Shanghai is a city of entrepreneurship. In our new series, 'Shanghai Entrepreneurs,' we talk to entrepreneurs from different backgrounds and businesses about their motivations, experiences and what they have learned along the way.
Ginger Co See is an entrepreneur that seeks a specific kind of inspiration – her children and family. Her original products are all a result of watching her children grow and realizing their needs. Originally from the Philippines and working in an Internet company, Ginger and her family moved to Shanghai six years ago. Her computer science and web development background seems like a lifetime ago now to her since she has found a different passion in entrepreneurism of kids products.
Elevator pitch: tell us what you do in less than 50 words.
I started UrbanCool Kids because of my very active daughter Alexa, who loves to crawl under tables and get into all kinds of mischief even when she was still wobbly on her feet. I was exhausted from chasing her and was getting back pains, so I invented the Thudguard Infant Safety Hat and things continued to progress from there. Now we have expanded our line to include two more US brands – WeeRide and Kazam Balance Bike. We cater to niche markets and create products that are unique and practical.
Why did you choose Shanghai?
My family was originally based in Beijing, but my husband’s work brought us to Shanghai around six years ago. Shanghai is where I had my first child and also where the business was born. Now, due to school and my husband’s work, we shuttle back and forth between Shanghai and Beijing and we split our time between the two cities.
What are the biggest challenges of setting up a business here?
Although setting up a business in China involves a lot of paperwork, the incorporation process is actually relatively straightforward. The difficult part starts when you actually begin the distributing the goods, as margins get squeezed due to multiple distribution layers. Competition is also very tough because there are too many similar brands in the market.
What would you say is the biggest difference here to your experience working in the West?
The pace; as everything is so fast here. European-style vacation days are unheard of in China and people often work during the weekends and holidays. The Chinese are also very business savvy – it’s like they are born with a gene to do business.
What was your ‘a-ha!’ moment?
I don’t think I had an ‘a-ha’ moment. It was all gradually unfolding and not one single moment. One thing just led to another. As my daughter Alexa grew up, the products we distribute have grown with her. Now that I have a newborn baby boy, I can’t wait to see what products we will discover and distribute next.
How has being a mom helped your goals?
Everything motherhood. The business would not exist without it. Our product selection has also been greatly influenced by my experience as a mom – my children are the root and center of it all.
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to someone starting a new business here?
Be flexible, yet persistent. China is a tough marketplace. As an entry-level player you have to be flexible. Hang in there!
What trends are shaping the way business is done here?
Mobile technology. Social media apps like WeChat and new payment methods like WeChat pay and Apple pay are all changing the landscape of how we market and bring our products to the end-consumer.
Give us three words that you need to make it as an entrepreneur in Shanghai.
Never give up.
To learn more about Ginger’s products, visit: www.thudguard-asia.com, www.weeridekids.com and www.kazamkids.com.
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