After being admitted to the Zambian Bar and beginning her legal career at a local law firm, Karen moved to China with the vision of building a clothing brand. Her journey soon took an unexpected turn when she joined one of the leading international law firms in the Greater Bay Area.
There, she managed the firm's memberships across five prestigious Chambers of Commerce — the British, Italian, European, American, and French Chambers — building relationships with multinational companies, manufacturers, and industry leaders. This experience gave her a unique understanding of how global businesses source products and manage international supply chains.
Through her legal work, Karen encountered numerous cross-border commercial disputes involving supplier fraud, contract breaches, and quality-related issues — and recognized that the biggest challenge in sourcing from China is finding trustworthy suppliers.
Drawing on her legal expertise and firsthand experience in China, Karen created TradeSmart in China to bridge that gap. Today, she helps businesses connect with verified suppliers, source quality products, manage procurement, and reduce the risks associated with international sourcing — giving clients the confidence to do business in China with peace of mind.