Andrew Shirman, co-founder and Chief Giving Officer of Forbes 30 Under 30 fashion company Mantra Eyewear and related nonprofit organization Education in Sight, really loves Yunnan. “It is so culturally rich, and such a bottomless well of inspiration,” says Shirman. From the colorful traditional clothing of minority cultures in Dali to the mind-bogglingly diverse natural geography of rice terraces, snowy mountains, and azure lakes, these inspirations are clearly shown in the innovative frame designs manufactured by his nonprofit.

Both Mantra and Education in Sight were founded by the American duo of Sam Waldo and Shirman. The company’s motto, or mantra if you will, is simple: for every pair of stylish sunglasses you buy, an eye exam is given and another prescription pair of glasses is donated to a child who needs them in Yunnan. This lofty goal has resulted in thousands of rural Chinese students being able to more confidently participate in class. But these stylish sunglasses didn’t precede their charitable drive towards helping these students. Here is the story of their journey from discovering a need in rural Yunnan, and how through their business acumen they were able to develop it into a successful enterprise.

Shirman first came to China in high school during his senior year, and it was his first trip to Asia, which contrasted greatly with his native Illinois. “I went to China and it just blew my mind. In Illinois, you point to a direction and I’ll tell you everything you’re gonna see for a hundred miles, but (in China) every time we turned a corner there was something new that I would want to wrap my head around.”

An obsession with understanding the culture, as many of us can relate to, sent him to live abroad in 2010 for two years in Yunnan as part of the Teach for China program. Along with 29 fellow Americans, Shirman volunteered his time to teach textbook and examination focused lessons to give his rural students a leg up on gaokao testing and eventually university placement.

At the beginning of this teaching abroad experience, something bothered Shirman right away. “I noticed the eyesight problems my kids had within the first two weeks of class, it was just super apparent.” He estimates over 20 percent of the class could not see the board clearly. Because of this, students’ grades would drop, and out of frustration or boredom, they would act out and misbehave. Dropout rates were sometimes high.

“In my second year, I really wanted to do something about this,“  Shirman explained, “It’s not like we have to get these kids surgery, they just needed glasses.” So with the help of his friend and business partner Sam Waldo, the pair raised over USD 3,000 and teamed up with a local optometrist who agreed to assess the students. 1,644 eye exams later, 331 pairs of glasses were delivered to students in 2012, at the end of Andrew’s stint in Yunnan.

Even after returning to work in the US, Shirman still wanted to help those students that left such an impact on his life. So after working a fulltime day job and organizing Education in Sight at night for two years, he moved back to Beijing for good in 2014 and has been here ever since.

Initially upon returning to China, there were some funding setbacks. A concert organizing company based in Chengdu was looking for a charitable project to endorse, so Andrew and Sam’s mutual friend had made an introduction to the CFO. The Chengdu company stated they wanted to make a USD 50,000 donation and they wanted to share Education in Sight as their charity partners at all of their concerts. But as time passed and the promised money still hadn’t been donated, Sam and Andrew started producing marketing material and the needed eyewear themselves hoping to soon procure the fifty grand. Suddenly and shockingly, Andrew was informed via text message from an underling at the concert organizing company that the actual funding would not be given. “I’ve never been angrier in all of my life,” said Shirman. Prior to dropping out of the deal, they had already filmed sentimental footage in schools and used the materials, cynically, to present themselves as charitable when they actually contributed nothing. Luckily, the setback was short and they were able to raise the money needed through charitable donations from friends and family.  A lesson was learned.

The idea of Mantra, based on similar philosophies of company’s like Tom’s Shoes, started nameless. Originally it was called “Metropolis,” but later they decided it was hard to pronounce and translate for native Mandarin speakers. A new company and product line name had to be created. “We were in Shangri-La visiting schools in October, and it was cold, but we left the hotel and decided that we couldn’t come back until we came up with a name for our business. We had a constraint because of the M related materials and marketing, and came up with Mantra.”

With a successful business model, hard-learned lessons, and an achievable charitable goal coalesced. To date, Mantra and Education in Sight have helped thousands of children. “We are in the middle of implementation for this semester, so not counting this semester, we are at 210,000 eye exams and almost 30,000 pairs of eyeglasses. You gotta go big in China.”

If you are interested in learning more about Mantra Eyewear or maybe picking up a pair for yourself or someone you know, check out their website at findyourmantra.com, or follow their official WeChat account (WeChat ID: findyourmantra).

This article first appeared in the beijingkids December 2018 Charity and Goodwill issue.
Photos: Courtesy of Sam Waldo and Andrew Shirman

Beijing’s entrepreneurial scene is bustling and growing and in fact, the community discovers new vendors every season! We’ve invited both new talent and veterans to participate in this section, to give you an overview of how extensive and varied Beijing’s flea markets, bazaars, and jumble sales are. Of course, there isn’t space here for an exhaustive list, but our official WeChat account has up-to-date content about what’s new and what’s upcoming in the market realm.

LaraBeautyMUA

WeChat: larabeijing
Service: Makeup

Russian makeup artist Larisa Usenkova of LaraBeautyMUA is popular with the beauty and fashion community, and now she’s on her way to reaching her dream of opening up a makeup studio in Beijing. She tells beijingkids that she has loved everything related to beauty and high fashion, and closely followed the trends in makeup, since childhood. She has participated in many shows, including Mercedes Fashion Week in 2016, and has taken part in the creation of TV programs and events here in Beijing.

Aside from making women look more gorgeous, she also conducts master classes in which she shares her secrets of choosing the right cosmetics, colors, and brushes with groups or individuals. Usenkova was formerly a model, so she gives her students an opportunity to brush up their modeling potential at her classes. Aside from her classes, Usenkova regularly holds a breakfast meet-up for expat women in the city, where they talk about beauty and health while having a fun time.

CarpeDiem

WeChat: JZdaniuk
Products: Baby/kids onesies, tees, memory books (scrapbooks), blankets, and gift boxes

Jennifer Zdaniuk began CarpeDiem in the winter of 2007, following the birth of her first child. “I found the task of capturing her first year daunting and the products available to help were low quality and impractical. I wanted purpose-made, pre-packaged kits, but none existed so I made some.”

Her flagship product, Baby’s 1st Year Box, is a set of 12 baby bodysuits each numbered and labeled for the corresponding month of the baby’s first year. These tops can be paired with a blanket, which doubles as a backdrop to provide a consistent attractive background for each photo, to document baby’s dramatic changes during their first year. A memory book can be added to provide a place to put the photos and jot down notes on baby’s changes during Year 1. Everything is soft (even the memory book is felt bound) and brightly colored, and for a modest fee, everything can be customized and personalized (colors can be selected and baby’s name can be added to each item, except the blanket).

CCCreations Bakery

WeChat: Jialan15
Product type: Italian cakes and pastries

CCCreations was born a year ago, initially as a hobby for Master’s degree student Chiara Cardi. As a young expat away from her home in Italy, Chiara says she would often feel homesick and miss the sweet tastes of homemade desserts. After realizing she wasn’t only the one feeling that way, she decided to bring to China the aromas and colors of western bakery art, hoping to give other expats a taste of home by recreating the taste of Italy in Beijing.

CCCreations Bakery sells homemade Italian cakes and desserts, all made according to traditional recipes. Their secret ingredient is the Sicilian pistachio, flown directly from Italy, where it grows on fertile land right at the foot of a volcano.

JuLiu Organic Cosmetics

Email: juliubeijing@gmail.com
Products: Handmade organic cosmetics imported from France

Launched early this year, JuLiu is a fine addition to Beijing’s ever-growing list of natural cosmetic ranges. French owner Julia Raguenet guarantees the quality and organic component of her handmade products “done with respect to the environment.”

JuLiu works with professional brands and manufacturers who make their products in a traditional and eco-friendly way. Raguenet says the company is transparent on the composition and origin of their products, using less packaging and no plastic.

NA Jewelry

WeChat: NA-Jewelry
Products: Handcrafted jewelry with gemstones from Brazil, India, Russia, and China.

NA Jewelry was established in early spring of 2017 by a Beijing-based team of two Russian entrepreneurs, Natasha Patton and Elena Stukanova. Their moderately-priced (RMB 100-600) and intricate handcrafted jewelry uses metals imported from the US, fashioned into elegant pieces suitable for daily wear and special occasions.
The duo says “every bangle in the jewelry range is carefully finished by hand,” with every model handmade and each gemstone individually knotted. “The highest possible standard of craftsmanship is applied to every stage of the bangle making process,” they add.

DdW Textiles

WeChat: desireedewit
Product type: Blankets, throws, towels, scarves and table runners

While living in Istanbul, PR professional Desiree de Wit discovered beautiful, absorbent, and luxurious Turkish towels and blankets. She moved to Beijing in 2013, and discovered Turkish towels and blankets were nowhere to be found. Two years later, de Wit brought her favorite Turkish towels, bath towels, and handwoven blankets back to Beijing through her own DdW Textiles company, which became an instant success.

Handwoven DdW textiles are luxurious, absorbent and multi-purpose: for the shower or beach; sauna, spa, and gym; or even as daily towels, baby towels or as picnic or living room blankets. DdW Textiles also offers a range of scented candles and Argan oil-based products.

Cultural Keys

WeChat: CulturalKeysCN

Products: Information, events, products, and services that help expats and tourists experience Chinese culture
Long-term Beijing expats AJ Donnelly and Nic Doering started Cultural Keys (CK) in 2013, and now it has grown to include three divisions aimed at providing people access to traditional culture in China: the CK Culture Centre, the CK Culture Boutique, and CK Martial Hearts.

Cultural Keys offers culture classes in traditional skills such as calligraphy, painting, paper cutting, and knotting. Under their CK Martial Hearts division, they offer taichi and kung fu courses in Beijing and at the Shaolin Temple studying with warrior monks. Meanwhile, the CK Culture Boutique sells genuine Feiyue shoes, Chinese cultural accessories, custom-made calligraphy, and art (both from the Shaolin Temple and by local artists from the Songzhuang Artists’ Village where they are based).

Elvira’s Nuts

WeChat: asteroidelvira
Products: Granolas, muesli, cocoa pops, beetroot relish, onion chutney, energy/protein balls

Entrepreneur Elvira Zaera Tamargo thought that branded cereals sold in the city were expensive but of low quality. Her imagination and curiosity drove her to produce homemade cereals, eventually leading her to the wholesale markets where she sources affordable but high-quality ingredients.

At the same time, people asked her to make some onion chutney; she tried, and it worked! Now, that chutney is part of her extensive homemade product line which includes her bestsellers: granolas, muesli, and energy balls.

ArtFun by Nadia Learned

WeChat: artNadia759
Products: Posters and Giclée prints

Nadia Learned is a professional artist and illustrator who creates giclée prints and posters featuring animals and characters from her imagination, or from the fairy tales that she heard in childhood. “Put these high-quality fine art reproductions on the wall in your child’s room, kitchen, or living room, and watch your mood improving,” she says.

OPOPO

WeChat: Rhea53 / OPOPO (official account)
Products: Apparel and t-shirts

Rhianna Aaron launched OPOPO in 2016 with the intention of encouraging and inspiring the black community in China, featuring positive stories and coordinating events beneficial for the community. Aaron says her “黑是美 Black is Beautiful” apparel is a way to “make a statement without saying a word.”

Aaron adds that support of this statement isn’t only limited to people in the black community, but also from the Chinese and people from different cultural backgrounds as well, saying “It’s simply a positive message that many people can relate to.”

Sew Gorgeous

WeChat: daniellesaponara
Products: Embroidered kitchenware, felt bags, and cards

Sew Gorgeous isn’t only a vendor of embroidered kitchen linen; it’s also a charity set up in 2014 here in Beijing by a British GP to support disadvantaged children in China. There are 17 ladies currently volunteering their time in organizing sales, crafting, and managing the production of their homeware items.

Sew Gorgeous sell beautiful embroidered napkins, table runners, aprons, felt bags, and cards. They employ a local artist, tailor, and embroiderer as well as making some products themselves. All of their proceeds go to charities which primarily focus on helping children access education in China.

NAKED nut butters

WeChat: NAKEDnutbutters拿颗酱
Products: All-natural nut butter

Meredith Sides and Catherine Tarrant, or the “Naked Nut Ladies” as they’re known in many WeChat market groups, started producing homemade nut butter in 2016. The pals shared a love of nut butter, but found there were no healthy options in Beijing. Fed up of having to ship tubs of nut butter from home, they eventually made their own and sold it at local markets and events.

The business expanded, and the “Naked Ladies” now have a factory in Sichuan, where they employ locals and source all-natural peanuts. As their brand Naked Nut Butters slowly grew, the ladies teamed up with the non-government group The Paradise Foundation to help promote nature conservation throughout China. They donate a portion of their profits to support the Foundation’s conservation and education programs.

Penny’s

WeChat: PennysStudio
Products: Pet Food & Lifestyle

Vancouver-born Dan Christensen has been in China for 15 years. Six years ago, he came to Beijing, leaving his wine business in Shanghai, to start Penny’s, a dog lifestyle company selling fresh food by subscription. Besides running the company, Christensen also acts as a group admin of the Beijing Dog Lovers WeChat group.

Pine Cake by Elka
pine-cake-by-elka
Products: Cakes and pastries

Pine Cake by Ёlka is a new topping on Beijing’s confectionery scene. Its Russian owner, self-confessed cake-lover Anastasia Elkina, established the business based on her family’s favorite recipes, as well as her passionate creativity. Her wide range of products includes honey cake, profiteroles, pavlova, crepe cake, fruit cakes, and chocolate cakes.
Elkina imports key ingredients like flour, butter, and chocolate, and loads her confectionery with fresh fruit, nuts, and other natural produce. All cakes are baked fresh every day, with extra care given to the ingredients’ quality and attention to detail. Free delivery in Beijing is provided, delivered to your door on time, beautifully presented and packaged.

Velveteen’s Secret Potions for Very Special People

WeChat: VSP4VSP (Official account)
Products: skin care and image management

Velveteen’s Secret Potions (VSP) was conceptualized as a brand almost four years ago, but its roots go even further back with the experience of founder Francesca Hanshing Urra as a trader, and her life-long passion for creating artisanal home remedies.

VSP’s inspiration comes directly from its customers, whom they consider to be “Very Special People.” The brand has a cornucopia of products to fit all its Very Special People’s wants and needs, and this year, VSP has offered more customized items and developed new perfume concepts.

This article appeared in the beijingkids November 2018 Beijing Makers issue
Photos: Courtesy of featured vendors

The most loved dip of the world must be hummus, the combination of chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice is just magical. Hummus is also considered healthy, so we aren’t afraid to stuff our faces with the stuff. And this is what Beijing has been doing since Nicola Bonnah launched Halo Hummus last year. It has since been taking off with some finger licking good speed, receiving wide acclaim from moms all over the city. It doesn’t hurt that her hummus comes in several layers and is sometimes too pretty to even dig into. These will soon be available from Sherpas, Baidu, Meituan, and other platforms, but you can contact Nicole on WeChat (WeChat ID: NicoleBonnah) to place an order today.

Why did you start Halo Hummus?
Halo Hummus was born out of a personal love and need for hummus! When I first moved to China in 2013, I just couldn’t seem to find any decent hummus and the ones I did come across left a little something to be desired. I thought the best way to combat this and feed my hummus addiction was to start making my own. I was somewhat impressed with myself, but it wasn’t until friends started commenting on my hummus and asking if I was willing to make and sell batches to them, that I saw a window of opportunity to share my love of hummus with other fellow Beijingers, and begin to create a Hummus Society of Hummus lovers from all over the world right here in China’s capital!

I sell a collection of home-made fusion hummus and focaccia bread, using locally sourced and organic ingredients where possible. The aim is to become 100 percent organic, once I can hunt down the right suppliers. Halo Hummus is not just about hummus (well mostly!) but about inspiring healthy living and healthy snacking. At the moment I offer three different vegan-friendly fusions and one meat layered option, with a new collection of layered hummus and other flavors currently in the making. My add-on is the Halo freshly baked focaccia bread – another twist on the usual choice of traditional flatbread, that most people tend to partner with their hummus.

How did you think of the name?
When thinking of the name, I wanted my hummus to become synonymous with something innocent and heavenly to eat! A guiltless treat or accompaniment to a meal. I also wanted to lavish the tops of my hummus with a crown of delicious goodies and thought that this crown reminded me of a little halo of yumminess! So the name was born. I also hope that after eating a tub of Halo, you feel as if you have your own halo shining brightly as you made a tasty but healthy choice for your tummy.

What differentiates Halo Hummus from other places of business which have hummus on the menu, is that the Hummus at Halo is the star of the show, not an afterthought, or a meek and mild appetizer before something more colorful and thrilling. Your lunch can consist of just a tub of Halo and your choice of healthy dippers!

Did you anticipate it getting so many fans?
I never anticipated the wave of fandom that Halo Hummus has received! Until now it still surprises me but fills me with great joy that so many people love the product. I receive pictures, almost daily, of empty Halo tubs around Beijing at house parties, private events, dinner soirees, and requests to ship nationwide. It was only last night while dining at a communal table that someone overheard me talking about Halo, and exclaimed: “Oh, you’re Halo Hummus!” and told me how much they loved the product.

How will you combine motherhood and your business?
Motherhood alongside Halo will, of course, be a challenge but is something I’m actually looking forward to. I’m a true believer that with the right support network around you and drive, working mothers can achieve the ultimate balance with their first love – family, and their second love – personal/work related endeavors that they have a passion for. I now have an assistant and will be joining the team at Hatchery, The Arcade, in their new location in Guomao, where Halo Hummus will be retailing and available for order and delivery! This should lighten the load and enable me to spend time with my sweet new bundle of joy and keep the hummus revolution in full swing.

What is the hardest part of starting a business in Beijing?
The hardest part of starting a business in China is perhaps keeping up to speed with changing regulations and the need to be super patient when it comes to acquiring all the regulatory paperwork needed to start and run a company. You need grit, determination, and most of all a real love and vision for what it is that you want to achieve. Talk to as many fellow entrepreneurs as you can for inspiration and much-needed encouragement, ask for help when you need it, and only seek and obtain advice from a small select group of individuals, rather than getting bogged down with endless streams of suggestions from anyone willing to chip in! They mean well but it can sometimes leave you in a whirlwind of confusion and doubt.

My background is international journalism with a specialization in social and cultural affairs, and a particular focus on the African Diaspora in England and now in Asia. My writing has been featured in Global Times, US-China Focus, SB TV Australia, and London’s first black national new paper, The Voice, among others. I also have my own blog, Black Lives in China, and a short documentary, The Black Orient, offering a personal and deeper look at the black experience in China.

Photos: Courtesy of Sydney Bishop
This article appeared on p20-21 of beijingkids May 2018 issue.

The most loved dip of the world must be hummus, the combination of chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice is just magical. Hummus is also considered healthy, so we aren’t afraid to stuff our faces with the stuff. And this is what Beijing has been doing since Nicola Bonnah launched Halo Hummus last year. It has since been taking off with some finger licking good speed, receiving wide acclaim from moms all over the city. It doesn’t hurt that her hummus comes in several layers and is sometimes too pretty to even dig into. These will soon be available from Sherpas, Baidu, Meituan, and other platforms, but you can contact Nicole on WeChat (WeChat ID: NicoleBonnah) to place an order today.

Why did you start Halo Hummus?
Halo Hummus was born out of a personal love and need for hummus! When I first moved to China in 2013, I just couldn’t seem to find any decent hummus and the ones I did come across left a little something to be desired. I thought the best way to combat this and feed my hummus addiction was to start making my own. I was somewhat impressed with myself, but it wasn’t until friends started commenting on my hummus and asking if I was willing to make and sell batches to them, that I saw a window of opportunity to share my love of hummus with other fellow Beijingers, and begin to create a Hummus Society of Hummus lovers from all over the world right here in China’s capital!

I sell a collection of home-made fusion hummus and focaccia bread, using locally sourced and organic ingredients where possible. The aim is to become 100 percent organic, once I can hunt down the right suppliers. Halo Hummus is not just about hummus (well mostly!) but about inspiring healthy living and healthy snacking. At the moment I offer three different vegan-friendly fusions and one meat layered option, with a new collection of layered hummus and other flavors currently in the making. My add-on is the Halo freshly baked focaccia bread – another twist on the usual choice of traditional flatbread, that most people tend to partner with their hummus.

How did you think of the name?
When thinking of the name, I wanted my hummus to become synonymous with something innocent and heavenly to eat! A guiltless treat or accompaniment to a meal. I also wanted to lavish the tops of my hummus with a crown of delicious goodies and thought that this crown reminded me of a little halo of yumminess! So the name was born. I also hope that after eating a tub of Halo, you feel as if you have your own halo shining brightly as you made a tasty but healthy choice for your tummy.

What differentiates Halo Hummus from other places of business which have hummus on the menu, is that the Hummus at Halo is the star of the show, not an afterthought, or a meek and mild appetizer before something more colorful and thrilling. Your lunch can consist of just a tub of Halo and your choice of healthy dippers!

Did you anticipate it getting so many fans?
I never anticipated the wave of fandom that Halo Hummus has received! Until now it still surprises me but fills me with great joy that so many people love the product. I receive pictures, almost daily, of empty Halo tubs around Beijing at house parties, private events, dinner soirees, and requests to ship nationwide. It was only last night while dining at a communal table that someone overheard me talking about Halo, and exclaimed: “Oh, you’re Halo Hummus!” and told me how much they loved the product.

How will you combine motherhood and your business?
Motherhood alongside Halo will, of course, be a challenge but is something I’m actually looking forward to. I’m a true believer that with the right support network around you and drive, working mothers can achieve the ultimate balance with their first love – family, and their second love – personal/work related endeavors that they have a passion for. I now have an assistant and will be joining the team at Hatchery, The Arcade, in their new location in Guomao, where Halo Hummus will be retailing and available for order and delivery! This should lighten the load and enable me to spend time with my sweet new bundle of joy and keep the hummus revolution in full swing.

What is the hardest part of starting a business in Beijing?
The hardest part of starting a business in China is perhaps keeping up to speed with changing regulations and the need to be super patient when it comes to acquiring all the regulatory paperwork needed to start and run a company. You need grit, determination, and most of all a real love and vision for what it is that you want to achieve. Talk to as many fellow entrepreneurs as you can for inspiration and much-needed encouragement, ask for help when you need it, and only seek and obtain advice from a small select group of individuals, rather than getting bogged down with endless streams of suggestions from anyone willing to chip in! They mean well but it can sometimes leave you in a whirlwind of confusion and doubt.

My background is international journalism with a specialization in social and cultural affairs, and a particular focus on the African Diaspora in England and now in Asia. My writing has been featured in Global Times, US-China Focus, SB TV Australia, and London’s first black national new paper, The Voice, among others. I also have my own blog, Black Lives in China, and a short documentary, The Black Orient, offering a personal and deeper look at the black experience in China.

Photos: Courtesy of Sydney Bishop
This article appeared on p20-21 of beijingkids May 2018 issue.

Rhiannon Sim, originally from New Zealand, has lived in Beijing for nine years and is a graduate of the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB). Since graduating high school three years ago, she has been investigating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been working with her TCM doctor to understand and create tea blends which are targeted towards general wellness problems. She has created these tea bags so people have easier and faster access to TCM. We at beijingkids found her story so cool and interesting that we wanted to delve further into her motives, and reasons why she started this tea emporium.

When did you start your tea business?
I started as soon as I graduated high school, so actually three years ago now. However, I would go through periods of being super-inspired to work on or grow the business, and then long periods of feeling like it was not what I “should” be doing. Like, maybe I should just be focusing on university courses.

It was really not until the last five months that a lot changed in regards to my mindset towards failure and growth, which allowed me to intensely focus on developing ShenTea. I began to learn how to push through the uncomfortable feelings that come with failing and learning new skills. So, since this mindset change, the most business growth and development has happened in the last five months.

What or who gave you this idea? What is your interest in TCM?
Since coming to Beijing, my family had always been really into tea culture. We would go to visit the tea towns and their plantations in Southern China during the school holidays. Our family would give tea as gifts and as we became more knowledgeable, we would host tea ceremonies for interested friends and family. My Dad suggested that there could be room to educate and to create a small business centered around sharing aspects of Chinese tea culture with foreigners living in China. This planted the seed that would evolve into the Chinese tea aspect of ShenTea.

At around the same time in high school, I became very sick due to stress-related causes. So sick that I was unable to dance, or attend school without having to leave at lunch due to nausea. The most distressing part for me during that time was that the western medication I was taking had been making the symptoms worse. I decided as a last resort to try Chinese medicine and herbal remedies, which cured the problem (as it took into account my whole person in the treatment as opposed to just treating the symptoms). This led to a slight obsession with learning about Chinese medicine and traditional holistic approaches to health, both preventative and curative.

Who helps you with the tea blends and the TCM side of things?
I consult with Chinese Medicine doctors in hospitals all around Beijing, because I want to cross-check the recipes with various TCM doctors to specifically talk about what ingredients and amounts are suitable for every person to drink at any time of day while still being specific enough to aid the wellness problem they are being designed for. I also do a lot of reading about herbs and how they help the body in order to understand more about possible future blends and be able to communicate better with the doctors I’m speaking with.

How did you decide on packaging, and did you do all of the design work yourself?
The packaging came about through series of prototypes. I had to teach myself Adobe Illustrator as I was designing the labels, which was difficult as the labels were limited by my skill level. I initially wanted to outsource the design but thought that having an understanding of Adobe Illustrator and other software would allow for greater control over this and potential future projects. This has really paid off by allowing me a greater understanding of the prototyping and design process.

Where and how do you get these medicinal blends made?
Currently, I make all the blends and the packaging in the spare room of my house. I print the labels with the same printer I use to print my essays for university. However, I outsource all the “parts of the puzzle,” such as the herbs, which are sourced from Guangzhou, the teas which come from all around China, and the various components of the packaging from factories in southern China. I assemble these all at home. I grind the herbs, weigh everything out, and bag the tea myself.

What have you learned from this process of starting and developing your own business?
I owe all of my self-development in the last three years to this project. How to deal with failure- that it should be sought out and welcomed. What it means to adapt my thinking and not be so fixed on making a concept work. Honestly, I was always told that perseverance and commitment were important, and it is… but “blind perseverance/commitment” can be quite dangerous as sometimes you won’t pivot or make the changes necessary for growth. I have also gained an understanding of networking in China, and how to be confident in my ideas/product, along with what it means to be truly proud of myself and how to create self-satisfaction.

Photos: Courtesy of Rhiannon Sim
This article appeared on p16 of beijingkids February 2018 issue.

We at beijingkids love trailing spouses who make something of their time while abroad. This mother has been an expat for many years and has decided to create customized teepees. Nadia Werlinich noticed that kids would try to build forts and tents with sheets, so she decided to take teepee building to a new level. She created Little Eco One (WeChat ID: Littleecoone), which produces high-quality designer teepees handmade with the best sustainable materials. Werlinich uses 100 percent natural cotton, while the teepees come with bamboo or wooden poles.

Often called the “fabric of our lives,” cotton is one of the most common materials used for many items we come in contact every day, from clothes to sheets, and even some foods contain cotton. Growing non-organic cotton requires many pesticides. The risks of exposure to these chemicals are unhealthy to say the least. Organic cotton companies work according to the guidelines set by the Organic Trade Organization.

It might seem like an impossible deed to make our lives 100 percent organic, but we can start with gifts and special items for our children. These products are organic, and can be treasured and passed on to future generations.

Little Eco One also designs and creates bean bags, crib bumpers, and bed canopies. Despite being a newcomer in Beijing, Werlinich has hit the ground running as her teepees are being used in five-star hotels like the Ritz Carlton in the Middle East. She has also been featured in Vogue UK.

Little Eco One takes custom orders, and the fabric choices she has are extensive. Werlinich usually does not hold stock but creates the teepees to order. Organic fabrics are sourced from the US and Thailand, while natural fibers are from China.

Photo: Nadia Werlinich

This article appeared on p24 of beijingkids December 2017 issue.

We are always looking for bright colors and some sunshine in the polluted grayness of Beijing. Aloÿse de La Ronde, creator of the brand Aloha Baraka, no doubt felt the same way when creating these colorful dresses, bags, and fabrics that make you smile through the PM2.5. Each time I see her fabrics I can’t help but wonder, how on earth did she find the amazing inspiration to create these super cute dresses?

Aloÿse de la Ronde is of French descent and has been in Beijing for the last eight years. She wanted to find the perfect dress to make Beijing a bit more cheerful. When she could not find her style in stores, de la Ronde decided to make them herself. She wanted colorful fashion that would make an impact, and once people started noticing her designs, they were all immediately interested.

After she was done revamping her own closet and redecorating her home with flashy fabrics, she started on her friend’s wardrobes. In May 2016 she decided to start her brand, Aloha Baraka. She had people ready to help her with fashion shoots and to contribute in making her new brand a success.

She sources her fabric from different places around the world. When de la Ronde receives fabrics, she does tests to ensure the fabric’s colors are washing machine proof, as this is one of her requirements to make sure they can be easily cleaned. As a mother myself I can’t agree more that only machine washable dresses will do these days.

De la Ronda only makes a limited number of dresses in each fabric as she wants the pieces to be unique and special. She also makes use of spacious pockets as a part of her signature design, which adds to the unique utilitarian character of her products. What is more special is the name she gave to her brand, Aloha Baraka, in a bid to combine the best of two cultures and work in a minuscule way towards not only creating beauty through these unique threads but also a better and more loving world.

De la Ronda explained; “Aloha means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return. Aloha is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence. Baraka is an Arabic word and can be found within physical objects, places, and people. This force begins by flowing directly from God into a creation that is worthy of Baraka. These creations endowed with Baraka can then transmit the flow of Baraka to the other creations.”

Photos: Courtesy of Aloha Baraka

We at beijingkids love our purses, bags, and satchels. I have several bags at home. Ok, actually it’s an extensive bag collection. While my husband does not agree with my treasured collection, some of these bags are for charitable causes, and those are my most valued. Some of these include a beautiful bag from Yoganda providing widowed Ugandan women with valuable work experience, a Wayuu Mochilla bag benefiting women in Colombia, and a Love and Hope purse from a migrant school in Shunyi.

When I recently saw a dear friend with an eye popping bag, I immediately needed to know where she found it. She told me at a recent market, and that it was made by Springsations a social enterprise working with single moms in Beijing. We at beijingkids wanted to know more, as supporting these families in a difficult situation while buying bags is one of the best ideas ever.

Springsations started as a work program where moms and other women could gain training and find employment suitable to their skills and aspirations. A former employee of theirs came for help when just three months pregnant, and from this Springsations then decided to turn this wonderful place into a safe space for mothers who have been rejected by their families. Springsations now also has a shelter for single mothers and their young children.

Munchkinland is the space for the kids where they learn to read, write, and play while the mothers work. “It’s a place where dreams come true and lifetime friendships are made. There’s fun, games, songs, dancing, and toys galore, but most of all, lots of love.” Having a safe space for the children is such a relief for the mothers working on these outrageously cool satchels.

The owner explained “Springsations is more than a bag company; it is hope for the future to those who come to work here. When workers come to work at Springsations, they start with the basic cutting, and taping.  They do some of the basic chores, like cleaning or running errands until they get to know us and start to share their gifts and talents with us, and then we look for jobs that fit their personality, gifts, and abilities and then provide training. At Springsations, we recognize that everyone who walks through our door has gifts, talents, and special things they can bring to the table”

The bags are well made, and sturdy with very happy and colorful fabrics. The designs are versatile and there is a size suitable for a variety needs. These bags are great for shopping, traveling, and even diapers. I for one am very excited to get my hands on a fashionable new bag from this company (don’t tell my husband), while doing some good in the process. For more information, visit their website www.springsations.com.

Photos: Courtesy of Springsations

 

This article originally appeared on p 15 of beijingkids August 2017 issue.
Download the digital copy here.

Food safety is a major concern, particularly when you have young children. In addition, new parents are often anxious about choosing new products and can become overwhelmed through time consuming research or trial and error. In response to these concerns and experiences, a group of parents, Swiss Olaf Zilkens, Danish Camilla Simoni, Dutch Wouter de Haan, and Charis Choi from Hong Kong formed Challet Baby Care.

The idea of Challet is simple: every month a box is delivered containing Swiss-made essential products for mom and child from pregnancy up to toddler years. The products are chosen on the basis of professional recommendations, or Simoni’s career experience as an obstetrician, pediatrician, and breastfeeding counsellor, to ensure the best set of products for each development stage. Challet ensures product compliance with European standards and competitive prices before delivering the box to your doorstep.

Everything in the box has been tested for quality by both Swiss and Chinese authorities. And prices are reasonable: a Premium Box, for example, will cost RMB 888 – not much once you calculate the cost of everything that you would otherwise have to purchase separately and the time spent doing so.

Uniquely for the Chinese market, Challet also provides bilingual, professional advice through WeChat, offering new parents answers to questions such as how to establish a good sleeping routine, or how to handle sibling rivalry. The company has become a network for young families – exchanging interests and enjoying regular events like baby yoga, healthy cooking, fashion, and baby related education.

Deliveries can be ordered from the website challet.walkthechat.com or WeChat account: challetbaby

This article originally appeared on page 11 of the September 2016 Issue of beijingkids magazine. Click here for your free online copy. To find out how you can obtain a hard copy, contact distribution@truerun.com.

Photos: Courtesy of Challet