Evan’s Journey: From Passion to Purpose with Gohobi

I’m Evan, the founder and managing director of Gohobi. Four years ago, I started out packing orders in a small storage room at home.  Today, we’re operating from a 1,500-square-foot warehouse in London, with orders steadily flowing in. Looking back, entrepreneurship wasn’t about what I ‘should’ or ‘had to’ do—it was about bringing what I truly wanted to live.

From Corporate Climb to Creative Calling 

After graduating with a business degree and a Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification, I embarked on what seemed like a secure career in finance at a large corporation.  On the surface, it was a stable and prestige path. But over time, I realised something was missing. Seeking deeper fulfillment, I shifted from big corporations to small companies, and eventually to nonprofits, trying to find my true calling.

Each step brought a new layer of learning. Large corporations taught me about structure and scalability  , while smaller companies gave me the chance to handle broader responsibilities. And in the non-profit sector, I saw that a career could be more than financial gain—it could embody a commitment to beliefs and community. These diverse experiences broadened my perspective and helped clarify what I wanted to build for myself and the impact I wanted to make.

Growing up in an East Asian household and spending my formative years in Paris and London, I developed a love for the unique aesthetics of each place, especially in home design. These cultural influences, each rich with its own traditions and subtleties, inspired me and shaped my perspective on design and the feeling of home.  I wanted to create a brand that reflects this appreciation, blending my interests with my professional skills.

So, with this vision, I started Gohobi in that modest storage room with a simple yet powerful ethos: “Buy Less, Buy Better” and “Wabi-sabi”—a philosophy that values simplicity, warmth, and authenticity amid the rush of everyday life. Every item is chosen with care, reflecting a commitment to sincerity, thoughtfulness, and quality, and with it, my vision of bringing comfort and calm into the modern home.

Rising Through Resilience

Starting Gohobi in that small corner of my home, I quickly learned that building a business is far from easy.  Supply chain issues, damaged goods, tight budgets—each day brought new tests of patience and resilience. My busiest days felt like a marathon; —I’d start at dawn, packing orders, spend the day managing suppliers, and respond to customers late into the night.  At times, when products filled nearly every corner of my space, I wondered if the exhaustion was worth the freedom I was pursuing.

But slowly, those challenges became my fuel. I knew Gohobi wasn’t just about selling products; it was my way of sharing a lifestyle and honouring cultural appreciation. I wanted every customer to find that rare sense of calm through our designs. So, despite the struggles, I kept going- improving our processes and refining our offerings. I settled into a steady rhythm, and with each improvement, I felt Gohobi’s mission coming to life, resonating with others as much as it did with me.

Choosing What Matters

From a small corner to a 1,500-square-foot warehouse, Gohobi has grown into a lifestyle brand with a distinct identity. This journey might not be a “by-the-book” success, but for me, the soul of the brand is what matters most. Gohobi isn’t just a commercial endeavour; it’s as layered and personal as I am. Every product selection and design reflects my core values: embracing simplicity, imperfection, and intentionality. My hope is that each customer experiences this ethos and finds joy in the details we craft.

In international markets, Gohobi offers products ranging from modest to luxury prices—a strategy that may seem unconventional. However, our mission is to invite more people to experience the beauty of tea culture and East Asian aesthetics. We focus on quality over marketing gimmicks, backed by our  30-day return policy to reflect our confidence in each piece’s craftsmanship. “Choose what you love, and love what you choose”—is our approach to slow, intentional living through every piece Gohobi offers.

Paving the Way Forward

From a humble passion project to a full-fledged brand, my journey is fueled by courage, resilience, and clarity. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about “monetising a hobby”; it’s about transforming passion into a sustainable force for good. Each time I witness customers connecting with Gohobi’s products and incorporating them into their lives, I’m reminded why every effort has been worthwhile.

To anyone with a dream, I hope my story inspires you to pursue what you love. Embracing your passion is essential, but so is building the resilience to keep moving forward.

Founder's Field Notes✍🏻

Jingdezhen, China | September 2024

🏺Glaze Craze: My 11-Day Dive into Ceramics in China’s Porcelain Capital

In London, I have been immersed in ceramics for quite a while, taking weekly pottery classes to deepen my understanding of materials, colours, and firing techniques. These classes gave me a solid grasp of glaze formulas and the artistry involved, and they’ve been instrumental in building trust with Gohobi’s customers who often inquire about the origins and quality of our pieces. But when I came to Jingdezhen this time, I wanted a new, intense challenge—so I signed up for an 11-day, hands-on glaze-making course at Infinite Glaze. The experience was transformative: I walked away not only with a “signature glaze” but also a deeper respect for the craft.

🌟 It’s Not Just the Formula—It’s the Fundamentals!

Initially, I thought glaze-making was just about learning formulas. But my teacher quickly shattered that myth, showing me that true mastery lies in understanding the chemistry, balance, and intention behind each glaze. Within days, I realised how subtle changes in colour, texture, and sheen could create completely different effects—a world of knowledge hiding in every layer.

🫢 When the Founder Flips: My First “Glaze Fail”

My turn finally came to mix a glaze—and let’s just say it didn’t go as planned. Every detail matters: proportions, temperature, timing. My first piece was a complete “glaze fail.” But as I kept experimenting, each tweak brought unexpected colour changes, and with each success, that feeling of discovery grew more addictive.

Alongside the glaze journey, I met local ceramic artists and brand founders whose passion for ceramics was contagious. The shared excitement was inspiring, and I hope to collaborate with them in the future, bringing ceramic art to more people. Back at Gohobi, we’re also developing a line of ceramic tools and glazes to support others in the craft with the quality they deserve.

This experience has given me a deeper connection to each piece we create at Gohobi. Now, every ceramic feels like a fusion of art and time, shaped by skill and dedication. I hope that as Gohobi grows, we continue to share not just beautiful pieces, but the story, craft, and warmth that go into each one. With these tales, I hope you’ll feel the artistry in every ceramic, knowing it’s been made with heart and care.