about us
meet our team
Practical Experience – From China to Europe
We are a multicultural team with hands-on experience in bringing products from China to Europe – not just in theory, but in everyday practice.
Lynn (Chun Li), originally from China, brings years of business experience in both China and Europe. Rainer from Germany complements this with deep knowledge of European markets, logistics and retail. Together, we build bridges between worlds.
What makes us different:
Chun Li
Founder
Rainer Appel
Co-Founder
we are open
7:00 – 15:00 (CET)
location
Trier, Germany
our vision
Helping Chinese Brands Enter Europe – Smoothly and Safely
Entering the European market shouldn’t be complicated. At 1 Step To Europe, we remove obstacles – offering practical support with trade fairs, warehousing, and EU compliance.
With roots in both China and Europe, we understand both sides – and act as your reliable partner on the ground.
When needed, we grab the drill and finish the booth ourselves – no delays.
(Photo: Final setup day at Kind + Jugend, Cologne Fair)
Practical Commitment
We don’t just manage projects – we make sure they succeed.
When things go wrong, we don’t wait or complain.
We grab tools, fix problems on the spot, and make sure your booth is ready when the doors open.
Because your success is our responsibility.
When time is tight, we deliver ourselves.
(Photo: Pickup at the Port of Antwerp, Belgium)
Reliable Support
When shipments get delayed or customs gets complicated, we don’t wait for others to act. We go to the port, pick up the goods ourselves, and find fast, hands-on solutions. That’s what support really means.
our story
Built Between Two Worlds – With Real-World Experience
Our journey began in 2003, when Chun Li founded her first company in China and started presenting products at European trade fairs. In 2011, she launched a children’s fashion label in France – which evolved into the baby toy brand SindiBaba. As the brand grew, more Chinese partners reached out for support. What started with trade fair representation turned into full brand development – including the launch of Appellini, our gourmet line. Over time, we’ve grown into a cross-border team, helping other manufacturers enter the European market with hands-on support..
Full-Service Support for Chinese Brands
In early 2025, the label 1 Step Europe was launched to support Chinese manufacturers, agents, and trading companies in developing their business in Europe. The brand offers trade fair representation, logistics, and EU compliance services – enabling smoother market entry and long-term growth across European markets.
Representing Kitchenware & Packaging Brands
In 2024, Appellini® was launched as a new brand under Augasta GmbH. It serves as a representative label for Chinese manufacturers in the fields of kitchenware, gourmet gifts, and both food and non-food packaging. The label combines product presentation with storytelling and branding suited for the European gift and delicatessen market.
Trade Fair Representation for China
With international travel still limited during the pandemic, Augasta Living was established in Germany to support Chinese manufacturers at European trade fairs. Starting in autumn 2023, the company began acting as an exhibitor and official representative for selected brands at German fairs – bridging the gap caused by travel restrictions and enabling market visibility.
Ankorstore, Orderchamp & Faire
Until 2022, B2B sales were handled exclusively through our in-house wholesale portal and trade fair contacts. To reach more buyers and complement physical exhibitions, we joined the leading digital B2B marketplaces Ankorstore, Orderchamp, and Faire. These platforms helped attract new business customers and ensured visibility during times when trade fairs were less accessible.
Launch of Online Shop & Retail Platforms
With trade fairs on hold and many stores temporarily closed due to the pandemic, the company shifted its focus toward direct-to-consumer (B2C) sales. A dedicated online shop was launched, along with listings on platforms such as Amazon, Kaufland, and YouTube – opening new sales channels and building brand visibility among end customers.
Intl Toy Fair, February 2020
The last trade fair before the COVID-19 pandemic took place in February 2020 at the International Toy Fair in Nuremberg. Soon after, nearly all European trade shows were cancelled or postponed, marking a two-year pause in physical exhibitions and shifting the focus temporarily to digital channels and internal development.
New Base for European Operations
In 2019, the company moved its headquarters to Trier, one of Germany’s oldest cities and a strategic location near France, Luxembourg, and Belgium. From here, all European activities are now coordinated – including warehousing, trade fair preparation, and client communication.
Greater Reach After German Relocation
Following the relocation to Germany, the company significantly expanded its trade fair activities. New locations included Frankfurt, Munich, Wallau, Copenhagen, and Stockholm, establishing Augasta GmbH as a frequent presence across Europe’s most important industry events.
Focus on the German Market
With Germany emerging as the strongest and most reliable sales market, Chun Li moved to Germany (Berlin) in 2015 to further develop the business locally. From here, she expanded trade fair participation and built stronger relationships with retailers and distributors across Europe.
Nuremberg, Cologne, Paris & More
While still based in France, Chun Li and the growing team began exhibiting and visiting fairs such as Spielwarenmesse Nuremberg, Kind + Jugend in Cologne, and events in Paris, Luxembourg, Amsterdam, and Brussels – gathering valuable insights into local markets and customer behavior.
Kids’ Fashion and Baby Toys
In 2011, Chun Li moved from Qingdao to France and launched two new ventures: a children’s fashion label and a baby toy brand. While the fashion line remained short-lived, the baby toy concept evolved into a long-term success – laying the foundation for what would later become the SindiBaba brand.
Kitchenware for International Markets
After years of working in sourcing and export services, Chun Li took the next step and launched her first private label brand in 2007 – specializing in kitchen items. The company remained based in Qingdao, but now participated in trade fairs and sold products directly to global customers under its own branding.
Sourcing & QC for International Clients
Chun Li founded Splendida Co. Ltd. in Qingdao (Shandong, China), providing sourcing, factory audits, and quality control services for European importers. Early focus areas included kitchenware, packaging, baby goods, and seasonal gift items.
Reliable Know-How for Your EU Business
Join our newsletter
Get updates on trade fairs, compliance, and logistics – practical insights for Chinese manufacturers entering the European market. No spam. Just what matters.
