How To Succeed Without A Middle Man: My Trip To China

Being on an entrepreneurial journey means you never stop learning. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in business is to reduce expenses. I recently visited one of our suppliers in Yangzhou, China, to tour the facilities and to witness the production process first hand. This supplier has worked with Black Girl Sunscreen since inception, so being able to see the production process and meet the man behind the email was a sincere experience. 

Traveling From LA to China

After catching a 13.5-hour flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai, I then took a 45-minute cab ride to the train station. I boarded a high-speed train arriving at Zhengjiang (which are only available in Asia and Europe). I ended the last leg of my journey by driving with my supplier for a 45-minute drive to Yangzhou to the factory. Since we’ve only ever communicated via email and WhatsApp for our working relationship, we had so much to talk about it. 

Tube Supplier Factory

Arriving at the factory, I was overly excited-it was time to see where the magic happens. When entering the building, you’re required to wear work slippers or cover your shoes with a shoe net. After gearing up with a hair cover, we were promoted through an air shower machine that blows off pollution and debris to ensure everyone was clean before walking around products. During the tour, I was able to observe the BGS tubes being produced-like literary the actual plastic being made and then pumped out of the machine in the shape of a tube. 

An Emotional Trip

Why? Because I have had the business acumen to eliminate a service that I didn’t and it actually worked. I didn’t doubt myself, but in all honesty, I had no idea what I was doing by eliminating the middleman. I haven't done business overseas, and I definitely wasn’t educated on the exporting and importing business. This experience has forced me to learn about logistics, lead times, tariffs, and customs.

At the end of the business, my supplier told me, “Shontay you are doing a good job. We see your business growing, and we are happy to have your business.”

 Visiting China was by far one of the most rewarding trips that I have ever taken. Five years ago, I would have never imagined that I would be in Yangzhou conducting business. I feel blessed.