Girls' delight makes hard work worthwhile

In 2005, Jian Ping Manson set up Jian Ping Sewing Services on Eruera St. She spoke to the Rotorua Daily Post about her business.

In a nutshell what does your business do?

Dressmaking, tailoring for men and women, alterations, repairs, making curtains and soft furnishings.

What inspired you to set up your business?

When I came to Rotorua from China no one would employ me because I didn't have good English and they didn't believe I could sew like them so I opened my own shop.

What is the best business decision you have made?

To learn English so I can make friends with my customers.

What is the best thing about being in business in Rotorua?

The school ball season. I love to see the girls in the gowns we have made for them; they are so excited and that makes me happy despite the long hours we've worked because all the balls come at once.

What is the worst thing about running a business in Rotorua?

Rents in the CBD are too high for small business people like me.

What is your biggest business opportunity in the year ahead?

We are moving to a new shop across the road in September because the rent's more reasonable. I wanted to work from home but my customers wouldn't let me.

What is the biggest mistake you have made in business?

Forgetting to make a groom's mother's dress. I had just started out and it was awful, I stayed up all night to make her outfit but she still wasn't very happy, neither was I.

If you could do another job for a day what would it be?

It wouldn't be a job, I would be a Keep Rotorua Beautiful volunteer because I am always picking up rubbish along Te Ngae Rd, seeing it makes me feel bad.

How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?

I go fishing, I hadn't seen the sea until I came to New Zealand.

If you were Rotorua mayor for a day what one change would you make?

Random free parking days in town, not every day because too many shopkeepers park outside their shops blocking other people's customers out.