EP 34: Raising Kids and Businesses in Munich with Gelyn Welle

Gelyn is a mom who moved to Germany at the height of the pandemic in 2020, found herself jobless and very pregnant. Inspired by her daughter (and probably a few hormones), she wrote her first children’s book, "Most of All, You Are Loved," a response to the pandemic, divisiveness, demonstrations, the Ukraine war, rising stories of bullying and increase in suicide rates amongst teens.

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THE GERMANY EXPAT BUSINESS SHOW – SEASON 3, EP. 34 SHOW NOTES

I really, really enjoyed this conversation with Gelyn. She’s got a fascinating story. Originally from the Philippines, her story goes through Shanghai, Mexico, and Germany.

She is just a firecracker! One of the things that struck me about this conversation is that she was really good at figuring out how to leverage not only the experiences she’s had working in Shanghai, but the relationships she built with vendors there, and making a business out of that while living in Germany, while also promoting her own brand and products.

Gelyn plays big. She does not shy away from big goals and doing scary things. I certainly learned a lot talking to her. I had a lot of questions for her, including nitty-gritty tactical questions.

But first a bit about Gelyn:

She’s a mom who moved to Germany at the height of the pandemic in 2020, found herself jobless and very pregnant. Inspired by her daughter (and probably a few hormones), she wrote her first children’s book, “Most of All, You Are Loved,” a response to the pandemic, divisiveness, demonstrations, the Ukraine war, rising stories of bullying and increase in suicide rates amongst teens. She started asking herself “What can I do to protect my child?”

So, she created her company called Polkaducks and started creating stories and products that promote kindness, hoping they might make a difference. In less than two years, Gelyn diversified her efforts by creating a supportive mama network, expanding her business to custom book printing and stuffed toy services, and fostering a community where moms can find encouragement and inspiration.

Originally from Manila, Philippines, Gelyn isn’t a stranger to stepping out of her comfort zone. After nearly a decade in finance, she randomly chose Shanghai from a map, enrolled in language school, and never looked back. She’s lived in China and Mexico and now calls Munich home, where she lives with her husband and daughter.

It’s a real good episode, and I hope you get a lot out of it, too. Here’s what we covered in this conversation:

The Journey from The Philipines to Germany

  • Background: Originally from the Philippines, Chalene spent several years in Mexico before moving to Germany.
  • Motivation: The pandemic prompted her family to seek a safer environment, leading them to Munich.
  • Family Ties: Chalene’s husband, a German national, played a significant role in their decision to relocate, especially as they were expecting their first child.

Starting a Business in Germany

Gelyn’s entrepreneurial journey began with her first book, Most of All You Are Loved, which she self-published. Here’s how she transitioned from a corporate career to entrepreneurship:

  • Initial Steps: Chalene leveraged her background in finance and marketing to create a bedtime routine for her daughter, which inspired her book.
  • E-commerce Launch: She established her business, Polkadots, focusing on children’s literature and products that promote kindness and resilience.
  • Challenges Faced: Navigating the complexities of starting a business in Germany, including regulations and logistics, was a steep learning curve.

The Evolution of Polkaducks

Polkaducks has grown beyond just a book publishing venture. Highlights include:

  • Product Range: Gelyn’s offerings include books and merchandise aimed at fostering positive values in children.
  • Printing Services: She expanded her business to provide printing services for other self-publishers, utilizing her connections in China.
  • Community Focus: Through her initiative, Polk Collaboration, Gelyn supports other women-owned businesses by offering them a platform to showcase their products.

Big Upcoming Event in Munich: Mama Macht Mart

This year, Gelyn embarks on her latest ambitious project, Mama macht Markt, an event celebrating women by inviting them to showcase their creations. The event is aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Date: May 18, 2025
  • Location: Alte Kongresshalle, Munich
  • Purpose: The event will feature women-owned businesses across various industries, providing a space for networking, mentorship, and community building.
  • Ticket Information: A minimal entrance fee of €4 will be charged, with 50% of proceeds going to a charitable cause.

Key Takeaways for Expat Entrepreneurs in Germany

Gelyn shared some solid advice for fellow expats looking to start their own businesses in Germany:

  1. Surround Yourself with Support: Build a network of cheerleaders, mentors, and peers who can provide guidance and encouragement.
  2. Embrace Learning: Stay informed about market trends and best practices to make informed decisions.
  3. Take Risks: Don’t shy away from thinking big and pursuing ambitious goals, as they can lead to significant rewards.

Where to find Gelyn

www.polkaducks.com

@polkaduckscom

@polkaducks.publishing

@polkaducks.ph

@mamamachtmarkt

www.mamamachtmarkt.de