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Changemaker Interview with the Founder of Nana’s House

Songsong seedsofchange 2022-04-13

‘It is my utmost desire to constantly plant good seeds and spread a positive message so that more people can become part of the ‘Nana’s House’ community. Together we can create the synergy needed to keep the flow of kindness and love.’ (Nana)

Nana's House is a community space located in Shanghai. When it was first founded in 2014, it was called The Kitchen. However, since being asked to move out by the landlord in early 2018, it has relocated to Jingan District, and renamed Nana's House - a place for people to meet, share and connect

An idea became a universe. And since its founding, the House has hosted over 600 events. From music concerts, book club meetings, themed dinners and exhibitions, to entrepreneurship forums and even "customized weddings" - it has celebrated countless memorable moments for thousands of people in the community. 
During the ‘handover’ period of the Kitchen and the House, Nana published a book called ‘Kitchen & Love’, that narrated stories that took place in the Kitchen over the years. On the day of the book launch, Nana organized a play in a theatre with an amateur crew – from the director, screenplay writers to actors and actresses. All scenes were based on true stories, sweet or bitter, showing the vitality of life. Over 240 people got together to show their support. 
Seeds of Change was fortunate to learn of Nana, a very warm human being, and be able to interview her to share her story with the world.



Shanghai has plenty of event venues. What is special about Nana’s House? 

Yes, the House is a physical space, but it is more than just an event venue. Most people joining an event would hardly get to connect with the venue owners. Ours is more like a community hub, attracting like-minded people to explore vast possibilities of the space. Share Love and Promote Authenticity is our core belief. Those who host events in our House are all ordinary people like you and me, but we believe that a group of ordinary people sharing similar values can create something extraordinary.


Over the past 6 years, how did the Kitchen and the House connect these ‘ordinary’ people? 

Throughout these years, we have always tried to do whatever makes us ‘happy’. As simple as it is. This is probably why people keep coming here – they probably find it easier here, to release their work or personal stress. We tried to create this ‘comfort zone’ where one would feel safe to open up and connect deeply with others. I have seen so many friendships and romances starting here, giving us a lot of beautiful memories. 

Some may think that we are a group of hipsters or idealists, but this is not true. We became good friends and even family because we have shared a lot of up and downs in life. People are ‘allowed’ to be vulnerable here. Many guests were single when they first came to the Kitchen, and then they got married and had children. I have also seen people getting lost and struggling to start over. Every stage of life has its own challenges. We were not just a jar collecting sweet memories. We support each other during tough times, which makes our bonding stronger and deeper. 

 What kind of events do you have going on these days? 

This year, we launched a project called ‘The Day I Like Myself’. The goal is to support people whose eyes would light up when they talk about what they love to do. By bringing their passion and energy to the House, others may also get inspired to pursue their interests and dreams. Since May, we have had people host their rooftop concerts, dance performances, botanical portrait exhibitions and photo exhibitions. Hosts have brought their families and friends to be part of these happy, proud occasions. At the same time, they also met new friends who got to know them and appreciate them because of these events.

It is not easy for us to love ourselves. Many individuals have achieved success in their professional lives, but they don’t necessarily love themselves. I believe it is important to do so though. How can someone love others and the world if they don’t even love themselves? 
Therefore, we want to connect people with their inner and outer world. We hope that more people can join this activity, whether to show their talents or to support someone else’s. I like to say, Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.” Loving others is also loving yourself, and loving yourself you have a greater capacity to love others. 

Beyond that, we launched ‘A Warm Day at the House’. Once every month, we provide our space to charities for free. The idea originated from an anniversary celebration of Yicai Foundation back in July. Many people working for charities shared their experiences which touched me deeply. So I began thinking of how to support charities and facilitating more meaningful and impactful ‘connections’. 

The House is currently renovating its 1st floor. Why did you name it the WE HOUSE Project?

At the very beginning, the Kitchen was the home that I built up for myself, but it gradually became home for others as well. It was like a living room - many people came back feeling like they were returning home. Today, the House is much bigger, more open and inclusive. 

As we are able to accommodate most of our events on the 3rd floor, we thought why not turn the 1st floor back into a living room? Whenever our friends feel tired, lonely or overwhelmed at work, they can always come ‘home’ to recharge themselves. This living room is not mine, so I don’t just want to design it by myself. Instead, I want to bring people together to picture what kind of living room they would love to spend time in. 

 The living room after the renovation.


Can you please share with us what social impact means to you? 

Honestly, I rarely think about this and I don’t know if the House has made any so-called social impact. What I am sure is that so many people in Shanghai love the House and more people are joining our community. They ‘need’ a place like ours in this city, not physically but emotionally. This is good enough for me. 

If you want further information about Nana's House, or would like to arrange a visit, send "Nana's House" on our WeChat platform for details.


 
Author: Songsong

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