Our expat community thrives on connection, and here at jingkids, we’re all about our readers, and what they need and want in order to maximize their time here in Beijing. Today, we will feature a prominent member of our expat community and get to know them a little bit better.
My name is Michelle Hemsin and I am Thai/French. I was born and raised in Bangkok and graduated from the university of NSW in Sydney. I arrived in Beijing in 2000 as a language student and went on to co-found Bodhi Therapeutic Retreat (on gongtibeilu) and Bodhi Sense (on Liangmaqiao road) in 2004. I live in Shunyi with my family. My two children attend the Lycée Français International de Pékin.
What’s On Your Mind?
I’ve been thinking and planning my daughter Sofiana’s weekend getaway birthday celebration this weekend. She is turning 14 and she likes to go out to the countryside to breathe in some fresh air and recharge.
What’s Motivates You To Get Moving?
I get excited after a call with either my business coach, my fitness coach or my nutritionist. I can clearly visualize my goal and benefit from the support and mentorship. It has helped me grow and learn how to fine tune my way to a more efficient knowledgeable version of myself.
We also just finished renovating Bodhi on gongtibeilu! After a 6-month remodel, I am excited that our customers can now enjoy floor heating, better insulation from the double glazed windows (when the worker’s stadium will re-open and have concerts again) and a shower in each room. We took advantage of last year’s slow business situation to upgraded our hardware and improved our software with re-training. We look forward to reviving our motto of “Leaving a trail of goodness, by leaving each guest more relaxed with our affordable luxury”.
“Contributing to the wellness of the community fulfills me.”
How do you stay sane in all the madness?
I like to relax in my garden. The scented rose archway, the purple and pink hydrangea bushes, the shade of the walnut tree, the bright magnolia flowers..nature soothes me. Luckily my husband has a green thumb and I really enjoy and appreciate the work of his labor.
What is your favorite thing about Beijing?
My favorite thing about Beijing is strolling down the hutongs on a sunny day and finding a cute coffee shop hidden around a corner or just observing the daily life of the locals.
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