We speak with Ceanne Fernandes-Wong, the CEO and Co-founder of COCOON, a monthly subscription service that offers its members access to rent from its ever-changing collection of luxury handbags.
Where have you received the best customer service?
We hired a gorgeous villa a few years back in Santorini that had the most amazing staff.
What is your favourite restaurant?
If I’m after something fun and a night out, it has to be Frenchie in Covent Garden. If it is Sunday Yum Cha with my family, Royal China.
What’s the title (and author) of the last book you read?
We are the Weather: Saving the Planet Begins at Breakfast by Jonathan Safran Foer.
Who or what is your biggest influence?
My biggest influence is the lack of women in senior leadership positions. The saying, ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’ – I hope that by being visible, I can help others to achieve their goals. I have also been very fortunate to work with and for some amazing women over the years. Their grace and determination to succeed when the odds are often against them is a significant influence.
What do you do to relax?
Spend time with my family, get out in nature – hopefully, to a beach. If that fails, playing with my dog or a Vedic meditation helps.
Do you collect anything, or would you like to?
I collect books, but I’m trying to accumulate less. I feel like the bags in COCOON’s collection are part of my very own handbag collection, though!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
While having an idea is great, it is a little bit of luck and a lot of hard work that turns that idea into something of value. That, and make sure to rest and recharge.
What has been your proudest moment?
From a business perspective, that would be getting COCOON to where we are now.
What changes do you anticipate in the luxury rental market in the next five years?
Prices will continue to rise on one hand and, on the other, luxury will continue to become more accessible, as a divided wardrobe becomes part and parcel of how we shop.
Which one luxury item would you take to a desert island?
A yacht.
If you could describe COCOON in three words, what would they be?
Accessible, stylish, fun.