My Shanghai, an Urban Family series where we ask a Shanghai-based somebody to tell us about their life.
The expat life provides so many with the opportunity to pursue a dream and create a life that follows a burning passion. For Emily Beavers, this has been the essence of her Shanghai existence. After settling in to her life here, fate stepped in and provided the opportunity to take over the management of Jitterbugs; music, movement and play classes for children that develops social and motor skills before school. Available for infants to children 4 years of age, Jitterbugs is growing in Shanghai, and with Emily at the helm I am sure it will continue to thrive in the years to come.
What is your career background?
When I was little and was asked what I was going to be when I grew up, my answer was always “a teacher,” following in my mom’s footsteps. But then life happened. I went to college, got on a business kick and started my first job in advertising, putting my communication and business degrees to good use. After a few years of feeling dissatisfied, I realized I should have stuck to my childhood plan, so I followed my passion to work with kids. I received my Masters in Education while teaching preschool, and then moved on to teach elementary school after graduating. Moving to Shanghai in 2012 for my husband Aaron’s job opened many new doors. We originally planned to stay for just two years, so rather than teach full time I decided to explore other opportunities; the most exciting being the Chief Editor of this very magazine. As much as I enjoyed my time at Urban Family, I really missed being around little ones again, so I put my teacher hat back on, which I know suits me best.
How did you come to own Jitterbugs?
I call it fate! I was teaching part time at some international schools and about seven months pregnant when a few friends told me that their beloved Jitterbugs may be closing, as the owner was moving away, and they urged me to look into it. I had heard great things about the program, but didn’t think I had an entrepreneurial bone in my body. The more I thought about it, the more it seemed too good to be true. Perhaps this was the perfect blend of advertising, business and teaching. Oh, and did I mention the main studio is in my apartment compound? After meeting the previous owner Michelle, and getting to know the program, I quickly fell in love with Jitterbugs and knew I wanted my baby and I to be a part of it. It was so refreshing to see such a diverse group of families come together in a fun, casual setting - moving, playing and truly learning together.
I was due to pop just six weeks after Michelle left the keys in my hand. My final days of pregnancy were spent ‘Bopping till I drop’ and ‘Shaking my sillies out’ with our Jitterbugs (gently of course!), hiring and training staff and setting up new processes. Thankfully, our little guy Quinn waited for his Mommy to be ready before he arrived. It was a busy first few months juggling a newborn and a new business (not to mention hormones!), but I powered through with help from my amazing husband and Ayi, and I am so glad I did. I’ve now been with Jitterbugs 18 months and am so proud of what is has become and love our JB community!
What is your favorite thing about running Jitterbugs?
The people - big and small. Our growing Jitterbugs community is my daily inspiration. It doesn’t matter what kind of day you’re having, when you’re surrounded by little ones playing, dancing and spreading their contagious joy, any frown is turned upside down. Whether it’s a 3 month old’s eyes wide with amazement at the bright colors and new sounds, or a 3 year old’s proud smile when she hops on one foot for the first time, seeing our Jitterbugs learning and having fun is so rewarding. I also love seeing so many wonderful friendships created among the parents and Ayis who join our classes, especially when a newly arrived expat comes for the first time and realizes they’ve found the perfect place to make friends!
What have you learned along the way?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to take baby steps (no pun intended!). I am a ‘yes’ person and tend to bite off more than I can chew. “Oh, you’d like a new class in your neighborhood? Sure, why not, let’s start next week.” I’m slowly learning to only run with one or two projects at a time and make sure they’re well executed, rather than drown myself in a ‘to do’ list. Of course, I want my business to be evolving and improving, but at the end of the day as long as Jitterbugs remains a welcoming, safe, fun place for Shanghai families to come and grow together, then my job is done.
What is the most challenging part of running the business?
Energetic, enthusiastic, loving teachers are the heart and soul of Jitterbugs and we are lucky to have an amazing team. However, finding teachers with this special personality and love of children isn't easy, especially with the transient nature of Shanghai. We would love to offer our classes to more neighborhoods around Shanghai, but can only do so as our team grows. We're always open to meeting anyone with these qualities who is interested in dancing, playing and learning with our Jitterbugs!
With Quinn still quite young, how do you juggle it all?
I assume all working moms would agree that it’s a constant struggle to balance work, family time and personal time. I couldn’t do it without my fabulous husband and Ayi who are both very supportive and hands on. I’m still in awe of my parents who both worked full time and raised three daughters with no household help. How spoiled we are!
When I’m not teaching, working from a cafe or scouting out new teachers or venues, I try to sneak in Quinn time, playdates and workouts here and there, which is a huge perk of making my own schedule. On the other hand, somehow the days seem to disappear and I tend get most of my work done after my boys are in bed!
What is next for Jitterbugs?
We are always introducing new songs, toys and fun into our classes. We’ve recently launched an energy-burning Butterflies class for 2-4 year olds, and also a new concept called Playdate Picnics. On Tuesdays from 12pm-3pm we transform our French Concession studio into a playroom. Parents can come, take a break from chasing their little one around, and let them play while they sit back and chat with a friend and enjoy lunch picnic style if they’d like. We now have six class locations around town and plans are underway to open a weekly class in Minhang soon!
What advice would you give to other young mothers looking to start a business?
My initial advice would be to go for it. Shanghai is the land of opportunity with a supportive community of entrepreneurs always willing to share advice, contacts and help you along the way. However, I must follow that encouragement with an honest warning to be sure you have a true passion for your work and are prepared to have another ‘baby.’ I often joke that Jitterbugs is my second child. Having your own business makes it difficult to leave work at work and you can easily become consumed with it - regardless of the size or nature of the business. If you love what you do, have the motivation to make it work and a support system to help you balance it all out, go for it. I’m so glad I did!
To find out more on Jitterbugs in Shanghai, visit their website or scan their official WeChat QR code to receive weekly updates, view class schedules and be in touch with Emily and her talented team.
For more My Shanghai series, click here.
