Meet the Entrepreneur: Jerome – Co-founder of Sacred Space Therapy & Wellness

In the relentless rhythm of Hong Kong, where the pace rarely slows and the pressure to “keep going” is constant, more and more people are quietly searching for ways to breathe again. Jerome (Joram Artist), originally from Hawaii and now calling Kwai Chung home, is one of those who decided to turn his own healing journey into a gift for others. Together with his partner Vivian, he co-founded Sacred Space Therapy & Wellness, a sanctuary that blends forest therapy, music healing, sound baths, and holistic counselling to help people rediscover inner peace.

From a cubicle in Hawaii to a healing space in Hong Kong

A few years ago, Jerome was working in a bank in Hawaii, staring at a computer screen and dreaming of something more meaningful. After facing his own mental-health struggles, he found the courage to leave the 9-to-5 behind and spent over a year travelling the world. A chance trekking trip in New Zealand changed everything: there, he met Vivian. She brought him to Hong Kong, and intern it became the place where his long-held vision finally took root.

“I always wanted a space where people could come together to heal,” Jerome shares. “Maybe someone wants to do yoga, someone wants sound healing or massage, but we all gather in one place and support each other’s wellness. A few years ago that was just a dream. Now I’m sitting here, and it’s actually happening.”

What does “Sacred Space” really mean?

The name isn’t just poetic; it’s deeply intentional.

“Mental health and holistic well-being are very close to my heart because I had to walk through my own darkness not long ago,” Jerome explains. “Facing what’s inside takes real courage. When someone chooses to step into healing, that moment is sacred. The people who guide you are sacred. The place you choose to heal is sacred. That’s why we call it Sacred Space: because your journey is unique and precious, and we feel honoured to walk part of it with you.”

Bringing the forest to the city

One of the centre’s signature offerings is forest therapy (inspired by Japanese shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing”). Jerome first discovered the concept years ago while reading about wellness practices in Hawaii and Molokai. Life got in the way until his own healing process pushed him to finally experience it. Today, he has already mapped 4 to 5 nature spots across Hong Kong that are perfect for slow, mindful walks.

“Most people don’t think of Hong Kong as a healing destination,” he laughs. “They see the skyscrapers and feel the rush. But once you know where to go, there are waterfalls, quiet trails, and pockets of pure calm. When you permit yourself to slow down, even for two hours, Mother Nature does the rest.”

Starting fresh in a brand-new city

Moving from laid-back Hawaiian culture to Hong Kong’s intensity has been a steep learning curve, especially as a first-time business owner. Timing events, understanding local rhythms, and building a network from scratch have all been challenges. Yet Jerome sees every hurdle as part of the growth.

“I’m learning how vital connections are here,” he says. “Through FSI and other networks, I’ve already met inspiring business owners in the area. We exchange contacts, share ideas, and I’m excited for future collaborations that can serve the whole community.”

He’s also fallen in love with the Lai Chi Kok neighbourhood. Since Hawai have a lot of Lychee, The name “Lai chi” is always reminds him of home, and the giant lychee statue in nearby Ma Kok Park makes him smile every time he passes it.

Biggest achievement and vision

When asked what makes him most proud, Jerome doesn’t hesitate:

“To sit here and say I’m an entrepreneur and co-founder of Sacred Space. A couple of years ago I was in a cubicle wondering if this dream would ever happen. Now it’s real. I stepped out of my comfort zone, travelled the world, and somehow ended up building exactly what I hoped for.”

His ultimate hope? A kinder, more compassionate world.

“Bringing people together isn’t new, but the world needs more of it right now,” he reflects. “People of different colours, backgrounds, beliefs; if we can sit and have tea together, if we can heal side by side through nature or music or sound, then we heal ourselves and we heal the energy around us. That ripple is what Sacred Space is really about.”

In a city that sometimes forgets to breathe, Jerome and Vivian are gently reminding us that healing spaces are closer than we think, hidden in the forests, in the sound of a singing bowl, and in the courage to simply show up for ourselves and for each other.

Take a step toward calm and discover how Sacred Space Therapy & Wellness is creating room for healing, connection, and reflection in the heart of Hong Kong. Follow them on Instagram at @sacredspace_hk or visit their centre in Kwai Chung, and contact us at info@guidefong.org to learn more about the entrepreneurs we spotlight.