Background
Shi Xiaoyan was born in 1962, China.
晓燕 史
Shi Xiaoyan was born in 1962, China.
Shi graduated from a nursing school in Beijing.
Shi first worked as a nurse at the Beijing Union Medical College Hospital. However not only was she frustrated by the tedious and boring nature of her assignment, but her low monthly salary of 70 yuan meant that life in the Chinese capital was a struggle. In 1984, therefore, Shi job-hopped to a foreign company, although at that time changing careers was very unusual in China. Shi did not know how to use a typewriter or a computer, but as a smart, capable, and quick minded individual, she still won the appreciation of her employer. Later Shi reflected upon this experience: ‘even today I am not really able to use the computer. What I am interested in is dealing with people. That is my principle: I will do what I can and I won’t bother to do what I am not skilled at’ (Women of China, 2007).
After marriage, she could not be satisfied as a housewife, and a trip abroad inspired her entry into the furniture industry. In 1989, her husband moved to Singapore to work in the headquarters of an IT company. There she realized that in developed countries people’s personal values are embodied in their lifestyles. She also observed the delicate design of furniture and other household appliances. Therefore she decided to major in interior design at the University of Chicago, while keeping an eye on both international fashion trends and China’s economic development. From 1993 to 1994, she studied highquality materials, brands, and design concepts, constructing a solid foundation for her future career success. ‘Almost all my lessons in the US were taught in museums, instead of the classrooms with boring theories,’ Shi noted, ‘for example, I learnt most of the knowledge about the wooden veneer from a veneer processing manufacturer. So I know about wooden skin products and ways they combine together’ (Ibid). Even today, Shi still spends time visiting museums and art exhibitions to seek inspiration.
Realizing the huge potential of the domestic furniture industry, Shi returned to China in the mid-1990s to begin a new career in the field. After a few setbacks, including losing US$3 million, she and her husband established a small furniture factory imitating the design and style of foreign brands as well as importing actual foreign products. Because of the low price and novel style, her Illinois brand was gradually accepted by customers in Beijing. Yet this strategy of copying Western designs did not last long, and Shi started to think about establishing her own furniture design shop. Since 2000, after researching the international furniture market, she has defined and developed Illinois’ unique style new classic, postmodernism. This soon became a real hit, attracting not only Chinese customers, but also interest from abroad. Shi often says, ‘Style keeps changing and I never stop working’ (Ibid). Whenever she encounters difficulties, she is able to find a solution. She brings her camera to every exhibition, and takes pictures of whatever she likes. She continues to travel abroad monthly to keep up with the latest trends, and invites top designers around the world to design in her studio. Her insight into the market and her sense of aesthetics enables her company to stay at the cutting edge of furniture design.
Shi’s business continues to expand. In addition to the 10 000-square meter furniture outlet and her own product lines, Illinois is also an agent for many famous brands, including Giorgetti from Italy, Rolf Benz from Germany, and Roche Bobois from France. Apart from running a furniture company, Shi has also established China’s first auto theme park located near Beijing Capital International Airport. With an investment of over 50 million yuan, it is the only one of its kind in Northern China. It is a place where people can purchase automobiles, and participate in auto racing and other related activities. Looking forward, Shi has even more ambitious plans to build shopping malls, hotels, and golf courses in the surrounding area.