Hong Kong’s rising entertainment star, Marf Yau (local name: 邱彥筒), and her boyfriend, actor and personality Locker Lin (林家熙), are reportedly shifting their flourishing partnership from the highly visible entertainment scene to a major entrepreneurial venture. Exclusive reports suggest the celebrity couple is planning a significant investment—estimated to be in the seven-figure range—to launch their own lifestyle brand of coffee shops, aspiring to create what sources are calling a “coffee kingdom.”
The 23-year-old musician, who has dominated music, film, and television since winning the reality show King Maker IV in 2021 and debuting with the high-profile girl group COLLAR, is leveraging her significant professional momentum and commercial appeal into a new business area. While focusing on their high-flying careers, sources indicate the couple plans to open their first venue in 2025, cementing their status as one of the city’s most formidable power couples.
Transitioning from Stage to Startup
Marf Yau’s career has been meteoric since her debut. She secured the Gold Award for Female New Artist in the local music circuit last year and was recently shortlisted for the prestigious “My Favourite Female Singer” award. Her performing talent has earned international recognition, including a highly praised opening act performance for the British band Coldplay’s Hong Kong concert, which even drew commendation from veteran Cantopop star Eason Chan.
The singer’s distinct style and widespread popularity have also transformed her into a major advertising draw, making her one of COLLAR’s top earners. Despite the high visibility of her relationship with Locker Lin, the public presence has only amplified her appeal, a rare feat in the often-scrutinized Asian entertainment industry. Lin, known for his work in online media and acting, complements Marf’s mainstream fame, creating a powerful marketing dynamic.
Strategy: Learning from the Masters
The decision to enter the competitive coffee market is not casual. The couple, both self-proclaimed coffee enthusiasts, have been observed actively engaging in market research, visiting independent coffee houses in trendy districts like Tai Hang. They are reportedly taking a hands-on approach, learning advanced brewing techniques from professional baristas.
Crucially, the entrepreneurial blueprint is said to be modelled after the success of actor Moses Chan, who successfully built a well-known coffee brand locally. This strategic emulation suggests Marf and Locker are focusing on long-term sustainability rather than merely capitalizing on celebrity endorsement.
Key Entrepreneurial Steps:
- Investment: Securing seven-figure funding for the launch.
- Skill Acquisition: Undergoing professional barista training.
- Goal: Establishing a multi-location “coffee kingdom.”
- Timeline: Targeting a 2025 opening date.
Relationship Milestones and Future Prospects
Beyond business, the couple’s personal commitment appears strong. Locker Lin has reportedly developed a harmonious relationship with Marf’s mother, securing the coveted “mother-in-law approval.” While sources close to the family confirm that marriage is an eventual goal, the immediate priority remains solidifying their professional and business ventures.
The plan to launch a joint business before transitioning into marriage aligns with a growing trend among young, high-achieving public figures who prioritize establishing a strong financial and professional foundation before personal life milestones. Should the coffee venture succeed, it would not only diversify their income streams but establish them as serious players in Hong Kong’s burgeoning celebrity-led entrepreneurial landscape, setting a new standard for star power beyond the stage.
