An Urban Family series where we ask a Shanghai-based somebody to tell us 5 Things specific to his or her life.
Ahead of this weekend’s Spring Bazaar at Lost Heaven Silk Road, we speak with event organizer Adja Sy, who is also the founder of Lalu and NÜBIAN. She talks about her background, African style and what to expect at the food and craft market.
1. “Spring Bazaar is inseparable from my Senegalese and French background.”
After I founded my skincare brand Lalu and developed an African-inspired accessory and clothing line NÜBIAN, I started to connect young entrepreneurs like myself and we created a support community called “Made in Shanghai.” This is the second edition of the Spring Bazaar, and I am super excited and nervous. [When spring arrives] in France… it is the time to get rid of our old things, dust the cobwebs and renew our wardrobes, so the idea of [this weekend’s event] was derived from this tradition. It will be a go-to place where people can feel renewal and get a new start!
2. “I keep up with my Senegalese vibe like a pro.”
Helping each other within the community in Shanghai is a great way to maintain my cultural vibe since being helpful is in our Senegalese DNA. In addition to that, my traditions lie in my style. I love our cultural fashion and I wear it with pride. My clothes and accessories draw from great influences in Africa. They are colorful, fun and are a statement; it reminds me who I am. All my products are all deeply rooted in my culture. The reason that I created NÜBIAN is to showcase our artisan work, our beautiful fabrics and so much more.
3. “Boredom and dullness is never an option for us!”
I am excited about everything in the event! We invested an incredible amount of time and effort in order to put the best quality products and the sweetest deals from the sellers on the table. I am drooling just thinking of all the food I will be trying. What can I say, I am obsessed with food!
Another highlight of the weekend and the Spring Bazaar is that Lizzy’s All Natural will be celebrating their second anniversary. For the occasion, the team is having a FEVER Boot Camp on Saturday and a FEVER Vinyasa on Sunday. Boredom and dullness is never an option for us!
4. “How about some martial arts for family fun?”
I believe our martial arts section will be great family fun for parents and children. On Saturday May 13 from 11.30-1.00pm, we will have Warzone teaching Brazilian jujitsu/self defense. The class will start with 30 minutes of flow movement ground activities followed by basic techniques and drills. To follow this we will have WeBox coaches from 1.30-2.30pm. The class will begin with a warm up, boxing techniques and some fat burning activities. These classes will keep both parents and children on their toes whilst sweating it out for a good cause, Hopsy Kenya. Finally, you can finish the day with a post-workout acai bowl by Berry N Bowl.
5. “Kudos to these female organizers!”
Shanghai Center, Common Rare and KTGA are my favorite markets and fairs in Shanghai. The team behind those events are fantastic, hardworking people and they care about quality products and promoting their sellers. I admire them because it is not an easy task to put together markets and pop-ups, so kudos to these female organizers!
Eyewear provided by Biz Eyes
Images by Pasha Shubsky
Learn more about this weekend’s Spring Bazaar here.
Read more '5 Things’.
