"The only thing that, for me, and I don't take it for granted any day, is the amount of safety I have in China as a woman," said Itee Soni, an Indian designer who has lived in Shanghai for 19 years.

Soni co-founded Loop Swim, which makes swimsuits from recycled plastic bottles, and founded the home and gift label The Nectar Foundry.

Soni's studio partner, Fernanda Sung, is a jewelry designer with Chinese and Brazilian heritage who has lived in Shanghai for 14 years. Running separate brands, the pair shares a cozy lane-house studio on Julu Road in Shanghai's Jing'an district, supporting each other's creative growth while retaining brand independence.

The two met at a creative market, where they connected with fellow designers.

"A lot of designers would be at the market and talk to each other, which was something very nice, because it's good to share when you have a small business," Soni said.

Their designs are deeply rooted in Shanghai's urban aesthetics. Soni integrates hand-sketched old-lane scenes and city skylines into her designs. Her swimwear favors comfortable, classic cuts over revealing or restrictive styles.

"If you put in honest design out there, you'll be rewarded for it," said Soni.

Sharing similar values, they emphasize sustainability and long-term quality over viral marketing.

"You really see the value of the purchase of my brand, not in a flashy social media ad. It's more something people experience through life," said Sung.

The two partners also share their fondness for life in Shanghai.

"The magical moment for me is when I'm biking, and the streets are covered with trees, and you can see the sunlight going through the leaves. It just feels like the best feeling in the world," said Sung.

"What I like about Jing'an is the parks... watching all the old men bring their birds to the park (we often go to); those are absolute joys," said Soni.

Source: Shanghai Jing'an Media Center