If it wasn’t for the unexpected natural disaster, according to Rachel’s plan, she should now be working at a boutique hotel in Nepal, starting her life anew.

But her plan came to a halt after Nepal’s 7.8M earthquake last spring. “Two days before departure, Nepal was struck by a major earthquake, I had no choice but to go later.” She booked another ticket, but three days before heading off, Nepal was struck again by waves of vigorous aftershock.

It was a wake up call for Rachel: maybe it was a kind of sign, that she shouldn’t be leaving at all?

Hence she took another path: born to English and Japanese parents, Rachel’s mother Takako had been and living with her husband in UK, running a ceramic shop of her own, up until last year when she decided to relocate to Hong Kong. As Rachel had already been helping out in her mother’s new shop during her pre-job break. After the earthquake struck, she decided to stay in Hong Kong to team up with Mom, running this little shop together.

Though things didn’t go as planned, Rachel was happy to play along, as this shop was the second career that her mother had always dreamt of: “Before this ceramic business, my mother had been a banquet caterer for 10 years, specializing in fusion cuisine, she even cooked for (Britain’s Prime Minister) David Cameron.” Rachel recalls her mother’s story with pride.

However, as Takako’s health deteriorated a few years ago, she had to step out from the kitchen. Rachel seized this chance to persuade her mother: Haven’t you always wanted to open a ceramic shop? So what are you waiting for?

Most 20 something girls would find it unbearable to work and be with Mom 24/7, whereas Rachel is feeling grateful. “My mother is the most easygoing person on earth! My temper is worse than hers.”

This partnership also filled up a blank chapter in their lives.

“I went to boarding school since 13 years old, then I flew to Japan for university, so I grew up without Mum beside me.” She added with a cheeky smile, “but It’s good that she didn’t have to bear my teenage rebellion and angst.”

Now, as a grownup and her mother’s business partner, Rachel regularly flies to Japan with Takako, bringing back masterpieces from ceramists in the mountain areas of ceramic towns such as Mashiko and Kasama.

The mother and daughter see beauty from different perspectives: While Takako is into traditional, handmade and practical houseware, Rachel has a liking for raw and exceptionally designed artwork.

Their biggest argument so far was over a “lemon”, a light yellow, lemon shaped dish.

“It’s a bit childish, doesn’t look useful to me...” Rachel interrupted Takako, “It’s so cute! Why not?”

And life has another surprise for Rachel: one year after living out to her mother’s dream, Rachel grew fond of ceramic art and went one step further, taking up ceramic classes. So far she has attended four lessons, but one day she may have a collection of her own, which would sure make mom proud.

Address：Waka Artisans, S303, 3/F, Staunton, PMQ