The term ‘trailing spouse’ or ‘tai tai’ is often accompanied by a sneer in Shanghai, but there are plenty of trailing spouses making their own way in the big city. Here are just three who followed their husbands to Shanghai, but weren’t content to rest on their laurels – they had an idea for a business and were determined to make it happen.

JEWEL OF THE ORIENT

Back in 2000, when Marion Carsten first arrived in Shanghai, she had just spent more than three years studying to become a jewellery designer, but selling her wares in a new country initially didn’t come easily. With no contacts, no local knowledge and no idea how to position or sell herself or her product, it was a struggle to say the least.

“As I had no name, no reputation, people were reluctant to order with me and I admit that I was unable to provide what potential customers were looking for because I didn’t have the appropriate suppliers on hand,” she says. “I was rather frustrated.”

“I proved myself that I am able to fight my way through, I am my very own success story.”

But instead of throwing in the towel, the determined German decided to take some time out and meet as many people as possible, get involved in the community and start the adoption process for her oldest daughter Lea (now six and older sister to 3 year old Nell).

She also decided to switch the focus of her jewellery from high end, unique pieces, to a silver collection that combined Asian and Western influences and her patience and persistence eventually paid off – Marion Carsten Jewellery now has two retail spaces in Shanghai and one in Bangkok.

“I proved myself that I am able to fight my way through, I am my very own success story,” she says. “And wherever I go I am not only wife of the Managing Director of a big company – I admit that, besides the fact that I’m really doing what I love, this is important for me.”

Now Carsten is teaching other tai tais the tricks of the trade in a class at the Shanghai Community Center, she says one of the main things she hopes to instil in her students is confidence in their ability to make their business dreams a reality, no matter how much or little experience they have in China or the business world.

“There is no master plan, no golden rules, but there are some hints and things to consider and to know,” she says. “You shouldn’t worry about how long you are going to stay [in Shanghai] and wonder what will happen after you leave – if you do then you will never start anything ... just start somewhere – the rest will follow.”

Web: www.marioncarsten.com