Valuable Lessons from International Sourcing

Working in a company gave me opportunities that would have been difficult to experience as an individual, especially through international business trips and meeting people from different industries.

During my time as a shoe designer, I traveled frequently across various cities in Asia.

Much of that time was spent visiting factories, checking samples, and searching for materials in local markets.

It often felt like a treasure hunt — walking through crowded markets, trying to find the right fabric swatches or shoe accessories.

At the same time, it could be physically demanding, spending long hours on my feet, moving from one place to another.

Each region had its own specialties: some focused on leather, others on rubber or synthetic materials.

When exploring markets, I was usually accompanied by a local agent, both for safety and to navigate the environment more efficiently.

After days of sourcing, I would visit multiple factories to request samples and follow up on production.

It was a continuous cycle, sometimes repetitive, but also something I gradually became used to.

One of the highlights of these trips was always the food.

In many cities, I was invited to meals by factory owners and local people, often gathering around large round tables and sharing dishes together.

I once heard someone say,

“We enjoy good food more than spending on clothes or other things.”

What stayed with me was not just a cultural difference, but the intensity of that mindset — a genuine appreciation for food that I had the chance to experience again and again.

Looking back, these experiences — moving between cities, working with different people, and navigating unfamiliar environments — shaped me in ways I didn’t fully recognize at the time.