点击“Jingjobs”关注我们吧！
Name: Bunny Yan and Nicolas Bouthors
Company: the Squirrelz
Tell us about yourself and how you ended up in China?
My name is Bunny! I was born in Shanghai but raised in the United States. I’ve been a fashion designer for over a decade, designing for major names such as Outkast and Southpole. Six years ago I decided to travel the world, but found myself back where I started: Shanghai, China! This is where I met my partner Nico, a French bio-engineer with a passion for design. Together we founded ‘the Squirrelz’!
Can you explain the concept behind the Squirrelz? What inspired you to open it?
While I was visiting a garment factory for my new design collection, I came upon boxes full of perfectly fine doctor’s uniforms that were classified as ‘defective’ and set to be destroyed. The only issue with these uniforms was that they were dyed a wrong shade of blue. My partner and I felt like it was a shame for such high quality materials to go to waste, so we brought some home and turned them into stylish handbags. Not only did we add value to these otherwise wasted materials, we also prevented them from ending up in a landfill! This concept is called ‘Upcycling’, and it wasn’t long before we started ‘the Squirrelz’ to gather likeminded eco-designers together on a single platform!
Are you starting to see a shift where more and more people are realising how important it is to have a healthy and sustainable lifestyle?
North America and Europe have already caught on in many ways: they see the potential and advantages in recycling, eco-friendly products and waste reduction. It’s another part of the Western health trend: prevent waste from affecting your life negatively. China however is still catching up. The positive or negative impact their purchase will make is often less important than the price.
What green business or person do you admire most? Why?
My background is in design, so most of the people and businesses I admire are not actually involved in the green industry. People often find that strange, but I consider it an advantage! Design comes first, while still adhering to green and eco-friendly guidelines.
What do you consider the most significant accomplishment in your career?
When I hear accomplishments, I want to talk about the big events that have happened in such a short time! Getting invited to the White House by President Obama, winning the China regional of the ‘1776’ hosted Challenge Cup competition… but personally I consider our most significant accomplishment yet the fact that in just two years we’ve grown from a 2 man operation to a 12 person team!
But yeah, seeing Obama was totally rad. I even got a selfie!
What do you find most challenging about working in China? What is the most rewarding?
Chinese consumers are less concerned with the impact of their purchase, both good and bad. So explaining the concept behind the products is very important. Why buy green products? Why are green products as good, and even better, than non-green products? What are the benefits? When we switch from catering to the foreign and expat market to the local Chinese market, it’s a challenge of educating. First step, convince them with the products and designs themselves: show them how trendy and fashionable green can be!
What are a few of your favourite places to go in Shanghai?
I like to explore, get myself lost and find new places I’ve never seen or been to. There’s nothing quite like stumbling upon a delicious hole-in-the-wall restaurant, tucked away boutique shop or seeing a brand new Shanghai locale!
Location: the Squirrelz, 105 Wanhangdu Road, 6th Floor Shanghai, China 200040
点击左下角，上Jingjobs查看更多工作机会！
↓↓↓