Metro Special

Air hostess' Italian dream comes true

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-03-30 07:53

METRO: What was your first job?

Zhang: I worked as an air hostess for many years (starting in 1988). The job was considered a very popular profession among girls because there were very few chances at that time to go abroad, and an air hostess could travel around the world.

METRO: Was it difficult to get a job like that?

Zhang: Yes, it was. Since it is a popular profession, I had to be well prepared. The competition was so fierce that only 10 girls were selected from 3,000 candidates.

METRO: What did you do after your first job?

Zhang: I was the chief representative of aircraft parts of the US Boeing Company for some years and then I went to the US among the first batch Chinese for identification of jewelry study at the Gemological Institute of America. After coming back from the US, I went into the jewelry business. I worked for Bao Long Xiang Jewelry Co which was recognized as one of the best Chinese brands in jewelry industry.

METRO: What happened next in your career development?

Zhang: I had lots of regular customers, most of which have remained as my friends. When I shared my idea of opening an Italian Mall, they were very excited about it. They said they looked forward to experiencing Italian fashion and promised to go shopping there.

METRO: Where do you live?

Zhang: Currently, I'm living in an apartment near the Workers' Stadium. It has more than 400 square meters in floor space.

METRO: What do you do in your spare time?

Zhang: I like to shop and travel, as well as spend time with my family. I have an 8-year-old son who I always take swimming or skating. I really enjoy quality time with my family.

METRO: Do you cook at home?

Zhang: Sometimes, but we have a nanny who cooks really well. My husband and I will cook once in a while, when we are not so busy.

METRO: What are your favorite clothing brands?

Zhang: When I used to go shopping, I didn't care about brands - design and quality was my focus. If I liked the style, I would buy it regardless of whether it was famous or not. Now though, I am crazy about Italian-made goods.

METRO: What is your most expensive handbag?

Zhang: It would probably be an ostrich skin Hermes Birkin bag that cost more than 200,000 yuan.

METRO: What car do you drive?

Zhang: I usually drive a big Mercedes-Benz.

METRO: Why do you like big cars?

Zhang: I'm from Changchun, the capital of Jilin province in the northeast China, where women are very generous. Maybe that explains it somehow.

(China Daily 03/30/2010 page27)