Name of company: Kilop USA Inc.
Name of woman leader: Christine Yumei Chen
Age: 59
Based in: High Point, N.C.
Description: Distributes raw textiles to manufacturers of products such as hospital gowns
Began: 1988
2003 sales: $3 million
2007 sales: $28.8 million
What was the inspiration for your business?
Christine Chen, a native of Taiwan, co-founded Kilop with her late husband, who wanted to form a company based on the Chinese philosophy of business. "In Chinese, the way you say business is 'shen yi,' which [translates to] helping each other create a meaningful living," she explains. "He wanted to try that."
How much did it cost to start Kilop?
Chen and her husband borrowed approximately $40,000 to start the business. A customer from her husband's old job also let them use a credit line.
How did you balance your family and business responsibilities?
Although her children are adults now, learning how to run a business from scratch while taking care of three kids was difficult. But Chen says a flexible schedule allowed her to attend all family activities. She also took advantage of any free time that came up. "When we started Kilop 30 years ago, they were in elementary school," she says. "So during the summer break, I would take classes in accounting and computers at the community college."
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs who want to grow their business?
Chen believes it's important to find meaning in your work. "If it's not meaningful to you, and you don't enjoy it, there's something else you can do," she says. She feels that having a successful business gives her the power to serve more people.
How do you relax?
Reading, gardening and hiking are some of Chen's favorite activities.
What music do you listen to?
Chen enjoys listening to classical and vocal music.
What books are you reading?
Since her husband passed away five years ago, Chen says she often reads books about business and self-improvement.
Is there a message you'd like to share with other business owners?
Business owners need to focus on effectively communicating with each other, according to Chen. "To be successful in the business world, you must have good communication skills," she says. But her idea of communication encompasses much more than just talking: It's about the whole persona. "It includes communicating your authenticity, your care and your emotions--everything. I don't think I'm a very articulate or outgoing person, so sometimes I feel I don't communicate really well," she admits. "But at that time, because people see me and know me, they can still understand what I mean."
Is there anything else you want to add?
"I think life starts at 50," Chen says, "so I've only been around nine years. I don't really know why I've always thought that, but I believe that at 50 you know your facts and are finally mature enough to really enjoy life."
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