A young Republic of China woman, Ms. Wang Kuang-hua, set out not long ago to follow the slogan of Taiwan Provincial Governor Shieh Tung-min: "To make a living room a factory." Ms. Wang noted that modern young girls do not care too much for old traditional ideas in such matters as dress and in jewelry, but they are much attracted by small novelty items made fromsuch materials as cloth, hemp, rattan, wood, nylon and plastics. Ms. Wang capitalized on this interest in following Governor Shieh's slogan. She gave up her design work in an advertising agency to specialize in the production of these small, exquisitely decorated articles.
After three years of hard work, Ms. Wang has rented a two-story house and purchased much processing equipment. She employs 20 persons, in addition to neighborhood housewives as help. The products they make are such items as purses, key cases, handbags, satchels, make-up pouches, sachets to be hung from necks, wrists and waists, mirrors, decorative bags, wooden pins, necklaces, pencil cases, door screens and chair cushions. These unique, colorful articles are particularly welcomed by young girls. The materials are readily available. The workers use screen printing to apply designs and the cost is low. The total sale volume has passed NT$6,000,000a year. In addition to the domestic demands, the development of exports to markets in Southeast Asia, Europe and Middle East also is under way. While this kind of a small-size business is not to be compared to a big enterprise, it demonstrates what a brilliant, young woman can do with dedication.
The factory that grew from her living room
A brooch pinned on a product to add beauty
Silk screen printing puts designs on wooden pencil cases
Ironing and smoothing the finished products
