In late August 2025, I boarded a plane to Hong Kong for the very first time. On paper, it was a product sourcing mission for That’s The Spot, my pleasure gifting business — but in reality, it became so much more. A whirlwind of discovery, connection, and courage.
Why Hong Kong?
My main manufacturer is based in Dongguan, China, and while I was keen to visit them, time and money were limited. I needed a trip that would allow me to meet my existing suppliers face-to-face, while also building new relationships, exploring emerging technologies and trends, and finding opportunities to expand our offering.
Each year, Hong Kong hosts the Asia Adult Expo — the region’s largest trade show dedicated to (yes, you guessed it) 18+ pleasure products. Attending the expo felt like the smartest use of my resources: one space, hundreds of suppliers, and a chance to see the very latest in product innovation. My goal was clear: discover high-quality, beautifully designed products that are not just fun, but also safe and giftable.
Walking Into the Unknown
I’ll admit it — I was nervous. Walking into a massive international expo, in a city I’d never been to, representing a business I’ve built from scratch? Intimidating. (Fun fact: I was so nervous I got the start date wrong and arrived a whole day early. I had to laugh and chalk it up as a very thorough dress rehearsal!)
Take two, and once the doors officially opened, my nerves disappeared. I knew immediately this was where I needed to be. The energy was electric. Booths bursting with creativity, innovation, and a touch of outrageous fun. I met brand owners and manufacturers who shared not just their products, but their vision for how intimacy, pleasure, and wellness can be celebrated around the world.
Meeting suppliers in person was a game-changer. Face-to-face conversations helped me gauge not just the quality of their products, but also the kind of businesses they run. It built instant trust and gave me confidence about the partnerships I could form. Just as importantly, being physically present signalled that I’m serious about my brand and serious about building strong, respectful supplier relationships. Anyone who has dealt with overseas supply chains knows how important that is.
Finding “That’s The Spot” on a Global Stage
One of the most powerful moments was realising just how much space That’s The Spot has to play on the global stage. Here I was: a mum from Melbourne who left corporate leadership to build a brand that makes sexual wellness as giftable and normal as flowers or champagne. And yet, I was holding my own in conversations with international manufacturers, right alongside some of the biggest players in the industry. It was a real pinch-me moment — standing proud as I spotted trends and curated ideas I knew would resonate with the Australian market.
Beyond the Expo
Of course, I couldn’t resist soaking up a little Hong Kong beyond the expo walls. The food, the lights, the organised chaos — it was exhilarating. And having three days afterwards to explore with my husband (child-free!) made the whole experience even more special. We wandered through markets, admired the skyline from a very windy Victoria Peak, and let ourselves be tourists for a while.
What I Brought Home
I returned to Australia with a notebook full of new supplier contacts, exciting product ideas that will soon find their way into That’s The Spot gift boxes, and a renewed sense of possibility. Most importantly, I came home with confidence: confidence in myself, in my vision, and in the growing demand for what we’re building.
For any mumpreneur considering a leap into the unknown — whether it’s a new market, an overseas trip, or your first trade show — my advice is simple: say yes. The nerves are real, but the growth on the other side is even more real.
Hong Kong was my first sourcing trip, but it certainly won’t be my last. Watch this space — the next chapter for That’s The Spot is looking bright, colourful, and unlike anything anyone has seen before.
Lessons Learned From My First Sourcing Trip To Hong Kong
If you’re thinking about making a similar trip, here are a few things I’d share from my experience:
- Do your homework, but stay flexible. Research the expo, exhibitors, and key trends beforehand — but be open to surprises. Some of my best discoveries weren’t even on my radar before I arrived.
- Budget for more than flights and hotels. Factor in meals, transport, shipping samples back home (or buying an extra carry on case like I did), and unexpected opportunities (you’ll want to say yes to some).
- Prioritise in-person connections. No amount of email or WhatsApp compares to shaking someone’s hand and looking them in the eye. It sets the tone for stronger, more reliable partnerships.
- Show up as the business you want to be. Even if you’re small, be confident, be curious, and present yourself professionally. People take you seriously when you take yourself seriously.
- Balance work with a little play. Making time to explore Hong Kong gave me a chance to recharge and return home inspired, not just exhausted.