Meet The Entrepreneur: Emmy and Sneha (A Collective Space)

Emmy Sandt and Sneha Roy, co-founders of A Collective Space, have created a unique venture that intertwines woodworking with emotional support and community building. Their backgrounds and experiences have shaped their approach to entrepreneurship, making A Collective Space a sanctuary for creativity and emotional healing in Hong Kong.

Meet Emmy and Sneha

Emmy Sandt, originally from Finland but raised in Hong Kong, has transitioned from a career in technical theatre to woodworking. After feeling disillusioned by the temporary nature of theater productions, she sought something more meaningful. “I wanted to be part of something that lasts,” she explains. This desire led her to make furniture during the pandemic, which ultimately culminated in the founding of A Collective Space.

Sneha Roy, known as Sne, moved to Hong Kong from West Bengal, India, as a child. She began her career as a teacher, later becoming a licensed therapist specializing in complex trauma, LGBTQ+ identities, and neurodivergent individuals. Sneha is passionate about helping others navigate their challenges through creativity.

“I have found a new sense of empowerment in my goal to help others and create a supportive community that celebrates diversity,” - Sneha Roy

Inception of A Collective Space

A Collective Space was officially launched in 2021, though its roots trace back to Emma’s DIY projects on her rooftop in Cheung Chau. The name itself reflects their mission: creating a community-focused environment where people can learn woodworking skills and receive emotional support. “We wanted our business to be this community space for everyone,” Emmy explains. Initially focused on custom furniture, they recognized the need for accessible quality craftsmanship in Hong Kong.

Their mission is clear: to develop a community that recognizes the value of craftsmanship beyond traditional career paths. They aim to empower individuals who may feel limited by societal expectations, particularly those from under-represented backgrounds. “We want people to know they can do more than just their traditional jobs,” Sneha emphasizes.

The Role of Woodworking and Counseling

At A Collective Space, woodworking serves as both a craft and a therapeutic outlet. The integration of counselling is intentional; many individuals are hesitant to take that first step toward pursuing their passions. “We’ve had people come in saying they love to crochet but can’t imagine turning it into a business,” Sneha notes. The counselling aspect helps support these individuals as they navigate their fears.

Emmy adds that there is a significant lack of vocational opportunities in Hong Kong for those interested in crafts like carpentry. “If someone wants to become a carpenter here, they often have to leave the city,” she explains. By providing accessible training and workshops, A Collective Space aims to fill this gap.

Restoration: Preserving History

One of the most fulfilling aspects of their work is furniture restoration. Emma describes how they often receive pieces with deep emotional significance attached to them. “We feel we are preserving a part of history,” she states. For instance, they have restored 18th-century Italian chairs that were brought over from Italy and had fallen into disrepair. The process not only revitalizes these items but also honours the stories behind them.

Sneha recounts an emotional experience with a client who donated a coffee table that had been a wedding gift: “As we were loading it into our van, he bowed to the table and thanked it for its years of service.” Such moments highlight the profound connection people have with their belongings.

Challenges and Triumphs

Starting A Collective Space came with its challenges. Emmy recalls struggling with pricing her custom furniture: “I had to put a value on my products while considering their emotional significance.” This difficulty in valuing her work was compounded by the need to establish a sustainable business model.

Despite these challenges, both Emmy and Sneha are committed to supporting mental health awareness within their community through craftsmanship. They believe that engaging in woodworking can be therapeutic for those dealing with anxiety or depression. “Using your body in this focused way allows you to process emotions without needing to talk about them directly,” Sneha explains.

Looking Ahead: Empowering Others

As they look toward the future, Emmy and Sneha are eager to expand their offerings and reach more individuals who could benefit from their unique blend of woodworking and counseling. They aspire to develop training programs aimed at under-represented communities in Hong Kong, fostering vocational skills that can lead to fulfilling careers.

They want to empower others by showing that success can come from pursuing one’s passions rather than following conventional paths.

A Message for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Both Emmy and Sneha encourage aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives not to limit themselves based on societal expectations. “You’d be surprised by what you can do,” Emma asserts. Their journey exemplifies how passion combined with purpose can lead to meaningful change—not just for themselves but for their community as well.

In conclusion, Emmy Sandt and Sneha Roy are not just building furniture; they are building a community where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive together. Their story inspires us all to embrace our passions and support one another on our journeys toward self-discovery and fulfillment.