Beijing’s an urban jungle, and in any jungle we need tools to survive and thrive. As urban jungle dwellers, we’ve managed to blend practicality with style, resulting in the modern bag. Here, form meets function, and what looks stylish and fashionable on the outside contains all our essential survival tools on the inside. Inspired by this, we ask expats each week, “What’s in your bag?” and get insights into which essentials they keep on hand when out and about in the capital city.
What’s up, people that read? My name is Shagi, and I’m a native of the Commonwealth of Dominica – “Nature Island of the Caribbean.” Been here in Beijing for about 17 years – came for education and stayed for opportunity. I live here with my amazing partner and carrier of our beautiful li’l human, who is coming soon to a playground near you!
I truly appreciate having been in China over almost two decades and witnessing growth in all major industries. It’s been inspiring and exhausting. Five years ago I got my younger brother over here, and he too is thriving and expanding his mindset on a global level.
I’ve journeyed through a few fields, starting in events management back in ’07 doing promotions and bookings for major international acts performing here in China, then moving on to fashion accessories with our sunnies brand, Dienastie, and now currently working on pivoting that brand into the metaverse. I also work with local brands: I am presently working with Reflection Eternals on Taobao. And I’m also on the magnificent Migas team working and building the Larry the Bird brand: “Better chicken, better times.”
I have a few bags, but my summer favorite is this tote I got from my German friend Marcus, who made it about six years ago from repurposed fabric. It’s a solid pack that few people have, and which I cherish.
Inside, in order of importance:
1. My workhorse Apple MacBook Air M1– Everything is in here. This is my office.
2. Concertino notebook – Best analog recorder of life, procured at Concertino in Jiaodaokou.
3. Beats Fit Pro earbuds – With Active Noise Cancelling on, life is beautiful for music, podcasts, etc.
4. Carmex lip balm – Because it’s the best!
5. Herbacin hand cream – Protection + care.
6. HYPB X FRGMT PILOT FriXion Ball 3 3-color pen – One pen to rule them all.
7. Hot Wheels – I have a collection. This one is the classic Batmobile.
8. My decade-old Ricoh GR camera – For capturing moments.
9. Water bottle – From the homies at Yardbird Hong Kong.
10. Wallet – Upcycled wallet from The Bulk House.
These things keep me productive(ish) all day and night, no matter where I am.
Honorable mentions go to: my iPhone 12 mini, a major workhorse that truly lives in my pants pocket, and a small pouch from Incase that serves as a sort of work Dopp kit, containing a battery pack, cables, dongles, stickers, small sketch pads, and some amazing antibacterial wipes by ch22.
Want to share your Beijing survival tools with us? Shoot us an email at editor@beijing-kids.com, message our official Jingkids WeChat account (ID: beijing-kids), or leave a comment below!
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Images: Courtesy of Shagi Defoe
