From 11 Moves to Home: How Myriam Shemtov Found Belonging in Hong Kong’s Scented Sanctuary

What makes a home? In a city as dynamic and ever-changing as Hong Kong, it’s a question that lingers long after you’ve unpacked your bags. For Myriam Shemtov, a true global citizen who has called over 11 places across Africa, Europe, and Asia home, the answer is neither a place nor a possession—it’s a feeling. It’s warmth, it’s clarity, it’s belonging. It’s about creating a space that feels grounded, no matter where you are. And it was this pursuit that led her to establish Mensō, a brand born from her own rich life experience.

Raised in Senegal, with roots in Ivory Coast, Myriam’s life is a mosaic of cultures and experiences. After business school in France, she embarked on a global career that took her to the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Monaco, mainland China, and now Hong Kong. As the Global Head of Product and IT for a major logistics company, Myriam’s life is marked by constant movement and innovation. But when it comes to finding true comfort, it’s not technology or sleek boardrooms that inspire her—it’s the simple act of building a home wherever she goes.

“I don’t have a background in interiors,” Myriam admits. “But I know what it means to create an environment that feels right. I’ve built homes in so many places, and I’ve learned that tidiness, a clean home, and scent is one of the most powerful ways to make a space your own.”

Creating a Home Away From Home

For Myriam, home has never been defined by physical walls or possessions; it’s something more intangible. Having moved across countries and continents, she found that home is a construct we carry within us. It’s about the familiar—the scent of a candle, the warmth of a space, the comfort of those we love. It’s these small, everyday moments that transform a new city into a place where we can finally breathe, relax, and feel truly at home.

The idea for Mensō emerged from this very philosophy. The brand name itself combines the French word maison (home) and the Japanese ensō (circle of enlightenment), representing a balance between comfort and mindful living. It’s a collection built around fragrances that don’t just fill a room, but cultivate an experience—a feeling of grounded calm in the midst of a busy, transient life.

“My husband is the safest place and person I know,” Myriam shares. “He makes every house feel like home.” In both her personal and professional life, she follows the philosophy that “leaders eat last”—a belief she carries into every interaction, from boardrooms to business ventures. It’s this deep sense of humility and grounded leadership that influences her approach to Mensō: a brand rooted in real experience, rather than trend-chasing or artificial perfection.

Building a Brand From the Ground Up

Mensō wasn’t born out of a business plan or a focus group—it grew organically from Myriam’s own journey. After each move, she had to rebuild—not just physically, but emotionally. She understands better than most that the key to feeling at home is creating an environment that reflects who you are. In frenetic paced cities like Hong Kong, this philosophy resonates deeply, especially for those that understand the challenge of finding balance amidst constant change.

“Moving so often has taught me that the small things matter,” Myriam explains. “The scent of a candle, the feeling of a familiar space—it’s these little elements that make a new place feel like home.” It’s this knowledge that drives the design behind Mensō’s collection. Each scent is a journey—a carefully crafted fragrance that taps into universal emotions like calm, nostalgia, and comfort. These are the scents that, no matter where you are, can transport you to a place of safety, clarity, and connection.

For those of us living in Hong Kong, a city that can often feel like a transient hub of busy professionals and changing faces, Mensō offers a rare opportunity: the chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect. “I wanted to create something that helps people slow down,” says Myriam. “We live in an energy of constant movement, especially in Hong Kong. I wanted to provide a moment to savour—to reconnect with yourself and the space you’re in.”

The Mensō Approach: Slow Living in a Fast World

In a world obsessed with speed, technology, and the next big thing, Mensō’s approach is one of deliberate, thoughtful design. Unlike the mass-market home fragrances that flood our homes, Mensō candles are not about novelty or fleeting trends. Each scent is intentional—crafted to evoke a specific emotion, to help you pause and be present. Myriam doesn’t just want to sell candles; she wants to create experiences that feel authentic and personal.

“We don’t chase trends,” Myriam insists. “We focus on creating something that feels timeless, something that lasts.” And this philosophy extends beyond the products themselves; it’s a way of life. In Hong Kong, where the pressure to perform and keep up with the city’s rhythm can feel overwhelming, Mensō offers a moment of reprieve—a chance to create a sanctuary in your own space.

What Does Home Mean to You?

For many of us, the idea of home can seem elusive. But for Myriam Shemtov, home is not defined by geography—it’s about the people and experiences that ground us. Whether it’s the safety of a loved one, the clarity of a familiar scent, the satisfaction of a clean home, or the stillness of a quiet space, Mensō is a brand that helps you cultivate that sense of belonging.

For those who have lived in multiple countries, constantly on the move, the search for home is universal. It’s not about the place; it’s about the feeling. And in a city as vibrant and ever-changing as Hong Kong, Mensō offers more than just a candle—it offers a reminder to slow down and create a space where you can truly feel at home, no matter where life takes you.

So, what does home mean to you? Is it a place, a person, or a feeling? Mensō is here to help you find that answer.

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