company grew from around 100 employees to 400 in a matter of months.
20,000,000
The amount of views the hashtag #LittleMoons received.
Looking back, Wong, 44, explains. good luck That overnight success story was “12 years in the making.” Wong and his brother, Howard, started Little Moons in 2010, when “the frozen aisles were known as the graveyards of innovation.”
Having seen the rise in popularity of sushi and ramen but not Japanese deserts, the siblings knew there was a gap in the market for mochi to fill—and an easy sell to Brits by combining the traditional sweet with ice cream. done
The company grew from about 100 employees to 400 in a matter of months.
They began serving it in Japanese restaurants, where they felt more people would be willing to give it a taste. From there, Little Moons achieved slow and steady success. In 2015, the brand was launched in Whole Foods and listed in Ocado, Waitrose and Tesco, after Covid hit and the brand went viral on TikTok.
Today, Little Moons is available in all UK supermarkets and in 34 countries and has a forecast turnover of 50 million pounds ($63,000).
Finance
Fortune: What’s the best investment you’ve ever made?
The best investment I have ever made is my own well-being. Running and owning my own business is exhausting, so I devote significant time and resources to both my mental health (through therapy and executive coaching) and my physical health (with personal trainers, acupuncture, and movement coaching). have done This investment has been invaluable and will continue to pay dividends for the rest of my life.
And the worst?
We built a beautiful outdoor kitchen during the pandemic. We have a gooseneck pizza oven, a green egg, an oven, but we don’t use them as much as expected, not helped by the unpredictable British summer!
“The best investment I’ve ever made is my own well-being.”
Vivian Wong
What are your living arrangements like: a charming apartment in the city or a sprawling suburb?
We live close to the city because we love everything London has to offer. With my husband’s restaurants in Mayfair and Soho, being close is perfect for both work and enjoying the vibrant energy of the city.
How do you go to work?
I take the tube or walk. Walking in London is such a treat — if you take the time to look at the architecture and history, especially down the Strand and Fleet Street. All those old Tudor buildings tell centuries-old stories. It’s a great reminder that history is always there if you’re slow to notice it.
Do you have a wallet?
I carry a slim card holder for ID, the odd credit card and membership cards you need to access venues.
What personal financial advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
When I first started working, I followed my parents’ advice and invested in a property. Staying at home allowed me to save for it, and I made sure to stay within my means while avoiding credit card debt. While I fully understand the value of putting money into a pension fund since I was 20, the reality is that life is expensive and I didn’t have much spare cash at the time.
Where is your wristwatch from?
An Apple Watch!
Requirements
How do you get your daily coffee fix?
My husband brings me coffee in bed every morning. I love daily rituals in my life. I start with a coffee and finish with a small moon as a sweet sign-off.
How about eating on the go?
I usually eat breakfast at home and opt for a light lunch instead of skipping it. Our office is surrounded by incredible food stalls serving food from all over the world, so you really are spoiled for choice!
Where do you buy groceries?
My local farmers market for fruits and vegetables. Chicken from Foss Farm, we order fish direct from Dayboats (peskyfish.co.uk or hendersontohome.com) and everything else from Ocado. My husband is a chef, so he thinks about where we source our food. We also grow a few things in our garden which brings us great joy. Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, spinach, bok choy, apples and pears.
How many times a week do you eat out versus cooking at home?
We often cook at home but also love exploring the new restaurants constantly popping up around London. There are always interesting places to try, and we really love eating out. Rambutan is a favorite at Borough Market – it never fails to deliver exceptional food.
To help her relax from the top job, Wong likes to walk her dog:
Vivian Wong Little Moons
Where do you buy your work wardrobe?
When I worked in the factory every day, my uniform was Paige or rag & bone jeans, a white t-shirt and a sweater. More recently I’ve elevated this look with a jacket—vintage Chanel or Alexander McQueen when I’m in the office.
Treats.
Are you the proud owner of a futuristic gadget?
I’m not into tech in a big way. I recently discovered that you can move the cursor on the iPhone by holding down the space bar and it has been a game changer!
Ibiza seems to be the holiday destination for the businessman and his family:
Vivian Wong Little Moons
How do you unwind from the top job?
At the end of the work day, I like to walk my dog, chat with my husband and either hang out and cook or go out for dinner. I also talk to my friends who are business owners which clears my mind. A problem shared!
What’s the best bonus treat you’ve ever bought yourself?
I’ve marked so many bonus moments with Annabella Chen’s exquisite jewelry. Her store is a thrilling break from reality and a great way to reward yourself.
Take us on holiday with you, what’s next on your holiday list?
For us, travel means experiencing something new whenever we can. One place we can’t stay away from is Ibiza, especially during the off-season when we need a quick recharge. There’s something about the warmth of the Mediterranean sun on your face that instantly pulls you into the present moment. It’s the perfect way to unwind and escape.
The next trip we have planned is to Thailand for Christmas with my mom and her sister. They were raised there and speak the language, so it’s always a unique opportunity to experience the country through their eyes—authentic and sometimes off the beaten path. We can’t wait to explore the vibrant markets, savor the delicious street food and visit the hidden gems that tourists sometimes overlook.
Here at The Good Life you don’t have to imagine what the top life looks like anymore: get real-life inspiration for how to live the most successful life.
Fortune wants to hear from European leaders what their “good life” looks like. Contact: orianna.royle@fortune.com
