Taiwanese opens stylish shop in Beijing

Beijing (CNS) -- In the Taiwan-style cultural and business district by Qianmen Street stands a unique "House of Plenty," owned by a Taiwanese woman who calls herself "Nicole".

Displayed are a bronze-colored classic clock, an orange lamp, Taiwan-style snacks and handicrafts, fashionable bags from Hong Kong, Indonesian utensils made from the roots of aged teak trees, chinaware and tea sets from Japan, and raw tree root hangers made in Thailand, all gathered during Nicole's travels around the world.

No more explanation is needed to indicate that Nicole feels at home here, not playing the role of shopkeeper for profit. It is actually so domestic in nature that visitors mistook the delicately-decorated trash bin, byobu and cage-shaped shelves for merchandise.

Her interest was piqued initially by the amazing mainland market power she detected during her visit in 2006, then when she was invited by a Taiwan temple fair organizer to an event on Qianmen Street in November 2011, Nicole and her husband decided to expand her current "business" from Taipei and the U.S. to Beijing.

Nicole's brother is planning to duplicate their successful restaurant operation in Taiwan and the States in Beijing, a move inspired by his visit in October.

The rest of their family is also mapping out their mainland adventures.