What was the inspiration behind creating a line of locally made, eco-friendly and plant-based home and body care products?
When I first came back to China in 2010 there were no green products on the market. As I was a new mum, I went on a search for the best and safest eco products and ended up being so fascinated by all aspects of being sustainable that I decided to change my life path. I made it my mission to give every mum a better alternative for their family. That’s how eco&more was born... out of stubbornness and sheer will.
Which eco&more products must you have with you or at home?
I’m pretty sure everybody’s favorite (and coincidently our first ever) product is the Laundry. It is so concentrated and has so much eucalyptus oil inside you can just smell the Blue Mountains. My other favorite is (of course) the Rosemary and Mint hand wash, which is so smooth that a lot of our customers (and myself) use it on our faces. The third is our floor cleaner. As I have a pet dog and two small children who like to roll on the floor all day long, it gives me peace of mind to know that they are not rolling in bleach and ammonia.
You were a finalist for the 2015 Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards. How did it feel to be recognized for your accomplishments as a female entrepreneur in China?
I was the third CWIA finalist in nine years from China. They flew us all to Paris for 10 days to meet the other international finalists and to visit the Global Women’s Forum. It is a life changing experience and I am still ‘sisters’ with all the ladies coming from all paths and all corners of the world. Personally, I left China at a very young age, and returning to my home country and being recognized for doing good work here is something I am very proud of.
How did you react when you found out you were on the list?
I was thrilled because it was so unexpected. A good friend told me to apply and I did, but I had no idea that I would be chosen. Of course I love Cartier, and I think having the recognition made me want to achieve more and be more. So for that I am forever grateful.
Tell us why eco&more became the presenting sponsor of Eco Design Fair 2016.
We practically launched eco&more at the 2011 Eco Design Fair and have participated in every EDF ever since. Over the years, we have become more and more involved and grown with the Shanghai green community. Since EDF is such a big part of that community, it is my absolute pleasure and life goal to support EDF in every way we can.
The theme of EDF 2016 is “Beat the Heat.” What are some of the creative and eco-friendly ways that you and your family use to stay cool during the summer?
When I was a poor student at university in the US, my roommate and I had this trick where we would fill up the bathtub with cold water and take dips in it all day. Then at night, we used it to water all our pot plants. These days, I think water is even more precious, so we don’t run baths at home and we definitely never run our air conditioner. A splash of water and sitting in front of the fan works like magic.
Eco Design Fair 2016, June 3-5, Lafayette Art & Design Center, see event listing here.
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