Mar 8 is International Women’s Day. In honor of all the Queens who are crushing it and living their best lives, Jingkids will be profiling some of Beijing’s fiercest female entrepreneurs. Like Queen Beyonce says, “Who runs the world? Girls!”

If you know a Girl Boss you think we should profile, don’t hesitate to shoot us a message at editor@beijing-kids.com.

Only one thing is better than one successful woman, and that’s two successful women!

That’s where communities such as Beijing Women’s Network (BWN) come into play. BWN is a volunteer-led community that was founded in 2015 and has served more than 5,000 members while also running nine active WeChat groups. Their core mission is to support women’s professional and personal development. To meet this goal, they organize two to four events per month. These include skills training, mentoring programs, community dinners with inspirational female leaders as well as activities to promote better mental and physical health.

We spoke with Nandini Venkata, chair of applied skills and committee member at BWN, to find out more about the part BWN plays in supporting Beijing women.

Why do women in Beijing need BWN?
I believe there’s a global need for communities like BWN. Implicit bias about women’s capabilities remains a universal challenge. The result is that female professionals are either underestimated or they simply underestimate themselves, setting a bar far too low and settling for less than they deserve.

This is where communities like BWN can shake things up. By connecting our members to mentors, running skills-based workshops, and amplifying the voices of diverse female leaders, we try to shatter harmful stereotypes and support women to aim higher in their careers.

There are many reasons why I want to contribute to BWN. Most importantly, I really believe in the cause. Early on in my career, I experienced a number of challenges (i.e. self-doubt, not knowing how to advocate for myself) and now I realize that these are issues that a lot of women face. So running a platform that supports women to overcome such obstacles is both healing and rewarding. I also love being part of a team that wants to grow and have a positive impact. Plus, my BWN team members are incredible – I have found great friends and mentors in them. 

In what ways can women in Beijing support BWN?
There are so many ways to support! We are always on the lookout for fantastic speakers who can share their inspiring stories or lead a skills-based workshop. Likewise, BWN would also love to hear from any organizations which would like to team up for an event or share resources (e.g. sponsorship, venues). Last but definitely not least, come join our events!

Together with 9 other women-led organizations – Viva Professional Women Network, Date Night China, WellWomen, Ladies Who Tech, Female Health Empowerment Network, WellWomen, Yingfluencer, BARE, Female Expats In Beijing, and the Clothing Auction Network – BWN has organized a great event to celebrate and connect Beijingers from all walks of life. Refer to the poster below for more details and search “Beijingwomen” in WeChat to follow BWN’s official WeChat account for future events.

KEEP READING: Defending the Day: The Importance of International Women’s Day

Images: Courtesy of Nandini Venkata

Mar 8 is International Women’s Day. In honor of all the Queens who are crushing it and living their best lives, Jingkids will be profiling some of Beijing’s fiercest female entrepreneurs. Like Queen Beyonce says, “Who runs the world? Girls!”

If you know a Girl Boss you think we should profile, don’t hesitate to shoot us a message at editor@beijing-kids.com.

Theresa Parsonage knew in her gut that she could really make a difference in Beijing’s yoga community when she first arrived in 2014. She was already well-versed in yoga and began teaching classes at various international schools, building up a strong following. But what she really wanted to do was foster and nurture yoga teachers themselves. That’s why in 2018, Parsonage created Taozi Tree Yoga to conduct regular Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) programs right here in the capital. 

Yoga in the Park, Moved by the Moon, Inner Goddess… these are just a few of the many special events that Taozi Tree Yoga regularly organizes for the community, on top of their daily yoga classes led by YTT graduates. If you’ve been in Beijing for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard of their classes, or even attended one! We ask Parsonage how it feels to grow her own brand of yoga in the capital city, while also being a mother of three.

I’m always seeing classes or events by Taozi Tree Yoga and almost every expat woman I’ve met who exercises has been to at least one of your classes. What do you have to say about your accomplishments for your brand?
It surprises me! But it’s really nice. My teachers are the ones who are doing what they do so well and the students keep the yoga spirit alive, especially during the hard times in the last couple of years.

It must have been quite the journey. Could you share some of your struggles and successes?
Oh, there have been so many struggles – the police knocking on my door… the whole process of becoming legal here… Have you heard of the waffle and spaghetti theory about types of people? Basically, waffle people are organized and put things into neat little boxes. Spaghetti people, on the other hand, are messy and creative. I’m a total spaghetti. I’ve been learning more about delegation at work recently and trying to share the workload. My spaghetti brain is good at identifying others’ strengths, so I can see where to put the right person for the job.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I started yoga teaching training because I want to help other people succeed. Ultimately, that’s what Taozi can help the city with in a world that’s so divided. Like how we were at the Kerry Center under the moon and we can see the mix of people from everywhere gathering together. There’s so much opportunity for understanding. It gives me goosebumps. 

You are also a mother of three! How does running a yoga studio gel with parenthood and what does your support system consist of?
I think we get sucked into the box of “I’m a mom” or whatever your job is. We tend to lose our identity around what we like to wear and what we like to do. I have been deeply inspired by my teachers, who are mostly women – mothers. The fun thing about Taozi is people come with a vague interest and then discover something deeper in themselves and gain the skills to redefine themselves. 

My husband is my support system. We go on daily walks after dropping the kids off at school in the morning, otherwise, we lose our minds.

Taozi Tree Yoga is organizing a Prayer for Peace event tonight (Mar 5) from 6.30-8pm at their studio in Xingfucun. Scan the QR code below to sign up.

KEEP READING: Defending the Day: the Importance of International Women’s Day

Images: Courtesy of Theresa Parsonage