“No matter how people praise you, you only believe 30%; no matter how people criticize you, you only believe 30%,” which is the motto of a boutique owner, Candy Yeung.

Yeung, one of the post 80s, started selling clothes as a fashion consultant since August 2012, after she gave up the spotlight as a famous model. “It had been a glorious time when many people would ask for my autograph and many magazines would interview me, I was like in the dream. But I knew what was the best for me. So I started what I am doing now, it was not just an wild thought, I had been dreaming to open a boutique and I read all kinds of Japanese magazines since I was around 12, I remembered most of the brands and all the stuff was just in my mind,” said Yeung.

“If I am using a MOP40, 000 Chanel bag, I can tell people I earn it by myself,” she said confidently. However, it was not an easy task to start. Without her parents’ support which she never asked for, she thought of quitting, especially when she could hardly find a customer. But she didn’t. “I don’t like giving up halfway, and it will be helpful if the government can do more for young people. The financial assistance (MOP300,000) from the government seems remote (the interest-free loan program was designed to help young entrepreneurs in the 2013 Policy Address) and all they care about are casinos. What would be a better situation if government could subsidize us in posting commercials in the community like the Women’s Federation, the Union, or in the public areas like bus stops or parks,” she added. Moreover, to control the price of housing is necessary, it is never enough to pay the rent from their earnings and the owners continue to increase the rent,” Yeung said with a bitter smile.

Before opening the boutique, she was a part-time model and full-time secretary for four years. All these experiences let her have a better business perspective. For instance, with her past working experience, she is now good at bargaining with vendors in the garment industry. “You are the most important product, selling yourself is the best way to sell your products.” Her enthusiasm in fashion, her genuine attitude towards her customers, her kindness to be a volunteer in an orphanage, and especially her persistence in her career path, all are exhibited in the spirit of her boutique.

Yeung described her life as splendid as she is earning her own living. She wanted to tell all the young people that they should try and never give up when they are still young. “Sometimes it is inevitable to fail and if you are afraid of failure, it is better not to start a business. You can speak loudly only with your own voice, never depend on others. And experiences are always useful, whenever we try, don’t be afraid of failure,” she emphasized

Candy Yeung in South Korea