Anja Zhao | GirlBoss, Passionate Yogi, Aspiring Designer

Anja Zhao | GirlBoss, Passionate Yogi, Aspiring Designer

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Each month, we special guests that are relatable and Just Like You. We want to let all the women out there know thatĀ they're not alone and we're all sharing the same type of experiences. We hope you can find yourself in the stories we share, invite more friends to join our community, and together we can normalize the topic of intimate wellness for women.

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Anja Zhao: girlboss, passionate yogi & aspiring designer China
"Intimate wellness for women is a part of self-care, but very often overlooked or not discussed on the list of health priorities. I do think that being happy in the bedroom has a positive impact on other aspects of your life."

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Anja Zhao - global sports brand marketing director shanghai

Anja Zhao Global Sports Brand Marketing Director,Ā Born and raised across Germany, Taipei, and Shanghai.Ā Lived in Mannheim, New York, Dusseldorf, Berlin, Chicago. Now based in Shanghai. A Hummingbird šŸ§šā€ā™€ļø

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Q: As a passionate yoga/surf devotee and working at a Global Sports Brand, what embodies a healthy body and mind for you?

I think both are interconnected with each other and we need to find the balance between both by taking care of,Ā 

  1. Oneā€™s body with physical movement and nourishing foods
  2. Oneā€™s mind by creating space to calm down

Whether we live in the East or the West society surrounds us with a certain set of ideas and expectations, making it so important to recognize our beauties, love ourselves and be comfortable with how we look and feel. Itā€™s acknowledging who you are, both from a mental and physical perspective.

I think relationships are one of the most important aspects of life - whether with family, with colleagues, friends or your partner. These are all important aspects of living a good life.

anja zhao shanghai global sports marketing directorĀ Ā Anja Zhao girlboss about female wellness

Q: Do you think sexual wellness plays a role in living a balanced and healthy lifestyle?

Itā€™s a part of self-care, but very often overlooked or not discussed on the list of health priorities. I do think that being happy in the bedroom has a positive impact on other aspects of your life.

Q: What do you do to cater to your (sexual) wellness?

I think we sometimes just need to unwind and relax. Thereā€™s an entire list that can help me reach that ā€œmental zenā€: I practice yoga, meditate, draw, take nice long showers, listen or play music, read, eat nourishing & colourful plant-based foods (although I love that occasional chocolate almond croissant to heal the soul) and when itā€™s possible, surf & soak up the sun.Ā 

If you practice the above, you unwind and relax your body for overall and sexual wellness. And kissing of course!

Anja Zhao Yoga instructor China brand marketing yoga wellness the oh collective

Q: Do you have any advice for your sisters in China with your insights?

When it comes to your health, I think itā€™s important to educate yourself and always be curious. Make sure as a young woman you are safe and careful.Ā 

In relationships, I think we have learned that in the west communication is such an important aspect of life. Regardless of the type of relationship, communication is key. For romantic relationships, in particular, I would stress itā€™s important to communicate what you like and donā€™t like and to stay true to yourself.Ā 

ā€œYou are the only one that can, and should, prioritize yourself: dare to be you.ā€

Q: What would you tell your 16-year-old self?

I think we grow up with expectations from many ā€œstakeholdersā€ in life - parents, teachers, friends, family, colleagues and that list can go on. Throughout my life, I have noticed that you canā€™t satisfy everyone and you donā€™t need to. I would tell my younger self to choose myself more often and say ā€œnoā€ every once in a while. And that if I want to do something, I should just do it for myself, just because I like it/I want to.

Also, you will meet so many people in your life. Stay close to the ones that feel like sunlight (The Oh Collective = šŸ”†ā˜€ļøšŸŒžšŸ˜Ž FYI) and avoid anyone who doesnā€™t.

Last but not least: SLEEP. Sleep like your life depends on it. It does. And itā€™s so easy to prioritize it as a young woman.

Anja Zhao The Oh Collective

Q: What type of change do you think can make a lasting impact on girls?

I think to overcome taboos and start normalising the conversation on overall and sexual wellness would already be a leap forward. Spreading more body positivity to help girls become comfortable with their bodies and sexuality. And opening up the conversation to talk ā€œrealā€ topics with family and friends. These are just one of the few examples we can start acting upon right now.

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Q: What are you most proud of right now?

Having a partner I can be myself and 100% open with, someone I can go to for anything and everything

On a professional level, being part ofĀ an incredible team that built Run Hai Lane, aĀ running community hub where weĀ nurture running culture and where people connect over sports in Shanghai.

Q: What are you most excited about in your life right now?

I look forward to slowing down a bit and getting more in touch with how I feel. I also have a recent obsession with graphic design, something I can enjoy and have fun with every day.

Q: What are you most grateful for right now?

My health & the people around me!

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Anja Zhao Yoga instructor China brand marketing yoga wellness the oh collective

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Q: Our closing questions - What is something you are certain about in life where others would disagree with you?

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You don't need to marry to be happy!

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šŸ§šā€ā™€ļø About The Oh Collective šŸ§šā€ā™€ļø

The Oh Collective Shanghai female intimate wellness

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The Oh Collective is a femaleĀ intimate wellness brand.

Made byĀ her, for her.

WeĀ aspire to empower women to beĀ happyĀ and confident with her intimate selves.

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