Meet Susann Erker, a German creative whose journey to China began in 2005, when she landed in Dalian, northeastern Liaoning Province, at just 22 – her first flight, her first job abroad, and the start of a life-changing adventure. After years in the automotive industry and moves between China and Switzerland, she eventually settled in Shanghai's Xuhui District, where her passion for art was rekindled. Inspired by Chinese culture and her own emotional journey, she began painting again, turning her work into prints, textiles, and eventually a lifestyle brand. Launched in 2023, her designs bring together German precision and Chinese inspiration – bold, colorful, and full of story. She now lives between Chengdu, southwestern Sichuan Province and Shanghai.

Before we talk about your company – would you please introduce yourself?

I first came to China in 2005, landing in Dalian at the age of 22 – and yes, now you know my age! As a native of East Germany, it was my very first flight overseas and my first time in a country I knew only from a company brochure. Back then, there were no smartphones, my English was barely better than my Chinese, and I had little clue about the world or the job I was stepping into. I was the first laowai in a newly established company – young, foreign, female and one of just a few among local colleagues. It was still the era when dinners and meetings were often sealed with cigarettes and drinks to build relationships.

I started out as a site quality and environmental manager for a German automotive supplier, which now employs over 1,000 people in Dalian alone. It was also in Dalian where I met the love of my life – truly a "Love made in China" story. After five years, we moved to Switzerland for personal reasons, only to find that life and work there felt a bit too quiet for us. So in 2014, we returned to China – this time to Shanghai.

Why, after living in Shanghai for a few years, did you decide to strike out on your own to build your own company?

Those who know me well know my enduring love for photography, especially hidden corners, ancient gems, and all forms of art. As a child, I loved to paint, but my parents saw an artist's path as impractical – "breadless," as they called it – and not the future they envisioned for me. So I pursued a degree in engineering, graduating in 2004.

After five years in Dalian and four in Switzerland, we returned to Shanghai in 2014. While continuing my career in the automotive industry as a Regional APAC Professional and corporate auditor, I also began participating in art exhibitions. My work involved setting up new companies across the region and guiding them toward certification, which gave me the opportunity to travel widely and dive deep into diverse industries. We initially lived in Pudong, close to our offices and the airport, but soon realized that our hearts belonged in Xuhui. In 2017, we moved into a lane house and embraced the vibrant, unpredictable charm of "real life" in the city. Along the way, we began collecting unique, one-of-a-kind furniture and art pieces from across China, all contributing to the character of our beloved home.

After 16 years in the automotive world, I made the decision to leave my job and finally had the time and space to return to my long-lost passion for painting. What began as an emotional outlet evolved into a fusion of personal experience, Chinese history, symbolism and storytelling. As interest in my work grew and people wanted to buy my paintings – each a one-off – I explored ways to make my art more accessible. I began printing my designs on pillows, tableware, kitchen towels, and offering custom illustrations.

Eventually, my dream took shape: to design vibrant, meaningful clothing – especially shirts – with a distinctive Chinese twist, for those who love and appreciate the culture as I do. In September 2023, I officially launched my own brand. With a background as a senior professional and auditor in the exacting automotive industry, I bring a deep understanding of structure, systems, and quality – all of which I now apply to running my own creative business.

What makes Shanghai's business environment so remarkable?

The incredible variety of people – those who hold tightly to tradition, those who boldly embrace the unconventional, some quiet and unseen, others introverted or remarkable in their own unique way – all coexist here in China. And what unites us is this: in this place, each of us can pursue our dreams with almost no limits.

What were you trying to bring to the local community?

Creating memorable designs from a foreign perspective, I blend Western and Chinese elements through research into Chinese history and a deep dive into artistry, so that everyone can discover a piece that speaks to them. These aren't just patterns or paintings generated by Photoshop or AI; each design is hand-painted, with its own unique story to tell.

Sustainability in fashion is more important now than ever. That's why I prioritize traceable sources, certified materials, and high-end quality – not just to meet customer expectations, but to encourage greater awareness and responsibility. Because true satisfaction comes not only from the product itself, but from knowing it contributes to protecting our environment.

What are the biggest challenges setting up a business here? How do you stay motivated?

The sheer range of products, constant innovation, and incredible speed at which things happen in China make it a daily challenge to keep up. In such a fast-paced environment, it's essential to find your own niche – your unique voice – to stand out from the crowd.

I often find my motivation in spontaneous trips to the countryside. These escapes clear the mental smog, refresh my creativity and spark new ideas. Peace of mind is still the key to a fulfilling journey, alongside an unwavering commitment to quality. And of course, I draw inspiration from my fans, my beloved husband, and friends, whose honest feedback keeps me grounded and growing.

What was the moment that made you most proud?

There's nothing quite like seeing a fan, friend, or client – often a stranger – wearing one of my unique designs for the first time. Receiving heartfelt feedback in those moments reminds me exactly why I pushed through the challenges and confirms that I'm on the right path.

The same goes for my paintings. I rarely set a fixed price; instead, I let the art lover decide what they feel my work is worth. It's a way of valuing not just the piece, but the connection and meaning it holds for them.

What are you working on?

I'm currently juggling several projects, though I try to prioritize. Some require input from multiple supply chain partners, which makes the process a bit complex. Still, I'm hopeful that part of the launch can be realized by the fourth quarter of this year. One of the most exciting aspects is that it's a multicultural collaboration aimed at bringing together different nations.

Another project close to my heart is a large-scale painting I've been working on for the past few weeks. Sometimes, I need to step back and take a break to recharge and gather fresh inspiration before continuing. That's the beauty of the creative world – having the freedom to explore multiple projects at once, working with various materials across different dimensions. It's this flexibility that fuels my passion.

Who is a female-role model who inspires you?

Frida Kahlo was – and still is – a renowned artist and a powerful symbol of female revolution. Her paintings shocked, inspired, and deeply moved the world. The ability to channel one's own personality, emotions, and passion into a creation is, in my view, the most valuable gift an artist can offer – it's what transforms a work into a true masterpiece.

Today, many people are drawn to high-end brands or so-called luxury products that often lack soul or authenticity. Thankfully, a shift is beginning – slowly but surely – toward more meaningful, heartfelt creations.

Do you have any advice for women entrepreneurs?

Even if you don't have a clear plan, guidance, or strategy at the start, just try! On the journey to realizing yourself, many obstacles will arise, but they will teach you and guide you forward. It's a continuous process that never truly ends – because if it did, your dream would be over.