For almost 25
years my professional career in fashion and home accessories has taken
me all over the Far East directing product development and designing -
then importing for my own company or large public retailers in the USA.
I
first moved to Hong Kong in 1992 with my husband and two sons, then in
2nd and 3rd grade, with only a few boxes of clothing and personal
items. The task of setting up our new home from scratch in a new
country and different culture was so new to me, however I did know how
to source. At first, I took my decorating magazines to Cebu,
Philippines where I had done business and manufactured many items I
still have today. From 1992 - 2000 we moved 3 times in Hong Kong -
sometimes to a smaller place, sometimes to a much larger - and
re-designing all over again.
In
2000, we moved back to the States for 7 years, and as the kids left
for college we became empty nesters. My husband's company returned us
to Hong Kong in 2007 - and you guessed it - I was setting up from
scratch again, but I find the prices in Hong Kong have sky-rocketed and
the selection much narrower. I sourced areas around Hong Kong and recognized a 'cottage' furniture industry able to ship to Hong Kong for a
reasonable price. These are small Chinese factories....you won't find
huge compounds with assembly lines, you will find 'not everything is perfect',
none the less I am able to discover a piece of furniture that will
last, suit my budget, and fulfill my needs - most of it treasured items
from another century, well worth taking a risk on. Some items that are
designed and special ordered might have slight imperfections in the
wood but will obtain a 'cottage' charm and the prices are incredible .
I've had 10 homes in the last 25 years - I've taught myself to HOME REDESIGN over and over again.
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