Last year, the skies above the UK and the US were graced by two sudden bursts of the Northern Lights, a spectacle that evoked awe and wonder. In a parallel moment of beauty, I was reminded of a different kind of illumination—the “faux aurora” that once mesmerised the citizens of Hong Kong. Each evening at 8 pm, the vibrant light show over Victoria Harbour drew many, including myself, to gaze skyward, often shedding silent tears for the city that was both home and battleground.

That summer, amidst the backdrop of an unexpected social movement, I embarked on an experimental venture: a mobile cart named “CINEMART: Hong Kong Movie Market,” stationed along the famed Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui. This initiative aimed to promote film-related products, marking a regional extension of the Showalker project after two successful years of physical markets. I approached this endeavour as an experiment; though the financial investment was modest, the mental strain and emotional investment were unprecedented.

The inception of this mobile cart coincided with a pivotal moment in history. Each day, I observed the harbour, unaware that it would soon evolve into a focal point for societal upheaval, at times jeopardising the safety of my colleagues. My partner and I took turns overseeing the stall, absorbing the breathtaking views of the harbour while tuning into live broadcasts from across the city. Many days passed with no sales, rendering the notion of tracking numbers almost trivial. Yet, these moments, rich with cinematic flair, remain vividly etched in my memory.

As the festive season approached, the market showed signs of recovery, with tourists gradually returning. Hope flickered on the horizon, suggesting a potential for breaking even. However, this aspiration proved elusive. By January, the shadows of an epidemic loomed large, and it became clear that this crisis would not dissipate in a matter of months, as SARS had. The survival of my mobile cart was in jeopardy. Thus, I made the difficult decision to cut losses, terminate the contract early, and accept the financial ramifications.

This experience sharpened my entrepreneurial instincts, teaching me the importance of decisiveness in uncertain times. I learned to assess situations swiftly, resisting the temptation to be driven solely by passion. Instead, I began to analyse the pros and cons with a clear mind, mastering the art of knowing when to pivot or retreat.

A friend once cautioned me via social media, “Do not rely solely on passion when pursuing your dreams.” What may have appeared as fervour was, in reality, the result of careful consideration and a calm approach to decision-making. When the time came to withdraw, I did so without regret.

The “Hong Kong Movie Market” was not merely my first foray into financial investment; it was a journey that culminated in failure. Yet, compared to other ventures I have undertaken, the lessons learned and memories forged during this experience remain the most profound and enduring.

Chinese Version: 經營不是靠熱血：在社會巨變與疫症中堅持與放手

📢 Join the “UK Life & Current Affairs Channel” (DOVC.co.uk) Community! 🇬🇧

👋 Want to stay up-to-date on the latest UK life information, news, current affairs, policy changes, or share experiences with fellow Brits? Welcome to join the UK Life & Current Affairs Channel (DOVC.co.uk) to discuss and share useful information together!

📌 Community Features: ✅ Real-time updates on UK current affairs and policies ✅ Exchange of information on UK life, immigration, work, study, etc. ✅ Mutual support with like-minded friends

📲 Join us now!

🔹 WhatsApp Group 👉 Click here to join 🔹 Facebook Fan Page 👉 Follow us

Welcome to join us and explore UK life together! 🎉