Founder of Yu Mei, Creative Director & Sustainable Business Leader

Jessie Wong is the founder and Creative Director of Yu Mei, the globally recognised New Zealand luxury accessories brand known for its commitment to regenerative materials, thoughtful design, and responsible business practices.

Founded in 2015, Yu Mei began with a simple problem: Jessie couldn't find a bag that balanced functionality, quality, and style for modern life. What started as a small operation has grown into one of New Zealand’s most respected fashion and lifestyle brands, with a loyal international following and partnerships with leading global retailers including Farfetch, David Jones, and Bergdorf Goodman.

Born and raised in Wellington, Jessie is a third-generation Chinese New Zealander whose entrepreneurial journey combines design, sustainability, cultural identity, and modern leadership. Under her direction, Yu Mei has become a certified B Corp, Toitū Net Carbon Zero certified, and Living Wage accredited business, demonstrating that commercial success and positive impact can go hand in hand.

Career Highlights

• Founder and Creative Director of Yu Mei since 2015
• Built one of New Zealand’s leading luxury accessories brands
• Certified B Corp with an impact score of 93.8
• Toitū Net Carbon Zero certified and Living Wage accredited
• International stockists include Farfetch, David Jones, and Bergdorf Goodman
• Winner of the Business Enterprise category at the Women of Influence Awards 2022
• EY Entrepreneur Of The Year New Zealand finalist
• Led Yu Mei’s expansion into Australia and international markets
• Pioneer in elevating New Zealand deer nappa as a luxury regenerative material

Key Speaking Topics

• Building a globally recognised brand from New Zealand
• Sustainable business, regeneration and circularity
• Entrepreneurship and founder-led growth
• Design, innovation and modern consumer brands
• Women in business and leadership
• Chinese-New Zealand identity and intergenerational stories
• Purpose-driven business and B Corp leadership
• Supply chain transparency and responsible manufacturing

What Your Audience Will Gain

Jessie offers a rare combination of creative vision, commercial intelligence, and sustainability leadership. Audiences gain practical insights into brand building, entrepreneurship, responsible growth, and how modern businesses can create long-term value without compromising their principles.

Her presentations are thoughtful, honest, and highly relevant for organisations navigating innovation, purpose, sustainability, and leadership in a rapidly changing world.

Ideal For

• Business and leadership conferences
• Retail and consumer brand events
• Sustainability, ESG and B Corp forums
• Women in business and entrepreneurship summits
• Fashion, design and creative industry events
• Universities, schools and emerging leader programmes

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Jessie Wong?
Jessie Wong is the founder and Creative Director of Yu Mei, a New Zealand luxury accessories brand recognised internationally for its commitment to regenerative materials, sustainability, and thoughtful design.

What does Jessie Wong speak about?
Jessie speaks on entrepreneurship, brand building, sustainability, circular business models, leadership, design, innovation, and women in business.

What is Yu Mei?
Yu Mei is a New Zealand-founded luxury accessories brand specialising in leather goods and contemporary carry products, stocked internationally and recognised for its regenerative approach to design.

What sustainability initiatives is Yu Mei known for?
Yu Mei is a certified B Corp, Toitū Net Carbon Zero certified, Living Wage accredited, and operates circular initiatives including repair, refurbishment, buyback, and archive programmes.

What materials does Yu Mei use?
Yu Mei is known for using regenerative New Zealand deer nappa leather and other considered materials including ECONYL® regenerated nylon.

Is Jessie Wong available for speaking engagements?
Yes. Jessie is available for keynote presentations, fireside chats, leadership events, panel discussions, sustainability forums, and entrepreneurship conferences.