Move over, traditional career guides. For the next generation navigating a world of limitless career possibilities, the well-meaning advice to “follow your passion” can feel overwhelming without a map. Now, a wave of adults with truly fascinating jobs are throwing that map wide open. They’re stepping out of their labs, studios, and field sites to share the real, unfiltered career advice they wish they’d had – not just about how to land the job, but how to build a life of curiosity, resilience, and purpose. This is more than career day; it’s a mentorship movement designed to inspire the innovators, problem-solvers, and dreamers of tomorrow.

Search the keyword #careerday to find more articles like this.

My name is Francesca Hanshing, from Chile. I’m the ‘Master Alchémykonista’ at Velveteen’s Secret Potions (aka VSP)—which is really just our funky way of saying Head Potioneer. My alchemy is customization: I transform personal stories and rare ingredients into fragrant potions and nourishing body-menjunjes, all to make our customers feel like the Very Special People they are.

Could you walk me through a typical day or week in your role? What are your primary responsibilities?

A typical week for me is a fluid cycle of three core acts: brewing our signature potions and menjunjes as the in-house alchémykonista; shaping that craft into our brand’s funky narrative as the lead storyteller for all marketing and content; and building real-world magic with the community through events and direct engagement. These roles constantly overlap, fueling long but deeply fulfilling days. The drive comes from knowing I’m not just managing tasks—I’m curating the entire living ecosystem of VSP, which makes the work feel less like a job and more like a continuous, creative flow.

What is the most rewarding or fulfilling part of your work? What problems do you get to solve? On the flip side, what are the most significant challenges or stressful aspects of your job?

For over a decade, we’ve built a community of individuals across China who consciously choose our handcrafted potions over mass-produced alternatives. The most profound fulfillment comes from this. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that in a sea of sameness, someone finds a sense of identity, care, and magic in what I offer. My key problem to solve is maintaining our standard of magical, consistent, and ethically-sourced materials while navigating a supply chain where local supplier reliability is our biggest variable. But the triumph is that every time we solve it, we’re not just saving a product run—we’re upholding our promise. We’re proving that a small brand, built on real connections and adaptability, can deliver something genuinely special that a giant corporation never could.

How did you get to where you are today? You can talk about your educational route, pivotal moments, unplanned detours, and any other decisions that you find important.

My journey to becoming a Master Alchémykonista was born from personal necessity. When I moved to China 16 years ago, I was a loyal devotee of global luxury skincare brands. Ironically, they were failing me—causing significant skin reactions instead of solutions. I became my own first and most urgent client.

At the time, I was on a more conventional path, leveraging my MBA to run an international trading company, specializing in sourcing and market research for others. That detour became my greatest asset. I simply redirected my professional toolkit inward. I began conducting deep market and ingredient research for the beauty industry here in Asia, not for a client, but for myself. That’s how I found the solutions that the mass market couldn’t provide me.

That was the pivotal turn: realizing the solution wasn’t just to be a better consumer, but to become the creator. I founded VSP. What started as a personal remedy has grown into my full-time mission of business and product development.

Developing VSP has been the longest and richest learning curve of my life. It taught me that this work is not alchemy in a vacuum. It’s alchemy in context. Building a brand in China—especially one that challenges the dominant ‘cosmetic fixing’ beauty standard with our philosophy of ‘corpo-curator,’ or curating the body’s vitality—requires immense patience, constant adaptation, and relentless creativity. The real magic isn’t just in the mixing bowl; it’s in steadfastly offering a different, more caring narrative in a very noisy market.

Perfume

Knowing what you know now, if you could go back and give one piece of advice to your teenage self about work and life, what would it be?

“Fran, your greatest source of authority will not come from fitting into a predefined role, but from the unique map of problems you’ve had to solve for yourself. Don’t see your sensitivities, your frustrations, or the things that don’t work for you as personal failures. See them as clues. They are the very signs pointing you toward the work only you can do—the space where you will eventually build a bridge for others who share your same quiet frustrations. Your niche isn’t a limitation; it’s your compass.”

Images: Francesca Hanshing

The sound is subtle, almost imperceptible in a room filled with chattering kids and cartoons. But my mom ears are tuned to it. It’s the soft, persistent nibbling that means my daughter is biting her nails again. I look over, and there she is, focused intently on her fingertips, a look of concentration or maybe anxiety on her face. UGH! We’ve been here before.

Nail-biting, or onychophagia if you want the fancy term, is one of the most common nervous habits in kids. My daughter had a very brief phase when she first around 3 years old, and recently (at the age of 5) she picked up the habit once again.

She doesn’t gnaw at them ALL day long. It happens more when she’s thinking or watching TV. This time, it seems like she chews her nails the same way I snack – when I’m bored.

Since she’s older this time, we started with the explanations and (constant) reminders, but after a few weeks, it’s only gotten slightly better. She even admits it herself: “I know it’s bad, but sometimes I forget.” So, here we are again, dealing with the same gross habit, but this time, I’m not trying grandma’s “back in my day” tactics. This time, I’m going straight for what I know works – the bitter melon oils!

Multiple brands make these for kids, and the main ingredient is pretty much all the same: bitter melon extract. The only differences that I’ve found (after testing out multiple brands) are whether the design is easy to use or not. Here are my three recommendations with their pros and cons:

The Heavy-Duty One

NileX is so bitter that when I tried it on myself, I almost threw up right then and there. It’s absolutely the essence of BITTER melon, and you will have a hard time getting the taste out of your mouth. The design is easy to carry and also apply. It’s also so bitter that it’s difficult to wash off, and the taste stays on your skin and nails for hours (which is great). The only downside that I found to this one was that after a few uses and leaving it untouched for a while, I had a hard time checking if there was still liquid inside or if it had dried up.

*If your kid is going to kindergarten and you’ll need their teacher’s help reapplying throughout the day, this is a better choice.

The Cheap One

This one is easy to see how much you’ve got left because of the glass bottle. But to be frank, you really shouldn’t need to use it long enough for this entire bottle to run out. The application is not as convenient as others, and the taste doesn’t last long. The only upside to this one is that it’s cheap.

The Value-for-Money One

Bodorme uses the easy clicker cuticle pen design. It’s easy to see how much bitter melon extract has come out, and it’s easy to carry around and reapply. I’ve also tried this one for myself, and it definitely tastes bitter and disgusting, but unlike NileX, you can get the taste out of your mouth with a swish of water. The taste lasts for a few hours, but with constant hand washing, you’ll need to reapply once every two to three hours.

We’re not 100 percent there yet. Some weeks are great; others see a few nails get chewed down. I’ve learned that progress isn’t linear. The most important thing I can do is be patient and consistent, and to assure my daughter that my love for her isn’t chipped away with every bitten nail. If you’ve got other ways of getting them over the habit, don’t gatekeep that info! Share in the comment section below.

Images: Taobao, Freepik

Let me start off by saying, if your thighs gap and don’t clap, this might not be the article for you!

But for those of us who are a bit curvier all around, summer is a time for outdoor brunches, dresses, shorts, and oh yeah, chub rub! Chub rub is just another term for chafing, particularly right between your thighs and in the soft, tender bit of your arms. While chub rub sounds kind of cute, it can be super painful, and feel like your skin is ripped off your body piece by piece, leaving you with patches of red rashes that don’t heal for days.

When I was pregnant, I felt big, everywhere… My hands, feet, and ankles are swollen, and my legs have started to resemble tree trunks. And on particularly nice sunny days with low AQI, when a nice walk around town would usually be nothing but bliss, the heat and humidity of Beijing made it impossible to walk more than 10 minutes without the irritation of the chub rub stopping me dead in my tracks.

Most pregnant women will gain between 25-35 pounds during their pregnancy (the jianbing and midnight hot pot cravings definitely don’t help) and this weight gain is one of the causes of increased thigh chafing. Weight gain can also cause chafing even in women who’ve never experienced it before. So, sisters, you’re not alone! Luckily, I’ve learned a few handy tips on how to reduce and manage this painful side-effect of my pregnancy.

How to Prevent Chub Rub

Who Wears Short Shorts

While it’s not as breezy to wear pregnancy spanks under your cute maternity dress, the added layer of fabric from these control underwear helps to prevent skin-on-skin rubbing. Retire the pre-pregnancy spanks that help you suck in your belly for after you deliver and invest in some pregnancy spanks that leave room for your growing baby bump. On Taobao, they cost about RMB 30 a pair. Look up 孕妇短裤 on Taobao for a wide range of shorts from spanks to bike shorts to cute summer short shorts.

Lather On The Oils

Massage oils, Vaseline, and lotions are a good way to eliminate friction. Depending on what you use and how active you are, it may only need to reply every few hours. Just choose your lotion bottles wisely: you don’t want to risk a big bottle of massage oil spilling in your purse, and while Vaseline might sound like a great idea when you’re packing your purse at home in the morning, if you’re planning to spend a day outside in the sun, it’s no match for Beijing’s relentless summer. If you’re out in the sun, that little jar of petroleum jelly will melt in no time.

Powder Dry

Another approach to reducing friction is to eliminate moisture on your skin by using talcum powder. Talc is a soft, naturally occurring mineral that’s used in baby powder, makeup, and deodorant. It’s one of the most comfortable hacks against chub rub since it doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily. The downside to talcum powder is reapplying it when you’re out and about. Oh, and accidentally drop a dab of white talcum powder on your black pants and you’ll be dealing with the headache of an impromptu dry cleaning over a hutong squatty potty.

No Sweat

A clean and highly portable alternative to either talc or lotion is a slick of antiperspirant deodorant. Easy to carry and very unlikely to spill, it reduces sweat and increases glide, and can be an absolute lifesaver on a hot day.

What to Do Once You’ve Been Victimized by Chub Rub

Sometimes, there’s just no avoiding it. Here’s what to do if you’ve been stricken by painful chafing.

1. Use a mild cleanser on the area, and don’t scrub. Using harsh soaps can aggravate your chafed skin and make the situation a lot worse. Wash gently with warm water and a pH-neutral body wash or soap.
2. Switch up your wardrobe. Wear soft, breathable cotton clothing during the day, and breathable cotton pajamas. This protects your thighs from further irritation.
3. Moisturize. Use plain Vaseline to soothe, protect, and heal the raw skin. Avoid creams with fragrance or fancy ingredients as they will likely irritate you more.
4. Invest in anti-chafing shorts. Learn your lesson and prevent yourself from chafing in the future.
5. Call your doctor. If the chafing isn’t getting better, you may have an infection. When the skin is broken, yeast and bacteria can settle in and you may have to use a medicated cream.

Photos: Unsplash, Mariah Aro Sharp @mightymooseart, Freepik

I need a vacation from summer vacation… Do you share that sentiment with me? Then check out our tried and tested spas in Beijing, where you can relax and recharge after spending three months 24/7 with the kiddos.

Alice Beauty 

With three outlets spread out over Sanlitun, Shuangjing and Dongba, Alice Beauty provides an assortment of high-quality spa classics such as facials, massages, nail services, and other cosmetic treatments. The service is impeccable, and their comfort with the English language makes them a huge hit with the expat crowd. To celebrate the opening of their new Dongba location, they are offering a buy-one-get-one deal on all treatments until the end of August! Scan the QR code to book your treatment.

Bodhi Therapeutic Spa & Retreat 

A longtime partner with our brand and a fervent supporter of many a good cause here in Beijing, Bodhi blends Thai and Chinese influences to add that holiday vibe to your spa treatment. Owned by long-time BJ expat entrepreneur Michelle Hemsin, the two outlets in Gongti and Liangmaqiao provide an ideal environment for a more luxurious spa session with your partner or friend. They also offer very pretty gift cards that make for perfect Teachers’ Day and Mother’s Day presents!

Dragonfly Theraputic Retreat

Probably the highest priced spa here on our list, the Dragonfly is a reputable local spa name, with outlets in Shanghai and Hong Kong as well. In Beijing, they have three outlets – in the Kerry Centre, Yansha Shopping Mall and Grand Summit. They offer cushy rooms with soaking baths and other fancy touches, but prepare to pay through the nose for being pampered here. My husband’s full treatment mani/pedi with all the works cost him RMB 2,000 once!

Hummingbird Spa

Hummingbird Spa is a back to basics spa much like Alice Beauty, with three locations, one conveniently right in Central Park. They specialise in nails, facials and slimming treatments that are touted as effective and painless. Scan their QR code to get in touch.

Kocoon Spa

Originally founded in 2008 by a French mother and her daughter, Kocoon Spa was acquired by Ms. Canna Zhang in 2016. Since then, Kocoon Spa has ushered in a new era with an extensive list of specialized therapies and treatments including facials, massages, hair removal, nails, eyelash beauty treatment and more. They use imported products with essences from natural fruits, plants and marine life, with no petroleum or mineral elements included. Kocoon Spa firmly believes that Mother Nature contains all the healing power we need.

For new clients, book your first treatment with a ten percent discount! Plus, ladies enjoy a 30 percent discount every Tuesday on all treatments except waxing, while gentlemen get a 30 percent discount on Wednesdays! Do note that these two discounts cannot be used at the same time. Scan the QR code in the posters to book your treatment.

ZenFLo 

ZenFlo is a one-product spa, and that product is full-body rejuvenation through immersion in either their mineral salt water sensory deprivation tanks or their hyperbaric chambers. Located inside an apartment in Glory Mansions, this unique experience is definitely a must-try if you are into transformative turn-back-the-aging-clock treatments. Plus, they have two tubs in one room so it could be a pretty interesting date night!

KEEP READING: Our Honest Reviews on Where To Eat and Play in China

Images: Pexels, Dianping, courtesy of vendors

It’s almost time for “new year, new me,” and every year without fail one of the top resolutions on everyone’s list is to get back in shape. So, to help you with your resolution, here are the fitness deals and promotions at Beijing’s expat-favorite fitness studios and training sessions with trainers.

Yoga Yard

Get ready to welcome 2024 on a high note with Yoga Yard’s invigorating 108 Sun Salutation Celebration! Kick off the year with a powerful and mindful practice that promises to energize your mind, body, and spirit.

Embrace the tradition, set intentions, and join them for this transformative journey. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting your practice, this event is for everyone willing to dive into this rejuvenating experience! Reconnect with your inner self, find your flow, and let the sun salutations usher in positivity and strength for the year ahead.

What To Expect:
Guided practice of 108 Sun Salutations
Mindful breathing and meditation
Therapeutic gong healing
Renewed energy and positive vibes
Community support and shared wellness goals

When: Jan 1, 9.30am-11.30am
Where: Yoga Yard
Price: RMB 108

Taozi Tree Yoga

The annual New Beginnings January community challenge is back. Taozi Tree Yoga is here for 2024 to offer this unique opportunity to delve deeper into the world of heartfelt Vinyasa yoga and spirituality from their boutique Sanlitun studio. It’s Taozi Tree Yoga’s best deal of the year to help you find consistency in your practice and the path back to yourself.

Challenge yourself to 24 days of classes and earn a limited-edition and personalized Taozi Year of the Dragon shirt.

How To Join:
Pick any 30 consecutive days between TODAY and Feb 10, and make a rough plan for yourself to see how you can show up on the mat on 24 different days.

When: January and February
Where: Taozi Tree Yoga
Price: RMB 589

Spinning With Diva

She’s charismatic, fit, and has a great sense of humor (seriously, check out her videos) – every quality you want in the perfect spinning instructor. Join Diva’s class every Monday and Thursday to sweat it off and enjoy that endorphin high.

When: Mondays and Thursdays, 6.30 pm-7.20 pm
Where: Trainyard Gym
Price: RMB 188

The Health Academy China

Chris, a Nutrition Coaching Specialist with over 5 years of experience, is proud to introduce a course that was specifically designed for busy individuals who have been trying many diets and many workouts but who were never satisfied with their results or who could never maintain their results long enough.

This comprehensive course is made to give you knowledge and teach you how to apply that knowledge in a way that is proper to you, and that will not make you feel miserable.

What to Expect:
By signing up for this course, you will also get free monthly coaching calls with Chris himself to help you better on your journey and point you in the right direction.

When: Flexible starting date
Where: Online
Price: Free for the first 20 applicants

Images: Courtesy of organizers, Pexels

Our expat community thrives on connection, and here at jingkids, we’re all about our readers, and what they need and want in order to maximize their time here in Beijing. One thing you can be sure of is that the world of the expat is highly transitory as we come and go, and sometimes a special expat leaves their mark on the city as much as the city leaves its mark on them. We meet one such person in this article today.

Our expat community thrives on connection, and here at jingkids, we’re all about our readers, and what they need and want in order to maximize their time here in Beijing. One thing you can be sure of is that the world of the expat is highly transitory as we come and go, and sometimes a special expat leaves their mark on the city as much as the city leaves its mark on them. We meet one such person in this article today.

Our expat community thrives on connection, and here at jingkids, we’re all about our readers, and what they need and want in order to maximize their time here in Beijing. In honor of Father’s Day this June, we’re featuring expat dads who are rocking it in their parental roles!

Our expat community thrives on connection, and here at jingkids, we’re all about our readers, and what they need and want in order to maximize their time here in Beijing. In honor of Father’s Day this June, we’re featuring expat dads who are rocking it in their parental roles!