RISE Shanghai is a one-woman operation.
It’s just me. I do the business management, the marketing, events production, the customer service, the admin… and until 6 months ago, I also coached all the classes at the gym for pretty much 2 years straight.
I think I’ve been afraid of not being taken seriously or being written off as unreliable that I have been masking as a small team all along. I didn’t – and still don’t – know how to do most of the things, I learn them as I go. My ability and love of learning have been my secret sauce and my saving grace.
I rented a big chunk of real estate on the first floor – storefront – because I needed that kind of space for what I wanted to do and well, go big or go home, right? So I poured my heart and all my resources into it, and when I missed some, I borrowed and went to business. And it’s been 2.5 years of withstanding avalanches, being chased by covid at the tail, and this latest one hit me hard.
I have rarely felt more afraid and alone on this journey. Afraid, because the survival of this business that I had devoted so much to was being threatened by forces outside my control. I am being shoved into a corner yet powerless to do much about it. The reality is small businesses have been hardest hit yet hung out to dry.
But what we’re facing today, although unprecedented, is the reality of running a business. And I refuse to become a casualty of a ludicrous situation.
We are powerless only when we lose hope.
And the dream that I have, won’t be put to sleep.
We are, indeed, powerless in the face of macroeconomic blows, but we have full agency over our own actions and creativity.
I’ve pulled it off before, and I’ll pull it off again.
Here’s to rising again.
We’re going to have a (big) reopening event this summer, as soon as I am allowed to, and I hope to see you there.
Thank you for reading. ❤️
You made it this far, I know you’re just bound to go upwards onwards – Rise is gonna head off to greater heights. Perhaps this is the time for you to embrace the break you rightfully deserve, for you ♡ thinking of you Jen, thank you for all the love you’ve poured on me – you’re an inspiration.
Thank you for the vote of confidence, Sandy! And just as thankful for the love and support you sent my way when you were here. <3 Hope you're doing amazing xx
As a former small business owner who withstood HK protests and the early onset of COVID before throwing in the towel on my little meal delivery startup, I know the fear and loneliness well. You have entrepreneurial grit, agility and a supportive community that will help you stand the test of these times! Keep on keepin on Jen <3
Thank you for sharing that. It takes one to know one. I hope to connect with you soon in person xx