As we said goodbye to 2018, we took the opportunity to reflect on previous My Shanghai interviews. It's a chance to remind ourselves of the impressive individuals who inhabit the city and how their businesses positively impact our lives. We caught up with them again to find out what they have in store for 2019 that our community can look forward to. So, scan the QR codes below to review any interviews you missed this year, and then keep an eye out for these Shanghai entrepreneurs in the new year.
Lili Gleason and Posy Pearson
The Shanghai Gift Company
Image via Shanghai Gift Company
When we met with Lili Gleason and Posy Pearson, we talked about their friendship and business partnership that continues to see the Shanghai Gift Company thrive. As busy moms who met in Shanghai, they joined forces to create a business that nurtures their creative souls on their terms. The 2018 Christmas Market Season will see these two entrepreneurs showcase new fragrances and candle sets across the city. They are also releasing their first Christmas ornament collection with whimsical images of Santa in Shanghai and a new set of Christmas cards.
Looking forward… The Shanghai Gift Company will launch fresh new candle scents and update their stationery line with new pens, journals and tote bags. These ladies don’t seem to stop, which means we get to enjoy their new designs.
Read the full post here.
Emily Beavers
Jitterbugs Shanghai
Image via Jitterbugs Shanghai
During the year, Emily Beavers talked to us about taking over the ownership of Jitterbugs in Shanghai. This endeavor has her immersed in the program that offers music, movement and play classes to children from infancy to the age of 4. During this process, Emily fulfilled a lifelong dream to blend her business background with her passion for children's education.
Looking forward… Jitterbugs continues to deliver energizing classes to their little ones as they move through the stages: growing from 'Ladybugs' into Caterpillars' and then 'Butterflies.' They have recently launched an exciting new preschool Parents & Me class called 'Busy Bees,' for 1-4 year olds. Bookings for all classes are not essential – just turn up and immerse yourself in the fun with Beavers and her team. With plans for additional locations and classes in the new year, there's no easier way to keep your little one entertained and learning.
Read the full post here.
Elsa Medin & Erin Leigh
Spare Leash
Image via Spare Leash
When we spoke to Elsa Medin and Erin Leigh, they explained how following their passion for animals and identifying a need in the market inspired them to create Spare Leash: a WeChat-based platform that connects pet owners with pet sitters as an alternative to kennels or caged accommodation. With over 700 registered pet sitters across three cities in China, Spare Leash has certainly taken hold of the market with a comprehensive menu of services that extends from pet sitting to dog walking and vet runs.
Looking forward… The duo is launching a new platform that will enable pet owners to connect with verified pet sitters more easily. They are also working hard to create further training sessions, events and activities to promote animal education through their platform. The new year will see Medin and Leigh striving to meet their goal of connecting as many people and pets as possible by expanding to additional cities in China. Check out their new website: spareleash.com.cn.
Read the full post here.
Mette Leger
Grow HR
Image via Grow HR
At the beginning of the year, we interviewed Mette Leger, founder of Grow HR, to talk about her Shanghai-based recruitment consultancy firm. With a desire to start her own business and an appetite for challenge, Mette found her inspiration in recruitment.
Looking forward… Since January, Leger welcomed her second son and met the challenge of nurturing two children and a thriving business head on. She explained how she is realistic in managing expectations, compromises when needed and has immense gratitude for life's blessings. On the business side, Grow HR are incorporating additional technology into their operations, such as video applications, games, and emotional intelligence assessments. They want to become the best technology-driven HR consultancy firm in China, while maintaining personalized connections with their clients.
Read the full post here.
Kim Gilliland
Soapnut Republic
Image via Soapnut Republic
Kim Gilliland talked to us about the motivation behind her eco-friendly household products brand Soapnut Republic, where she serves as CEO. Her dedication to creating safe, non-toxic products had us hooked immediately. Made from the soapnut berry, this natural brand, which she co-founded with husband Bobby Mitchell, is becoming a staple in many family homes around China.
Looking forward… The momentum at Soapnut Republic will continue into 2019 with the launch of their children's and personal care products. Using 100 percent safe, allergen-free and biodegradable ingredients, these will be must-haves for every family wanting to create a safer home environment.
Read the full post here.
Isabella Castelli
Isa Castelli Italian-made Bags and Shoes
Image via Isa Castelli
In May, Isabella Castelli showed us that in this land of opportunity, a desire for something more can lead to a new career that delivers immense success. With Isa Castelli, her Italian-made handbag and shoe label adored by many women in Shanghai, her business will no doubt continue to prosper as her designs change with the seasons.
Looking forward… During winter, Castelli will continue to sell her boots, shoes and bags in rich tones to brighten the dreariest of days. Think velvet and suede fabrics, accentuated by sparkling silver and gold. The new 2019 summer collection will include vibrant colors, with a line of neutrals. Look out for her new handbags with matching sandals, and a collection of wedges and heels that will have us all wishing for warmer weather.
Read the full post here.
Liu Jian
Hand in Hand International Children's Music Festivals
Image via Liu Jian
Before their May-June 2018 festival series commenced, we met with Hand in Hand founder Liu Jian and his wife, American journalist Rebecca Kanthor. Their dream to create 'rocking' family-friendly music events for all ages has become a reality during their first 18 months on tour. The talents at Hand in Hand have graced 15 cities and performed in front of more than 55,000 people. They have received high-praise from audiences around the country, which has inspired them to continue pursuing their mission to bring the coolest music for families from around the world to China.
Looking forward… Jian and Kanthor are planning three new festivals in 2019. They will bring new musical acts from Europe, North America and Australia to perform alongside crowd favorites Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band (US) and Hippe Gasten (Holland). Visit handinhandchina.com for more details on when and where they will take the stage.
Read the full post here.
Coreene Horenko
Lifeline Shanghai
Image via Lifeline Shanghai
As Executive Director, Coreene Horenko sits at the helm of Lifeline Shanghai. Here, she and a team of volunteers provide a safe avenue for the English-speaking community in China to reach out to when in need. We caught up with Coreene in June to gain further understanding of Lifeline’s work, and what opportunities are available for volunteering with this invaluable service.
Looking forward… Horenko hopes the tremendous support they have received from the Shanghai community will continue into 2019. As the demand increases for Lifeline services, they have launched a toll-free number (400 821 1215) for use across China. Funds generated from their current online campaign will go towards extending their operating hours and training additional volunteers who provide support via their helpline and chat services. They will also run their 'R U OK? Day' on March 9, 2019 – a day of action for mental health and wellbeing.
The Lifeline helpline is confidential, anonymous and open 10am-10pm 365 days a year. If you need assistance please call (021) 6279 8990 or start an online chat via their website: lifeline-shanghai.com.
Read the full post here.
[Cover image via Shanghai Gift Company]
