Yuk Yung 玉容
Life is Beautiful
This is the inspiring tale of an exceptional woman who emerged from the challenging years of World War II in China to become a pioneer in Bangkok's jadeite industry. She faced myriad hurdles, including limited access to education amidst the chaos of war. However, her resilience and determination propelled her family's relocation to Hong Kong, where she embarked on a journey of self-education.
In the 1960s, she ventured to Bangkok and established the city's sole jadeite business, overcoming obstacles with her unwavering spirit and dedication. Her life exemplifies selflessness, a thirst for knowledge, and a commitment to helping others. She continues to thrive, embodying values such as clarity of vision, passion, self-discipline, forgiveness, perseverance, and physical fitness. Her jadeite business flourishes, serving as a testament to her enduring legacy. This narrative invites kindred spirits to join her journey and partake in the rich heritage of CCjadehouse.
这是一个激励人心的故事，讲述了一位杰出的女性从中国二战时期的艰难岁月中崛起，成为曼谷玉石行业的先驱。她出生于动荡的上世纪，面对诸多障碍，包括战乱时期教育资源的匮乏。然而，她的坚韧与决心推动了家人迁居到香港，并开始了自我教育的征程。
上世纪六十年代，她踏上了曼谷的征途，建立了该市唯一的玉石企业，在坚定的精神和奉献精神的推动下，克服了重重困难。她的一生展现了无私、求知欲和帮助他人的承诺。她继续茁壮成长，体现着清晰的愿景、激情、自律、宽容、毅力和身体健康等价值观。这个故事邀请志同道合的人加入她的旅程，分享CCjadehouse丰富的传承。
The Founder's Story
My mother
My Mom: Leung, Yuk Yung
Let's travel back to a time before most of you were born. I don't know who took this picture or at which studio, but I'm certain it was in the southern part of China, in Xiguan (West Gate) in Guangzhou, where my mom was born. Today, this area is generally recognized as part of the Liwan District. This photo was taken in 1940s with my grandmom on the left, my 4th aunty in the middle and my mom on the right. She is about 10 years old in the photo, can you spot my mom in the picture? When she was a child, my mom was daring and believed she could do anything others could. She once told me about a time when she saw people playing and swimming in a pond. Without a second thought, she jumped in and nearly drowned. As a result, my grandfather grounded her for several days.
我妈妈：梁玉容
讓我們回到一個大多數人尚未出生的時代。我不知道這張照片是誰拍的，也不知道是在哪個攝影棚拍的，但我確定它是在中國南方的廣州西關（現稱為荔灣區）拍的，那裡是我媽媽的出生地。照片中的她大约10岁左右，你能在照片中認出我媽媽嗎？这张照片拍摄于1940年代，左边是我的外婆，中间是我的四姨，右边是我的妈妈。 我媽媽小時候非常勇敢，相信自己能做到別人能做的事。她曾經告訴我，有一次她看到很多人在池塘裡玩耍和游泳，她毫不猶豫地跳進水裡，結果差點溺水。最終，她被我外祖父禁足了好幾天。
The Founder's Story
Born in Xiguan, Guangzhou
My mom was born in Guangzhou Liwan, historically known as Xiguan, which retains its early 20th-century charm. Named after "Lichi Bay," it is renowned for its scenic beauty and distinctive regional culture that blends ancient and modern elements with Eastern and Western influences.
My mom’s sense of artistry may stem from her family business; her father, Leung Zhao, runs Cheng Li Cixiu Zhuang (Cheng Li Embroidery Village) on No. 12 Xisheng Street. You can still find some traditional embroidery shops in the region, contributed to the area's cultural tapestry.
我妈妈出生在广州荔湾区，历史上称为西关，至今仍保留着20世纪初的魅力。以“荔枝湾”命名，以其秀丽的风景和独特的区域文化而闻名，融合了古今元素和东西方影响。
我妈妈的艺术感可能源自她的家族生意；她的父亲梁昭在西胜街12号经营着成利绣庄。你仍然可以在这一地区找到一些传统的刺绣店，这些店铺为该地区的文化画卷增添了色彩。
The Founder's Story
Family
My mom’s name is Leung Yuk Yung. She is the eldest daughter in a large family of seven siblings (though two passed away and are not shown in the picture). My grandfather, Leung Zhao, married two wives. On his left side is my grandmother, who raised all the children and also took care of me and my siblings. The little boy next to her is the youngest son, my uncle, who now lives in Canada. The woman sitting next to him is my step-grandmother, whom the family traditionally calls "Sai Tse," literal meaning "younger sister." Sitting next to my grandfather is his elder sister, whom I have never met. My mom is standing right behind her parents, and you can already see her charisma standing out from her family. The two young women next to her are her younger sisters. The little girl standing on the far left is the youngest sister, who now lives in Hong Kong. Time flies and people move on. Now, besides my mom, my uncle in Canada, and my aunt in Hong Kong, all of them have passed away.
我妈妈的名字是梁玉容。她是一个大家庭中七个兄弟姐妹中的长女（但有两个已经去世，没有出现在照片中）。我祖父梁昭娶了两个妻子，在他左边的是我的祖母，她抚养了所有的孩子，也照顾我和我的兄弟姐妹。她旁边的小男孩是最小的儿子，我的舅舅，他现在住在加拿大。坐在他旁边的女人是我的继祖母，按照家族传统，我们称她为“细姐”。坐在我祖父旁边的是他的姐姐，我从未见过她。我妈妈站在她父母的后面，你已经可以看到她在家人中脱颖而出的魅力。她旁边的两位年轻女性是她的妹妹。站在最左边的小女孩是最小的妹妹，她现在住在香港。时光飞逝，现在，除了我妈妈、住在加拿大的叔叔和住在香港的姑姑，其他人都已经去世了。
The Founder's Story
Buk Buk Zai
My mom didn’t have a chance to receive full education, but she treasured the few years her dad sent her to the old fashion private schools referring as "buk buk zai." The name comes from the Cantonese word "buk buk," which mimics the sound of hitting, and "zai," meaning a place of study. In these schools, corporal punishment was common, not because students were mischievous, but because they hadn't memorized their lessons well. The sound of wooden boards or bamboo sticks striking students became so frequent that people humorously called these schools "buk buk zai." Until now, my mom still chants "When three are walking together, I am sure to find teachers among them. I will select their good qualities and follow them, their bad qualities and avoid them."
我妈妈没有机会接受完整的教育，但她珍惜父亲送她去的那几年的传统私塾教育，这些私塾被称为“卜卜斋”。“卜卜斋”这个名字来源于广东话中的“卜卜”，模仿敲打声的词，“斋”指的是读书的地方。在这些私塾里，体罚很常见，这并不是因为学生调皮，而是因为他们没有熟练背诵课文。木板或竹片打在学生身上的声音非常频繁，人们幽默地称这些私塾为“卜卜斋”。直到现在，我妈妈仍然念叨着:「三人行，必有我師焉。擇其善者而從之，其不善者而改之。」
The Founder's Story
Yuk 玉
My mom's birth name is Leung Yuk Yung, or Yuk Yung Leung in the Western style. Her first name, Yuk, means Jade in Chinese. Although it's a common name in Chinese culture, it reflects the high value placed on jade as a symbol of harmony, peace, and prosperity. There's no photoshop at that time. The color photo was created through a process called manual photo colorization that was done using traditional art materials such as paint, colored pencils, or airbrushing.
我妈妈的名字是梁玉容，她的名字中的“玉”在中文里是“翡翠”的意思。虽然在中国这是一个常见的名字，但它体现了中国人对翡翠这种象征和谐、和平和繁荣的珍贵材料的重视。在那个时候没有 Photoshop。彩色照片是通过一种叫做手工照片上色的工艺制作的，这个过程使用了传统的艺术材料，比如颜料、彩色铅笔或者喷枪上色。
The Founder's Story
Hong Kong
China faced significant economic difficulties in 1930, compounded by civil war, prompting many to travel freely to different parts of the country to escape the turmoil. My mom has always been positive, and fearless. At just 19, she ventured to Hong Kong alone, reconnecting with her grandmother and fourth aunt. She began working at a clothing manufacturer, quickly demonstrating her leadership skills and consistently exceeding daily targets, earning additional bonuses.
Decades later, my mom continues to take pride in her accomplishments and thrives beyond boundaries, embodying the same spirit of determination and success.
中国在1930年代面临严重的经济困难，加上内战的影响，许多人移居到一些动荡比较的地方另觅机会。我妈妈一直性情积极及无畏挑战。在她19岁时，独自一人前往香港，与她的祖母和四姨重聚。她开始在一家服装厂工作，很快展现出她的领导才能，持续超额完成每日目标，赢得额外的奖金。
至今过了许多个年头，我妈妈依然为她的成就感到自豪，并在她这个年纪继续跨越界限，展现出同样的决心和成功的精神。
The Founder's Story
Translucent Imperial Green
My dad was one of the pioneers in the jadeite trade, which in fact is highly risky and kind of gambling. Because you will never know what’s inside the jadeite rough not until you cut it open. In 1961, my dad with partners bought a jadeite rough and discovered it came with top grade translucent imperial green color. They successfully sold it to a Japanese company and made the first pot of gold. My mom and dad later went to Bangkok and set up C. C. Gems continuing the jadeite business.
我爸爸是翡翠贸易的先驱之一，这实际上是非常高风险且带有赌博性质的行业。因为在切开翡翠原石之前，你永远不知道里面是什么样子。1961年，我爸爸和合伙人购买了一块翡翠原石，发现里面是顶级的透明帝王绿。他们成功地把它卖给了一家日本公司，赚到了第一桶金。我父母后来去了曼谷，创办了C.C. Gems，继续经营翡翠生意。
The Founder's Story
Bangkok - C. C. GEMS
The original store was established at 432 Suriwong Road, near Honey Night Club, which offered dim sum at lunch and featured performances by star singers from Taiwan and Hong Kong. At that time, my parents carried also gemstones, Thai silk and other souvenirs. Although business wasn't too bad, my mom eventually faced many ups and downs at this location and came to believe the location had significant Feng Shui issues. In 1988, the government decided to build an expressway in the area, leading to the closure of several businesses, including my mom's shop. She relocated to the current location, where she has remained ever since.
最初的店铺设在Suriwong路432号，靠近Honey Night Club，该夜总会午餐时供应点心，并有来自台湾和香港的明星歌手表演。当时，我父母还销售宝石、泰国丝绸和其他纪念品。尽管生意还不错，我妈妈最终在这个地方经历了许多起伏，并认为店铺所在的位置有严重的风水问题。1988年，政府决定在该地区修建一条高速公路，导致包括我妈妈店铺在内的几家商店关闭。她搬到了现在的地址，并一直营业至今。
The Founder's Story
First Marriage
At 19, my mom ventured to Hong Kong, where she was later introduced to my father, Li Lin Wan, a Burmese man originally from Yunnan, China. My mom was drawn to him not only for his good looks but also because she believed that marrying someone from a farther distance would result in smarter and brighter offspring.
During that era, it was common for men to have multiple wives, and my father already had two—one in Burma and one in Yunnan. There was no formal wedding ceremony for my parents, which my mom still mentions as a missing link in her life. In the 1960s, she followed my dad to Bangkok, Thailand, to begin her journey with jadeite.
我妈妈19岁时前往香港，在那里她认识了我的父亲李连运，他是一个来自中国云南的缅甸人。妈妈被他吸引，不仅因为他英俊，还因为她相信与远方的人结婚会生出更聪明和优秀的后代。
在那个年代，男人可以娶多位妻子，我父亲已经有两个妻子，一个在缅甸，一个在云南。我的父母没有正式的婚礼仪式，我妈妈至今仍觉得这是她人生中的一个遗憾。上世纪60年代，她跟随我父亲来到泰国曼谷，开始了她的翡翠之旅。
The Founder's Story
Life-time learning
Despite having no formal education, my mom has always been incredibly proactive and determined to learn. Although she barely completed primary school, she taught herself to write Chinese characters. After setting up the shop in Bangkok, my dad frequently traveled for business, leaving my mom took charge of the shop. Recognizing the importance of language, she improved her Mandarin, learned Thai, and hired a tutor to teach her English. Over time, she became proficient enough to conduct business conversations in English with customers from around the world. Additionally, she also learned to drive, and navigating Bangkok’s traffic is no easy feat. Remarkably, she drove until she was 70 years old without ever having an accident.
尽管没有接受过正式教育，我妈妈一直非常积极主动，并且决心学习。虽然她仅完成了小学教育，但她自学会了书写汉字。设立了曼谷的商铺后，爸爸经常出差，留下妈妈负责店铺。认识到语言的重要性，她提高了普通话水平，学习了泰语，并聘请了老师教她英语。随着时间的推移，她逐渐熟练到能够用英语与来自世界各地的客户进行商务对话。此外，她还学会了驾驶，而在曼谷的交通中驾驶绝非易事。她一直开车到70岁，从未发生过事故。
The Founder's Story
Mastering Jadeite
A key factor in my mom’s success was her savvy approach to purchasing. In her younger years, she was a pioneer in the jadeite industry, becoming one of the first women to travel to Burma to source raw jadeite. At that time, the industry was predominantly male-dominated, and it was exceptionally challenging for a woman to navigate the trade. Her ability to make smart purchasing decisions and her determination to succeed in a challenging environment set her apart. Her pioneering spirit and keen business sense allowed her to carve out a niche for herself and thrive in an industry where women were rarely seen.
我妈妈成功的一个关键因素是她聪明的采购决策。年轻时，她成为了早期的女性先驱之一，前往缅甸采购翡翠原料。在那个时候，这个行业主要由男性主导，女性在这个贸易中面临着极大的挑战。她的聪明采购决策和在困难环境中取得成功的决心使她脱颖而出。她的开创精神和敏锐的商业眼光使她在一个女性罕见的行业中开辟了自己的天地并取得了成功。
The Founder's Story
Believe it or not
My mom often told me about the feng shui of her old store, starting with a monk who warned her not to buy a large blue sapphire, predicting it would bring bad luck. She forgot about it until someone came to her store, offering to sell her a 40 CT blue sapphire at a very low price. While she was considering it, the seller left the stone and never returned.
Soon after, she was hit by a boat while swimming, fortunately only sustaining minor injuries. My dad also passed away on a trip to Burma. Remembering the monk's warning, she tried to return the stone but couldn't find the seller. Later, she was hit by a motorcycle outside her store, causing a serious injury that still requires a metal extension in her leg.
The bad luck continued. Another monk visited her store, warning her to be cautious of someone suspicious. She even dreamt of a robbery, which came true when robbers from Hong Kong tied her up and snatched everything. Two years later in 1988, the government shut down all the shops in the area to build a freeway, forcing her to relocate the store to its current location.
我妈妈经常给我讲她旧店的风水故事，最开始是一位和尚警告她不要购买一颗大的蓝宝石，说它会带来厄运。她渐渐忘记了这件事，直到有一天，有人到她店里以很低的价格出售一颗40克拉大蓝宝石。她正在考虑时，卖家却留下宝石，再也没有回来。
不久后，她在游泳时被船撞到，幸运的是只受了轻伤。我爸爸也在去缅甸的旅途中去世了。想起和尚的警告，她试图把宝石还给卖家，但却找不到他。后来，她在店外过马路时被摩托车撞到，导致腿部严重受伤，至今仍需要金属支架。
厄运还在继续。另一位和尚拜访了她的店，提醒她要小心某个可疑的人。她甚至梦到了一场抢劫，结果真的发生了，来自香港的劫匪将她和佣人捆绑起来，抢走了店里的所有东西。两年后的1988年，政府为了修建高速公路关闭了该地区所有的店铺，迫使她将店铺搬迁到现在的位置。
The Founder's Story
The Robbery
On the evening of October 20, 1984, my mom was preparing to close her store and head to a banquet when a man who had come earlier returned with another person. Believing they were tourists from Hong Kong who spoke Cantonese, my mom let them in. Once inside, they pulled out a gun and threatened her and her assistant. After tying them up, the men robbed the store, taking everything. My mom managed to free herself and called the police.
The ordeal didn’t end there. My mom told me the same robbers later targeted a gold shop but were met with resistance from the owner. During the struggle, they shot and killed him. Such a large-scale robbery was rare in Bangkok, and the police soon caught the criminals, sending them to trial. However, their accomplices attempted to bomb the court and free them. Though they initially succeeded in breaking out their friends, the police eventually tracked them down. In the ensuing gunfight, all the robbers were killed.
1984年10月20日晚上，我妈妈正准备关店去参加一个宴会。一个之前来过的男人带着另一个人再次出现。我妈妈以为他们是会说粤语的香港游客，便让他们进了店。不久后，他们掏出枪指着我妈妈和她的助手。绑住她们后，开始抢劫，把店里的东西洗劫一空。我妈妈设法解开绳子并报警。
事情并没有就此结束。我妈妈告诉我，这伙劫匪后来抢劫了一家金店，但遭到了店主的反抗。在争斗中，他们开枪打死了店主。这种大规模的抢劫在曼谷很罕见，警方很快抓住了罪犯并将他们送上法庭。然而，他们的同伙企图炸毁法庭营救他们。虽然最初成功救出了同伙，但警方最终追踪到了他们。在随后的枪战中，所有劫匪都被击毙。
The Founder's Story
The Phoenix Reborn
The past decade has been a roller coaster for my mom, but her determination and resilience helped her start anew. She relocated her business and opened a new chapter with a shop renamed C.C. Jade House, inspired by her belief that her initial success came from the imperial green jadeite stone. Over the years, she has become deeply knowledgeable about jadeite, seeing it as a symbol of prosperity, success, renewal, and longevity. She often recalls how, when she was hit by a motorcycle, her jadeite bangle shattered into three pieces, yet she recovered her health. This experience is why she gives jadeite pieces to us and her friends as a blessing for good fortune and protection.
过去的十年对我妈妈来说就像坐过山车一样，但凭借她的决心和坚韧，她找到了新的店铺位置，开始了人生的新篇章。新店命名为“玉屋”，因为我妈妈坚信她的第一次成功源自那块帝王绿翡翠。如今，她对翡翠有了深入的了解，相信它能带来繁荣、成功、更新和长寿。她常常提起，当她被摩托车撞到时，她的翡翠手镯断成了三块，但她还是恢复了健康。这也是为什么她总是将翡翠饰品送给我们和朋友，作为对他们的祝福，祈愿好运和保护。
The Founder's Story
Second Marriage
A decade after my dad passed away, my mom met her second husband, Zhang Hong an editor from Yunnan, China, who worked at a local Chinese newspaper. Interestingly, we didn’t call him "dad" but "Lousi" (meaning "teacher" in Cantonese). My mom truly cherished this second marriage because Lousi brought a literary spirit and knowledge that she had always desired. They enjoyed each other’s company, frequently attending banquets, dancing, and socializing with the local Thai Chinese society. During the day, Lousi supported at the store. Time flew by, and after 30 years of happiness, with perhaps some sorrows, Lousi, my second dad, passed away in February 2019.
在我爸爸去世十年后，我妈妈遇到了她的第二任丈夫, 张弘, 他是一位来自中国云南的编辑，在当地的一家中文报纸工作。有趣的是，我们没有称呼他为“爸爸”，而是称呼他为“老师”。我妈妈非常珍惜这段第二段婚姻，因为老师带来了她一直渴望的文学气息和知识。他们享受彼此的陪伴，经常参加宴会、跳舞，并与当地的泰国华人社区社交。在白天，老师会在店里支持她。时光飞逝，经过30年的幸福，也许还有些许的忧愁，老师，我的第二任父亲，于2019年2月去世。
The Founder's Story
The legacy continues
At 95, my mom is still deeply passionate about her collection of untreated jadeite. She hopes everyone can own a piece to appreciate its timeless beauty and enjoy the good luck, prosperity, and well-being it brings to them and their loved ones. Personally, I have so much to learn from her unwavering belief in something so meaningful—it inspires her to live each day with awe and wonder. Her energy and passion are truly contagious, encouraging others to find their own purpose and joy in life. Her story is a beautiful reminder that dedication and belief can inspire us to follow our passions, turning our interests into something meaningful, prosperous, and extraordinary.
我的母亲刚刚满95岁，但她依然对她的未经处理的翡翠玉石收藏充满热情。她希望每个人都能拥有一块翡翠，去欣赏它永恒的美丽，并感受它为自己和家人带来的好运、繁荣和福气。对我来说，我还有很多要向她学习，尤其是她对这种意义深远的事物坚定的信念——正是这种信念让她每天都能怀着敬畏和惊喜去生活。她的能量和热情非常有感染力，鼓舞着他人去寻找自己生命的意义和快乐。她的故事是一个美好的提醒，告诉我们通过坚持和信念，我们也可以追随自己的热爱，将兴趣变成有意义、有价值，并且能够取得非凡成就的事业。