How Jessica Berman Turned a Family Recipe into Hong Kong’s Favorite Soda
- Kyla Gebhardt
- Jul 22
- 5 min read
In the vibrant city of Hong Kong, where the beverage market is often flooded with sugary drinks and artificial flavors, Jessica Berman saw an opportunity. With no prior experience in the food and beverage industry, Jessica set out to create something different—a soda that was not just refreshing but also healthier, rooted in real ingredients and family values.
Enter Neon Tiger: a brand inspired by her mother’s homemade sodas, promising full flavor with none of the artificial gimmicks.
You might have already tasted Neon Tiger at one of our various events, where Jessica has become a familiar face. She is always ready to provide a refreshing drink for many to enjoy as we network and gain new experiences within our community. We truly admire her quality and commitment, which have not only made her a staple at our gatherings but also a beloved entrepreneur in Hong Kong.
To get to know Jessica a bit more, we ask her a few questions to really understand her perspective and how her journey began!
The Spark of Inspiration
Jessica’s journey with Neon Tiger was born out of a personal need. As a mother, she struggled to find a drink she felt comfortable giving her kids. Most options were either packed with sugar or sweetened artificially, leaving Jessica unimpressed. “I wanted to create a drink with real sugar, but in moderation,” she explains. This desire to balance great taste with health-conscious choices became the foundation of Neon Tiger.
From Soda to Something More
What started as a simple idea quickly evolved into something much bigger. Initially, Jessica envisioned Neon Tiger as a soda alternative for kids and health-conscious adults. But as she explored the potential of her product, she discovered its versatility.
"I realised that it’s also a great mixer for delicious cocktails, and a year later, we discovered that Neon Tiger makes a fantastic mixer for coffee as well." - Jessica
This flexibility allowed her to broaden her customer base, turning a simple soda into a versatile beverage enjoyed in various forms.
A Supportive Community
Jessica credits much of her success to the Women of Hong Kong (WOHK) community, which embraced her vision from the very beginning. “WOHK was our first customer,” she says, reflecting on the unwavering support from fellow entrepreneurs like Elisabetta and Sarah, who championed her brand from its early days.
The connection began at the women’s lounge shortly after its opening, where Jessica introduced three flavors of her newly crafted beverages. “I’d love for you to try them,” she offered. The flavors were an instant hit, prompting an invitation to display Neon Tiger at the lounge for all members to enjoy. Jessica enthusiastically agreed, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Neon Tiger quickly became the go-to beverage for WOHK events, earning countless positive comments for its unique and delightful flavors. Watching women entrepreneurs support one another so wholeheartedly has been both inspiring and heartwarming.
As Jessica’s journey continues to unfold, we are proud to have played a small part in her early success and remain honored to support her growth with Neon Tiger.
Family at the Heart of the Brand
Jessica’s journey with Neon Tiger is deeply rooted in her family. Inspired by her mother’s homemade juices, she now shares that legacy with her own children, creating a brand that reflects her values and passion. Whenever she visits the lounge, Jessica feels the warmth of community, as many women approach her to share their appreciation for the drink—a testament to the meaningful connections she’s built along the way.
Her children are also an integral part of the business, turning the journey into a joyful family venture. A particularly memorable moment came when her 7-year-old daughter made the first sale.
"We were walking out of our apartment when my 7-year-old daughter told our neighbour about Neon Tiger. My neighbour immediately placed an order” - Jessica
Jessica’s eldest daughter, though living overseas, actively supports the brand by reposting Neon Tiger stories on Instagram and engaging with people and businesses during her visits to Hong Kong. Meanwhile, her two younger children are hands-on at events, proudly wearing Neon Tiger merchandise, helping with logistics, and even pitching in to sell cans.
It’s a heartwarming story of a family coming together to support an inspiring mother as she follows her dreams and builds a brand that’s as much about love as it is about soda.
Breaking Barriers & Turning Heads
Despite her many achievements, Jessica continues to face the challenges that come with navigating a male-dominated industry. She admits that it can be frustrating at times, as people often assume her two male business partners are her bosses. Others dismiss her contributions simply because she works from home while staying actively involved in her children’s daily lives.
Yet, Jessica remains undeterred. With confidence and determination, she continues to introduce herself as the co-founder of Neon Tiger, proving that success is not defined by traditional stereotypes but by passion, hard work, and resilience.
Networking for Success
For Jessica, networking has been a game-changer. Though initially intimidating, she now sees it as an essential part of growing Neon Tiger. “As Sarah and Elisabetta always say, it’s important to attend events and engage with people,” she shares. These interactions have helped her build connections and open doors to new opportunities.
While it can be daunting to initiate conversations about her brand, she now embraces these interactions as opportunities to promote Neon Tiger and to create valuable relationships with other amazing entrepreneurs at Women of Hong Kong and explore new topics and ideas.
Looking Ahead
With plans to expand beyond Hong Kong and experiment with new flavors, Jessica is excited about the future. “Let’s see what the future holds!” she says with a smile, her optimism shining through.
A Message to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Jessica’s journey serves as an inspiration to many. When asked what advice she would give to those considering starting their own business, especially in the food and beverage sector, her response is simple:
"Try it…the biggest regret would be not knowing what would’ve come out of it." - Jessica
With her unwavering spirit and commitment to quality, Jessica Berman is not just serving drinks; she’s shaping a community and creating a legacy with Neon Tiger.
Cheers to that!
To learn more about Jessica Berman and Neon Tiger, visit their website at https://www.drinkneontiger.com/ and follow them on Instagram @drinkneontiger to stay updated on their new beverage flavours and to order yours now, experiencing a new refreshing take on soda!
