During September this year, our founder, Maria, took a trip to Shanghai in China to visit our manufacturing partners, and what started as a business trip quickly became something much more meaningful and special!
"From the moment we landed, we were greeted by the warmest welcome from Claire and Ning, two of the kindest people you could ever meet. Claire is our main contact in China and the person who helps oversee everything that happens in our international warehouse. She and Ning instantly made us feel at home (even after a long-haul flight!)."
✈️ Exploring Hangzhou and Shanghai
"After settling in, we traveled to Hangzhou, a city known for its beautiful West Lake and the serene Lingyin Temple. Even though this was technically a work trip, we were lucky enough to be shown so much of China’s rich culture and history."
From peaceful temples surrounded by ancient trees to vibrant city streets filled with the scent of sizzling food stalls, every moment reminded us just how much passion and care go into the country’s craftsmanship.
"And, of course, there was so much good food. Think handmade noodles, fresh dumplings, and more boba tea than we could count!"
👘 Immersed in Traditional Chinese Culture
One of the most memorable experiences of the trip was how welcoming Claire and Ning were, they even took Maria and her partner to dress in traditional Chinese attire and take photos!
"The process was absolutely beautiful, and we learned so much about traditional dress, symbolism, and the history behind each outfit. It was such a special way to connect with the culture, and it really highlighted the generosity and warmth of the people we were working with."
🐼 Why We Manufacture in China
We get asked a lot why we manufacture and store our products in China, and this trip was a perfect reminder of why we’re so proud of that decision.
1. Global accessibility
Our international warehouse allows us to ship worldwide, to the US, UK, Europe, Australia, Canada, and beyond. While we don’t yet have the resources to run a local warehouse in every country, this setup means we can make our products accessible to as many people as possible, without long delays or extra shipping hurdles.
2. Fair pricing for our community
If we manufactured in the US or UK, our prices would likely have to increase by up to three times just to cover costs. Working with trusted partners in China allows us to keep our products affordable and accessible, because wellness should never come with a luxury price tag!
3. Material quality & manufacturing expertise
Our products, especially our weighted animals, require specific materials and technical expertise that many countries simply don’t have the logistics for. China’s manufacturing industry is known for its precision, skill, and innovation and which is why even some of your favorite brands manufacture in China!
4. Strong relationships built on trust
One of the biggest highlights of this trip was seeing firsthand the care and detail that goes into each product. Meeting the people behind our manufacturing process - the ones who help bring our ideas to life - reminded us that every weighted animal, journal, and item we send out into the world is made with genuine craftsmanship and pride.
💙 What We Took Away
This visit wasn’t just about production; it was about connection. It reminded us that behind every Pulse of Potential product, there are real people, meaningful relationships, and shared values of care, creativity, and wellbeing.
We left China feeling deeply inspired and maybe just a little bit full from all the amazing food!
Hallie the Highland Cow available online now.