As we look forward to International Women's Day on March 8, we recognize the remarkable contribution of women entrepreneurs who continue to break barriers, challenge norms, and redefine success.

Across industries, women are driving innovation, building businesses, and creating opportunities – not just for themselves but for entire communities.

Despite facing different challenges in the city of Shanghai, women entrepreneurs from different countries have demonstrated resilience, creativity and leadership. From fitness startups and creative enterprises to sustainable brands and animal-rescue initiatives, women-led businesses are reshaping the business landscape.

Let's celebrate the fearless women who dare to dream, innovate, and lead, as well as the amazing women who are bold, visionary, and unstoppable.

Businesswoman supports Italian companies

Cristiana Barbatelli began her career in the 1980s with a major Italian bank and later decided to establish her own consulting firm Barbatelli & Partners, dedicated to helping companies invest in China and supporting their operations in the market. She's proud of being a woman who can create success for her clients, guiding them through the complexities of the business environment, helping them navigate challenges, and overcoming moments of doubt. She finds it deeply rewarding to help many Italian companies understand and embrace China.

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Restaurateur inspires with a dash of Ginger

For years, China's food and beverage industry has been a male-dominated space, but trailblazers like Betty Ng have redefined the landscape with their creativity, passion, and commitment to excellence. A Singaporean native, Ng first arrived in China in 1987 to work in hospitality before her journey led her to Tokyo, where she immersed herself in the culinary arts. Despite her dream of opening a restaurant, Tokyo's high rental costs made it an impractical choice. But in 2003, on moving to Shanghai, she saw an opportunity – and she seized it.

In 2005, Ng opened the first Ginger on Fuxing Road W., offering healthy, globally inspired cuisine. Over the years, she expanded to Xintiandi, Tian Zi Fang, and Sinan Road, becoming a fixture in Shanghai's evolving dining scene. Eventually, she reconsolidated Ginger Modern Asian Bistro at its current Xingguo Road location, refining its focus on Asian flavors. Ginger recently celebrated its 20th anniversary – a remarkable milestone in the city's ever-evolving dining scene. Ng has not only created a beloved dining institution but also cultivated a workplace where staff feel valued. As Ginger marks two decades of success, it stands as a testament to Ng's dedication, creativity and resilience, proving that a restaurant built with passion and authenticity can stand the test of time in one of the world's most dynamic cities.

Read more on: With grits and guts, female restaurateur inspires with a dash of Ginger

Australian ballerina shares the joy of dance

Sydney-born Amy Fabris-Shi toured the world as a professional ballet dancer before settling in Shanghai, where she became a magazine editor and travel writer. In 2015, she and her Shanghainese husband co-founded Zy Dance Studio, combining their shared passion for dance to create a professional, internationally accredited studio known for its welcoming and supportive atmosphere.

Determined to provide students with a world-class training structure, Amy became a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) accredited teacher – completing her final certification when an impressive 37 weeks pregnant.

For Amy, her true reward is inspiring students to embrace dance as a lifelong joy – building their skills while discovering their artistic expression.

Read more on: Australian ballerina shares the joy and power of dance

A fitness studio to empower ordinary people

Jennifer Chang, originally from Calcutta, India, was driven to do something that could create a direct positive impact. A culmination of small and big events led to the creation of RISE Shanghai, a boutique fitness studio, in 2019. She believes that exercise is something everyone should be doing, regardless of age.

She wants to build a space that helps ordinary people with their health through holistic, sustainable exercise programs. She's proudest when she gets to make a real impact on the people who train there. The fact that she gets to work with real people and make a real impact gives her endless opportunities to find a real sense of achievement every day.

Read more on: A fitness studio that empowers ordinary people

Fulfilling a long-held dream in Shanghai

When Camden Hauge arrived in Shanghai in 2012, she was captivated by the city's energy and evolving food scene. A lifelong food lover who once dreamed of opening a restaurant, she saw an opportunity in this dynamic city. Only a few months into her time in Shanghai, the American took a leap – leaving behind her advertising job to launch Shanghai Supperclub, a roving chef's table that connected food lovers and culinary talents. In 2015, she opened Egg, her first restaurant, marking the start of a growing hospitality group named Happy Place. From Bird to Lucky Mart, her venues introduced fresh, global flavors to the city, while her food festival, FEAST, celebrated Shanghai's chefs and bartenders for its ever-curious diners. In parallel, the Supperclub grew into a full-scale events and experience agency, SOCIAL SUPPLY.

Shanghai, with its fearless entrepreneurs and adventurous customers, proved to be the perfect stage. And Camden? She built more than restaurants – she created a community.

Read more on: Fulfilling a long-held dream in Shanghai

French entrepreneur brings "art of living" into local community

Parisian entrepreneur Stephanie Sallette co-founded Studio NooSH in 2020, a Shanghai-based interior decor brand rooted in sustainability and the French art de vivre. With 15 years of experience in fashion and e-commerce, she transitioned into home design to create warm, inviting spaces – especially for expats longing for a sense of home. Inspired by the simple joys of gathering around a beautifully set table, she launched a collection of elegant, sustainable table linens, emphasizing mindful living, quality craftsmanship, and a deep respect for nature. Her vision for Studio NooSH is to bring beauty, sustainability, and thoughtful living into everyday moments, fostering a connection between people, their homes, and the environment. She believes that embracing sustainability is not just a trend but a necessary shift in how we consume and live.

Read more on: French entrepreneur brings 'art of living' into local community

New Delhi native creates brands built on sustainability and impeccable design

Since arriving in Shanghai in 2007, Itee Soni has embraced the city's entrepreneurial spirit, channeling her creativity into ventures that merge sustainability with intentional design. A New Delhi native, she co-founded Loop Swim – one of the first fully eco-friendly swimwear brands – transforming post-consumer plastic bottles into stylish, sun-protective swimwear while advocating for a circular economy. In 2022, she launched The Nectar Foundry, a home and gift brand offering sustainable, mindful products such as aromatherapy, home textiles, wall art, and tarot readings, all designed to foster connection and emotional well-being.

Soni's journey has been shaped by Shanghai's dynamic energy, where she has found a thriving community of talented, driven women. Through workshops on design, aromatherapy, and reiki, she has built a space for creative collaboration, encouraging mindful living and better consumption choices. With Loop, she redefines fashion waste; with The Nectar Foundry, she bridges heritage and innovation – each venture a testament to her belief in sustainability, craftsmanship, and connection.

Read more on: New Delhi native creates brands built on sustainability and impeccable design

Antipodean designer creates meaningful and authentic spaces

Hannah Churchill, originally from Dunedin, New Zealand, arrived in Shanghai in 2009 with the intention of staying just a couple of years. However, the city's dynamic energy and endless creative opportunities quickly changed her plans. Inspired by the diversity of projects around her, she co-founded hcreates, an interior design studio that has since shaped some of Shanghai's most inviting hospitality spaces. Churchill's journey into interior design was an organic one. After a brief stint in architecture, she helped friends design a sports bar, which soon led to an Italian restaurant and then a steady flow of new projects. As demand grew, she built a team and turned her passion into a thriving business. At hcreates, the focus is on creating curated, engaging interiors that enhance the dining experience and enrich the surrounding neighborhood. Churchill believes that well-designed spaces foster connection and interaction, transforming ordinary places into vibrant community hubs where people naturally come together.

Read more on: Antipodean designer creates spaces that are meaningful and authentic