Mar 8 was International Women’s Day. In honor of all the Queens who are crushing it and living their best lives, Jingkids continues to profile some of Beijing’s fiercest female entrepreneurs. Like Queen Beyonce says, “Who runs the world? Girls!”
If you know a Girl Boss you think we should profile, don’t hesitate to shoot us a message at editor@beijing-kids.com.
Depending on where you meet her, chances are she’ll be introduced by any number of titles. For instance, when I first spoke with Maria Nauen nearly nine years ago, I knew her as the conductor of the Beijing International Chamber Orchestra. To my friends, however, she’s the extremely talented jewelry designer whose pieces make for the most beautiful gifts. Still, for others, she’s first and foremost an educator and author. So who is this multi-talented woman?
Born to renowned Russian artists Lioudmila Kartavaya and Nikolay Petrov, Nauen was immersed in the exciting and glorious world of fine arts, music, and performance from a young age. But that’s just the beginning of this fascinating creator.
What brought you to Beijing and how did you come to lead such a multi-talented and fascinating life?
I came to Beijing following my husband. He’s German, working for Austrian company WFL, and he got a three-year contract working in China. We loved China so much, that our three years staying in Beijing turned into 16!
As a professional musician, I met a lot of musicians of different nationalities and came to the idea to establish something totally new for China: a semi-professional international orchestra. So, in September 2007 was “born” my precious “baby” – the Beijing International Chamber Orchestra! This year we’re celebrating our 15th anniversary! It’s the most international music community of the entire China, and its goals are to bring more Western music to China and unite people of different nationalities.
That same year, I was invited by German Embassy School to teach violin and piano – this year I’m celebrating my 15th year teaching there.
I always loved fashion and exclusive designs, that’s how in 2016 I decided to try to make women’s jewelry and accessories myself. It brought very big interest of all my friends – women – to my creations and inspired me to establish my own brand “MaNau Bijoux.” MaNau is my Chinese name: Maria NAUen, and also it’s my favorite stone, agate, manau in Chinese!
I always loved to create something, that’s how my two books Adventure in the Kingdom of Music parts one and two, and also my autobiographical novel Skeletons in Frau Nauen’s Closet came to be.
What’s it like to juggle so many different roles?
It’s not very difficult to juggle so many different roles: conductor, educator, jewelry maker, books author… because they all have the same ground: the huge will to create something new.
My personality is very energetic. I love to lead and I love to share my knowledge – which I have loads after getting Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in Performance and Music Education.
Were there any challenges that you faced launching any of these endeavors and how did you manage them?
In general, challenges are waiting for you everywhere. We all go through a lot of challenges and uneasy situations in our lives, but the more of them we have, the more experienced we become. At one point, [bearing]challenge becomes a skill.
Of course, without the great support of my family and friends, it wouldn’t be possible. I am very thankful to them for that!
Is there one passion that drives you above all else?
Well, probably, jewelry making is my “meditation” time, when I want to escape from the noisy world and create something beautiful in silence.
Above all these passions there’s something that goes in my life like a red line: unconditional love to animals. I love every creature on earth and respecting their lives. I absolutely adore dogs for their huge hearts, faith, and kindness. Myself, I have a dog, Nunka, an absolutely amazing creature. She’s almost 15 years old now and I am treating her like she would be my grandma.
What’s one piece of advice for young girls who want to start their own business?
First, you must love the things you do. You must have passion for it, which will help you to never stop. Passion will help you to enjoy working 24/7! Passion will help you to not lose faith when you fail. Passion will make you happy. Don’t think about money at first place, they will come at some point. If your passion will attract peoples’ hearts, any of your businesses will be successful. Be kind. Be tolerant. Be patient. Work a lot! … and success will come.
KEEP READING: BSK Founder Jen Lin-Liu: “Take What You Have and Turn It Into an Advantage”
Images: Maria Nauen
