Aying Zhang builds twice in China, brings Hand-Woven Goods to the Valley

We begin with the story of Aying's early success in China, where her innovative restaurant invited customers to grind their own coffee beans and immerse themselves in the preparation process. Despite receiving media attention, she remained behind the scenes, letting her work speak for itself.Following a difficult divorce, Aying moved to Singapore, where she discovered a love of hiking and began to see nature as a kind of teacher. Inspired by the outdoor lifestyle, she returned to China and launched an ambitious outdoor sporting goods company that introduced international brands like Arc'teryx and Mountain Hardwear to the Chinese market. Her vision was clear: not just to sell products, but to promote a lifestyle. She grew the business to 13 locations across an entire province, taking on distribution responsibilities and building lasting relationships with global suppliers. SARS struck just as her business was taking off, forcing her stores to stay open late and adapt quickly in the face of overwhelming demand.Her personal life shifted again when she met her future husband, an English teacher from Minnesota, in her store. They spent 16 years in China before moving to the U.S. in early 2020—just days before COVID lockdowns began. What was supposed to be a temporary holiday became a permanent relocation. They first settled in Montana, drawn to its natural beauty, but eventually moved to Fargo to be closer to old friends and a more vibrant community life.That transition led to the birth of Joy Studio, located at 910 Main Avenue in Fargo (back entrance through the parking lot). The shop reflects Aying’s lifelong passion for traditional Chinese textiles and sustainability. Stocked with handwoven fabrics from the 1960s, the studio offers one-size, unisex clothing made with natural dyes, organic cotton, and silk. Every piece tells a story, connecting rural Chinese heritage with modern design sensibilities. Many of these items were collected over a decade ago and now find a second life in North Dakota.Joy Studio isn’t just a retail space; it's a cultural experience. Aying shares tea with visitors and welcomes them to relax, knit, sew, and learn. The space will soon host community events, creative workshops, and cultural exchanges. While the cost of importing has increased due to tariffs and shipping, Aying remains committed to her long-term vision: creating a North American window into the heritage of handcrafted Chinese design.We close the episode with a moving Chinese song titled “Thank You,” which speaks to gratitude for both the good and the difficult moments in life—a theme that echoes throughout Aying’s story. Tune in to hear a heartfelt tale of migration, entrepreneurship, and the enduring power of handmade beauty.