Like Mother, Like Daughter
Tatler Hong Kong|March 2021
Entrepreneur Shalene Wadhwani is venturing into the food and beverage industry. Before the launch of her new businesses, she discusses how her mother, Rina, inspires her—and Rina reveals why Shalene makes her so proud
Tara Sobti
Like Mother, Like Daughter

SHALENE WADHWANI You’ve recently launched a drink infusion brand, Secco. What inspired you to delve into the food industry? My brother and I decided to diversify our family business [Wadhsons Group, a fashion and textiles trading company] towards our true passion, which is food and beverage. We bring in niche products from South Africa that are healthy without sacrificing flavour. This is how we came across brands such as Secco [drink infusions], Mykonos Chilli Sauce and Cheaky Co [chickpea treats]. Being stuck at home this year gave us time to focus on how we were going to forge our own path. We are always on the hunt for new products, and what better food haven to launch in than the city we grew up in?

What was it like growing up in your household?

Family time has always been a priority in our household. We come from a big family and I never felt lonely growing up because of my bond with my cousins. There was always someone to play with or talk to. No matter what anyone had going on in their day, meals were eaten together without any devices. After school, mum would often whisk me away to high tea at the Island Shangri-La or Mandarin Oriental. We would never invite the boys as it was our little tradition. From sitting front row at my ballet recitals to cheering me on at tennis tournaments, she has always been there to support me.

What is your favourite quality of your mother’s and why?

Without a doubt, her sense of humour. She’s always been the life of the party and fills the room with laughter.

In what ways do you take after your mother?

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TATLER HONG KONGView all
THE LAST WORD
Tatler Hong Kong

THE LAST WORD

Every issue, we ask our cover star a round of quickfire questions that give us a little more insight into their personalities. This month: Gulf Kanawut lays it bare

time-read
1 min  |
July 2024
WOMEN AT THE WICKET
Tatler Hong Kong

WOMEN AT THE WICKET

Asia's women's cricket teams from outside the Indian subcontinent have been rapidly rising up through the ranks, creating opportunities, breaking barriers and changing the game as they go

time-read
10+ mins  |
July 2024
TIME TURNER
Tatler Hong Kong

TIME TURNER

A 2024 Turner Prize nominee, British Filipino artist Pio Abad talks to Tatler about carrying on family legacy, unearthing historical connections and why the Philippines is always at the core of his work

time-read
7 mins  |
July 2024
ROYAL RICHES
Tatler Hong Kong

ROYAL RICHES

Ahead of the opening of Prince and the Peacock, Black Sheep Restaurants' latest establishment, Tatler joins the hospitality group on a culinary pilgrimage to India

time-read
8 mins  |
July 2024
MAKING HER POINT
Tatler Hong Kong

MAKING HER POINT

Foil fencer Daphne Chan is happy to see the rising interest in her sport since Cheung Ka-long's historic win, and is headed to the Games with impressive wins behind her. But she's not allowing the pressure to get to her, and is most excited about who she might meet in Paris

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
IN IT TO WIN IT
Tatler Hong Kong

IN IT TO WIN IT

Hong Kong freestyle swimmer Ian Ho, whose Instagram handle @Amphlb_ian playfully alludes to his aquatic prowess, competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and won silver in the men's 50 metres freestyle at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. This month, he will represent Hong Kong at the Paris Olympics. He talks to Tatler about making Hong Kong proud, life as a student and professional athlete-and why relaxing is the way forward

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Tatler Hong Kong

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Two-time Olympic swimmer Camille Cheng thought Tokyo 2020 would be her last Games, but competing in Paris was too big a draw for the French Chinese athlete

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
INTRIGUE AND INTRICACIES
Tatler Hong Kong

INTRIGUE AND INTRICACIES

Parisian artist Ugo Gattoni takes us through his elaborately designed poster for the Olympics and Paralympics in his home city this month

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
Crafting a New Legacy
Tatler Hong Kong

Crafting a New Legacy

Nicholas Lieou, creative director of high jewellery at Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, is reimagining jewellery, as the brand celebrates its 95th anniversary

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2024
A Lasting Legacy
Tatler Hong Kong

A Lasting Legacy

Tatler explores Cartier's latest Watches and Wonders novelties with the maison's image, style and heritage director, who explains how the luxury house continues to create designs that are relevant today, yet rooted in legacy

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024