Ambitious dreams, tough journey
Zhang went to Canada in 1989 to study, and spent most of her spare time working at a part time job during her stay there. She saved $20,000 over two years--her first fortune--which she took back to China in 1991 to set up her restaurant.
"I was very bold at that time, fearing nothing and knowing little about the market. But there were opportunities then. I think opportunities can come at any time, and the point is whether you are prepared well for them. The $20,000 gave me great confidence, so I came back with it to realize my dream," Zhang told China Radio International (CRI).
To build her first restaurant, she traveled to Sichuan Province to source bamboo, where she experienced various unexpected hardships. Fortunately, her traditional Sichuan bamboo pavilion and Sichuan dishes gradually earned her restaurant popularity in the market. Zhang attributes her success to the application of Sichuan culture in the restaurant.
"The Sichuan bamboo pavilion was rich with cultural characteristics. For example, I decorated the pavilion with traditional frescos, which attracted many customers. People like being embraced by art while enjoying their food. I am also an art lover, so I like to mix art into my business," explained Zhang.
Zhang's efforts have since built South Beauty into a glamorous combination of artistic sophistication and gourmet food. However, the ambitious woman is still not satisfied. "I also want to establish more brands," noted Zhang. "We plan to develop more functional foods for skin care and weight reduction."
Making the restaurant an international brand was Zhang Lan's target from the very beginning, and now that South Beauty has been selected as a Chinese food supplier for the London Olympics in 2012, Zhang's dream is gradually coming true.
