Lisa Gregori has made a name for herself in Shanghai's fashion scene with her eye for style and desire to make people feel seen. Originally from the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, Lisa arrived in Shanghai over a decade ago. In 2021, she founded Ad Maiora, a bespoke tailoring studio specializing in authenticity, timeless style and personal connection. More than a fashion label, Ad Maiora promotes self-awareness, confidence and the quiet power of wearing something crafted specially for you.

Before we discuss your company, would you mind introducing yourself?

I'm from the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. I've been living in Shanghai for 12 years. After graduating from Fudan University, I founded Ad Maiora in 2021 – a studio devoted to bespoke tailoring with a deeply personal and meaningful approach. We don't follow trends or release seasonal collections. Everything begins with understanding the individual – their natural colors, body shape, lifestyle, and most importantly, their true essence.

At Ad Maiora, we focus on timeless corporate classics: tailored suits, jackets, trousers, button-down shirts and soft knits crafted from luxurious materials like cashmere, wool-cashmere blends and silk. Our goal is to create pieces that feel like a second skin – garments our clients reach for again and again because they love how they look and feel.

While I've always been passionate about aesthetics, what truly drives me is helping people feel seen and understood. Most fashion frustration doesn't stem from the body – it comes from not knowing yourself well enough to choose what truly suits you. My work is about guiding clients back to their authentic beauty and helping them express it with confidence.

Why did you decide to start your own business?

Because Ad Maiora is not just a brand – it's my life's work. The name itself is a Latin phrase meaning "toward greater things," and I believe that's exactly how a meaningful life should feel. We move through chapters – some easier, some more difficult – but each one should help us grow and move closer to something better. That belief is what drives me and why I started this company.

I've never been one to follow trends, even as a teenager. I knew early on that fashion wasn't built for individuals – it was built for corporations. There's a missing link between fashion and the people it's meant to serve. You walk into a store, try something on and rarely does anyone tell you the truth. You buy what you think you like, not what suits you, and it ends up sitting in your wardrobe, unworn.

That always bothered me. I created Ad Maiora because I didn't want to just sell clothes – I wanted to help people make better choices. Choices that reflect their lives, their bodies and their natural colors. I'm that kind of consultant who says, "Actually, I don't think this looks great on you. Let me show you something better." And my clients appreciate that. They trust me.

What makes Shanghai's business environment so remarkable?

Shanghai constantly challenges and inspires you. The pace is fast, the competition is intense, and people here are bold – they're open to innovation, curious and willing to try new things. That energy is contagious.

But the city also demands a lot. You're never the only one doing what you're doing, which forces you to stay sharp and evolve. That's what makes it exciting. If you have a clear vision and the willingness to work hard, Shanghai gives you the chance to build something real.

What were you trying to bring to the local community?

I wanted to offer more than just fashion – I wanted to create a space where people could truly learn about themselves. Color analysis, body shape analysis and lifestyle – these all matter and should be considered before tailoring any garment. When people understand what enhances them, they carry themselves with more confidence and clarity.

And this advantage isn't just for women – men benefit just as much. A well-fitting shirt in the right color can shift how someone feels at work, in social settings or even in photos.

In such a fast-paced city, I felt a need to slow things down and offer something thoughtful. I often compare what I do to the difference between Western and traditional Chinese medicine. One often treats the symptoms; the other goes to the root. I like to believe my work does the same, helping people from the inside out.

What's the hardest part about starting a business here? How do you stay motivated?

Everything happens at once. You're on your own, constantly adapting and wearing every hat – designer, consultant, marketer, content creator, operations manager, salesperson, after-sales... the list is endless. You can have the perfect plan, and one unexpected hiccup can derail the whole day. It can be emotionally draining to give it your all and still not see immediate results.

But I've learned that entrepreneurship isn't linear. It's full of lessons, setbacks and tiny wins that slowly add up.

What keeps me going is the transformation I see in my clients – and the belief that what I do has real value. When someone wears their custom shirt so often, they ask for a second identical one because they can't keep up with laundry – that's my motivation. That means we got it right.

What was the moment that made you most proud?

One moment that stays with me is when a client looked in the mirror after our session and said, "I've never felt beautiful until now." That moment wasn't just about the clothes – it was about finally seeing herself clearly, maybe for the first time.

And each time someone says, "I wore your shirt so many times this month, I need another one," I feel proud. That's what lasting fashion means to me – pieces that are lived in and loved.

What are you working on?

Right now, I'm focused on expanding the educational side of Ad Maiora – creating more content on platforms like Xiaohongshu (Rednote) and WeChat Channel to help people understand personal color analysis and what I call "the suit lifestyle."

I'm also working on collaborations with like-minded creatives – florists, hairstylists, beauty brands and fellow designers – to create richer, more meaningful style experiences for clients.

Of course, I continue working one-on-one with individuals, refining the process and ensuring every piece we make is truly personal and empowering.

Looking ahead, I hope to expand Ad Maiora internationally. But before that, I want to strengthen our foundation here by building a strong team, streamlining operations and growing sustainably.

Who is the female role model who inspires you?

I find inspiration in everyday women – the ones who quietly build something meaningful, even when no one's watching or helping. Women who show up, day after day, despite uncertainty, fear or loneliness. That kind of resilience and quiet strength moves me more than any headline ever could.

Do you have any advice for women entrepreneurs?

Don't wait for the perfect moment – it doesn't exist. Just start. Honestly, one of my greatest blessings was not knowing how hard it would be. If I had, I might've overthought it and never begun.

Forget the romanticized version of entrepreneurship – sipping cocktails on a beach while your business runs itself. The reality? You'll be the first one in and the last one out. You'll miss dinners, weekends, and sometimes even sleep. You'll face problems no one warned you about. You'll give yourself pep talks when no one else gets what you're doing.

But if your work comes from true passion and purpose, it becomes deeply meaningful. You'll grow professionally – and even more as a person.

If it feels uncomfortable, you're probably growing. And that's the whole point.