Gen X founding father of $63 million-a-year ice-cream firm grows raspberries, blueberries and bok choi from her central London abode

Right here at The Good Life you don’t should think about what life on the high appears to be like like anymore: Get real-life inspiration for the way essentially the most profitable reside their lives.

At this time Fortune meets Vivien Wong, co-founder of Little Moons—these little balls of ice cream wrapped in a glutinous layer of candy rice that went viral throughout the pandemic.

In January 2021, the model turned a social media sensation, with slime-obsessed Gen Zers flocking to check out the mochi-inspired snack—and it’s uncommon texture—for the primary time. 

Within the week after going viral on TikTok, gross sales of Little Moons on the British grocery store big Tesco surged by 700%. 

After all, the small enterprise was fully unprepared for TikTok fame within the midst of a pandemic. Cabinets have been shortly emptied of inventory—however it made the model turn into much more fascinating: Those that may get their arms on the product, confirmed off their buy with an unboxing video and a style take a look at; The hashtag #LittleMoons gained almost 20 million views; And to maintain up with the tempo, the corporate grew from round 100 staff to 400 in a matter of months.

Wanting again, the 44-year-old Wong tells Fortune that the in a single day success story was “12 years within the making.” Wong and her brother, Howard launched Little Moons in 2010, when “the frozen aisles have been often called the graveyard of innovation.”

Having noticed a rise in recognition for sushi and ramen however not Japanese deserts, the siblings knew there was a spot available in the market for mochi to fill—and mixing the standard candy with ice cream made it a better promote to Brits. 

They began out serving it in Japanese eating places, the place they figured extra folks can be prepared to present it a style. From there, Little Moons loved a sluggish and regular success. In 2015, the model launched in Entire Meals and listings in Ocado, Waitrose and Tesco adopted, earlier than Covid hit and the model went viral on TikTok. 

At this time, Little Moons is offered in all U.Ok. supermarkets and 34 international locations and it’s forecast to turnover £50 million ($63,000).

The funds

Fortune: What’s been the very best funding you’ve ever purchased?

The very best funding I’ve ever made has been my very own well-being. Working and proudly owning your individual enterprise is relentless, so I’ve devoted vital time and assets to each my psychological well being (by way of remedy and government teaching) and my bodily well being (with private trainers, acupuncture and motion teaching). These investments have been invaluable and can proceed to pay dividends for the remainder of my life. 

And the worst?

We constructed a ravishing outside kitchen throughout the pandemic. We now have a Gozney Pizza oven, a inexperienced egg, an Ooni, however we don’t use them as a lot as anticipated, not helped by the unpredictable British summer time!

What are your dwelling preparations like: Swanky condominium within the metropolis or suburban sprawling?

We reside near the Metropolis as a result of we love every little thing that London has to supply. With my husband’s eating places in Mayfair and Soho, being close by is ideal for each work and having fun with the colourful vitality of town.

How do you commute to work?

I take the tube or stroll. Strolling by way of London is such a privilege —when you take the time to search for and take within the structure and historical past, particularly down the Strand and Fleet Road. All these wonky outdated Tudor buildings inform tales of centuries previous. It’s a terrific reminder that historical past is all the time proper there, when you decelerate to note it.

Do you carry a pockets?

I carry a skinny card holder for ID, the odd bank card and membership playing cards it is advisable to entry locations.

What private finance recommendation would you give your 20-year-old self?

I adopted my dad and mom’ recommendation and invested in a property early on after I first began working. Residing at dwelling allowed me to save lots of for it, and I made positive to reside inside my means, avoiding bank card debt. Whereas I totally perceive the worth in contributing cash right into a pension fund from the age of 20, the fact is that life is pricey and on the time, I didn’t have a lot further to spare. 

The place’s your go-to wristwatch from?

An Apple watch!

The requirements

How do you get your day by day espresso repair?

My husband brings me espresso in mattress each morning. I like day by day rituals in my life; I begin with a espresso and finish with a Little Moons as a candy sign-off.

What about consuming on the go?

I normally have breakfast at dwelling and go for a light-weight lunch somewhat than skipping it. Our workplace is surrounded by unbelievable meals stalls providing delicacies from all all over the world, so that you’re actually spoiled for selection!

The place do you purchase groceries?

My native farmers marketplace for fruit and greens. Rooster from Fosse Farm, we order fish immediately off the day boats (peskyfish.co.uk or hendersontohome.com) and every little thing else from Ocado. My husband is a chef, so he’s choosy about the place we supply our meals. We additionally develop some issues in our backyard which convey us a lot pleasure. Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, spinach, bok choi, apples and pears.

How usually in per week do you dine out versus cook dinner at dwelling?

We frequently cook dinner at dwelling but in addition love exploring the brand new eating places that continuously pop up round London. There are all the time thrilling locations to attempt, and we actually do love consuming out. Rambutan within the Borough Market is a favourite – it by no means fails to ship an distinctive meal.

Vivien Wong Little Moons

The place do you store to your work wardrobe?

Once I labored within the manufacturing unit day by day, my uniform was Paige or rag & bone denims, a white T-shirt and a sweater. Extra lately I’ve elevated that look with a jacket—both classic Chanel or Alexander McQueen after I’m within the workplace.

The treats

Are you the proud proprietor of any futuristic devices?

I’m not massively into tech. I lately found you may transfer the cursor on an iPhone by holding down the house bar and it has been a sport changer!

Vivien Wong Little Moons

How do you unwind from the highest job?

On the finish of a piece day, I like strolling my canine, chatting to my husband and both hanging out and cooking or coming out for dinner. I additionally discuss to my associates who personal companies which clears my thoughts. An issue shared!

What’s the very best bonus deal with you’ve purchased your self?

I’ve marked many bonus moments with a chunk of advantageous jewellery from Anabela Chan. Her retailer is a whimsical break from actuality and one of the simplest ways to reward your self.

Take us on vacation with you, what’s subsequent in your trip checklist?

For us, touring is about experiencing one thing new at any time when we will. One place we will’t appear to avoid is Ibiza, particularly throughout the low season after we want a fast recharge. There’s one thing in regards to the heat of the Mediterranean solar in your face that immediately pulls you into the current second. It’s the proper approach to unwind and escape.

The following journey we have now deliberate is Thailand for Christmas with my mother and her sister. They have been raised there and converse the language, so it’s all the time a novel likelihood to expertise the nation by way of their eyes—genuine and generally off the crushed path. We will’t wait to discover the colourful markets, savor the scrumptious road meals, and go to the hidden gems that vacationers generally overlook.

Right here at The Good Life you don’t should think about what life on the high appears to be like like anymore: Get real-life inspiration for the way essentially the most profitable reside life.

Fortune desires to listen to from European leaders on what their “Good Life” appears to be like like. Get in contact: orianna.royle@fortune.com