In spring 2024, Romy — Studio ROOF’s founder and creative director — and Anaël, marketing manager and close collaborator, traveled to South China to visit the long-standing manufacturing partner they’ve worked with for over a decade. It was Romy’s first return in more than ten years and Anaël’s first journey to China.
We received a warm welcome upon arrival, with a pickup at Hong Kong airport followed by a trip to the city in southern Guangdong, home to our trusted supplier. That evening, we enjoyed a traditional Chinese dinner where we met Roy, our account manager, and Jack, the owner’s son. Over a table filled with delicious dishes, conversations flowed easily, from business insights to personal experiences and cultural exchange.
The following day, we were guided through a full tour of the factory. Our printing partner, a family-owned company established in 1972, has evolved into a forward-thinking facility with around 100 employees and cutting-edge sustainable equipment. Their pride is a six-color printing press featuring an advanced color calibration system. The site is immaculate, ISO-certified, and meticulously organized. Observing each stage of production and the team’s precise quality control left us deeply impressed by their professionalism and dedication.
We observed the factory’s recent switch to bio-laminate packaging, watching as the team replaced the rolls for our production run. The technician operating the laminator explained that the new, eco-friendly material requires more care because it’s delicate, yet he took great pride in mastering it. Nearby, the women assembling our products worked attentively, chatting softly as they went. Later, we visited the canteen, where employees enjoyed simple, wholesome meals, washed their own dishes, and neatly arranged their colorful bowls on the racks, a vibrant, heartwarming sight that left us inspired.
The remainder of the trip felt almost dreamlike. We spent time in Guangzhou, a lively metropolis just two hours from the factory. The city’s energy was captivating, neon lights illuminating the streets, the air rich with the aroma of countless food stalls. Anaël even managed to order a frozen oat milk latte with help from some kind locals eager to chat. Despite the cultural contrasts, we felt unexpectedly at home amid the warmth and vibrancy of everyday life in China.