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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 that 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.
Anja Zhao Global Sports Brand Marketing Director, Born and raised across Germany, Taipei, and Shanghai. Lived in Mannheim, New York, Dusseldorf, Berlin, Chicago. Now based in Shanghai. A Hummingbird 🧚♀️
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,
- One’s body with physical movement and nourishing foods
- One’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. It’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.
Q: Do you think sexual wellness plays a role in living a balanced and healthy lifestyle?
It’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. There’s an entire list that can help me reach that “mental zen”: 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 it’s possible, surf & soak up the sun.
If you practice the above, you unwind and relax your body for overall and sexual wellness. And kissing of course!
Q: Do you have any advice for your sisters in China with your insights?
When it comes to your health, I think it’s important to educate yourself and always be curious. Make sure as a young woman you are safe and careful.
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 it’s important to communicate what you like and don’t like and to stay true to yourself.
“You are the only one that can, and should, prioritize yourself: dare to be you.”
Q: What would you tell your 16-year-old self?
I think we grow up with expectations from many “stakeholders” in life - parents, teachers, friends, family, colleagues and that list can go on. Throughout my life, I have noticed that you can’t satisfy everyone and you don’t need to. I would tell my younger self to choose myself more often and say “no” 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 = 🔆☀️🌞😎 FYI) and avoid anyone who doesn’t.
Last but not least: SLEEP. Sleep like your life depends on it. It does. And it’s so easy to prioritize it as a young woman.
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 “real” topics with family and friends. These are just one of the few examples we can start acting upon right now.
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 everythingOn a professional level, being part of an incredible team that built Run Hai Lane, a running community hub where we 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!
Q: Our closing questions - What is something you are certain about in life where others would disagree with you?
You don't need to marry to be happy!
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🧚♀️ About The Oh Collective 🧚♀️
The Oh Collective is a female intimate wellness brand.
Made by her, for her.
We aspire to empower women to be happy and confident with her intimate selves.
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