Gu Shu-bing and Lu Hong-mei

Where are you from?

EWe are from a little town outside of Nantong， Jiangsu Province. I first came to Beijing and then I married Hong-mei after settling here.

How did you get started in tailoring?

EI came to Beijing when I was 16 and apprenticed with a master for two years. For those two years， I received no pay. Then I started my own shop， and moved here about ten years ago.

What’s the business like?

EIt’s okay. It is kind of slow in the winter， but quite busy in the spring and fall. About 20% of our business is from foreigners and half of the work is in alterations and half making new clothes. One of our clients introduced us to the International SOS Medical Clinic and we also make some of their uniforms.

How much do you make， and how much do you pay for rent?

EWe make about RMB 10，000 (USD 1，540) a month. Our rent is quite cheap， a couple hundred RMB. We also live here so we can save as much as possible. We are always working， no weekends off， except the Chinese New Year when we go back home.

Do you have any children?

EWe have one son and he is staying with his grand-parents in our home town.

How long will you stay in Beijing?

EWe will go back to our home-town when he starts middle school. It is not good for him to grow up without us. And we will probably open a little clothing store when we go back.