David's AW News: Happy New Year! X2

Greetings from Yiwu, China

Happy New Year! - Yes it is - I received messages from my Nepali contacts its 2083 in Kathmandu - and on the same day messages from Mr Chatterjee in Kolkata - it's Bengali New Year 1433. I was actually in Kathmandu last year with Toni, the city is a full on party town for New Year..  So strange no?

But here.. It’s been one of those full-on weeks… proper China pace.

Sandra, Bryant and Coco… what a team. Long days, late nights, running between factories, samples appearing almost overnight… you get into that rhythm where you just keep going because you know you’re building something. Last week I mentioned the plan — 12 Days in China to get it all done. If you missed it, read here.

Well… the twelve days are up. Sandra and Bryant have just headed off — a early morning taxi to Hangzhou, then onto Hong Kong. Bit of a strange moment really… that quiet pause after the intensity.

But I’m still here. Just tying up the last loose ends… final checks, making sure what we started actually lands properly.

We went to Old Yiwu.. (see below) but now… I need to tell you about something I’m really excited about....

Coming soon....Melt Eaze Crystal Wax Melts.

And honestly — these are not your typical wax melts. They were created right here in Yiwu, the last time Sandra was here. A lot of work went into them — Sandra on the design, Coco making it happen on the production side. Proper collaboration. They’ve come out beautifully… something quite different, a bit more Ancient Wisdom… more gift, more story, more presence. Gold foil, fragrant wax and gemstones.. a premium product that, per my brief, would sell all day. Check them out here.

Feels quite fitting that they’ve just launched as Sandra and Coco are back already meeting again to start the next chapter…

And yes… we did have a bit of a secret mission.

A proper “not sure if this is even possible” kind of idea.

Let’s call it a pet project for now…

This is Twan-Twan Coco's pet dog.

I won’t say too much (yet)… but I can tell you this — I think we pulled it off. More on that later,,,

Before Sandra and Bryant left, we managed to squeeze in something a bit special… A visit to Fotang Ancient Town.

This place goes back to the Ming and Qing dynasties… and you can still feel it. It used to be a proper trading hub — boats coming up the river, goods moving through… in a way, not that different from what Yiwu still is today. We walked along the old wharf… crossed these beautifully lit bridges… streets full of little shops, all with that mix of old China and modern energy.

One minute you’re looking at traditional buildings, next minute there’s a glowing dragon running through the trees, families out walking, kids playing… real life happening around you.

We even ended up at a cabaret-style dinner — traditional Yiwu dancing, full costume, proper performance. One of those moments where you just sit back and think… this is why we come here.

And it did make me think… Ancient Wisdom isn’t that different, really.

Built on old ideas… trade, craft, story…

but always evolving, always finding new ways to bring it to life.

From a Ming dynasty trading town… to a modern global marketplace…

and somewhere in between, we’re creating products that carry a bit of that journey with them.

Anyway… a few more days here for me.

Then onwards.

Next week NEWS from somewhere else.. see you there..

David