Alarm at 6am. J.P. Morgan trading desk by 7.45am. Clock out at 6.30pm. Design custom jewellery until 1am.
For months, Koyo Song ran her jewellery business, Benalor, while holding down a full-time corporate finance job in Hong Kong – surviving on five hours of sleep and her ambition to build her own brand.
In July 2026, the 28-year-old walked away from her position as a sales associate – and a six-figure monthly salary – to run Benalor full time with her boyfriend and business partner, Avi Benita, who quit his job at a hedge fund this year, too.
Founded in 2025, Benalor offers rings, bracelets, necklaces and more, with prices ranging from HK$3,000 to HK$20,000 (US$380 to US$2,550). All the jewellery can be customised for free, and original pieces can be made to order.