By Valerie Sartor

A 26-year-old woman, Yang Huiyan, currently tops Forbes list of the richest people in China: Her net worth rests at $16 billion. Clearly, Chinese women are getting into the capitalist spirit. Modern Beijing women no longer subsist as demure young virgins elegantly clad in silk qipao, long braids and downcast eyes. Today they're hip power dressers who flaunt Paris and New York fashions, wear Shanghai hairstyles and run cutting edge businesses. Ever since the late 1970s when Deng Xiaoping began his reforms that invited socialism with Chinese characteristics, female entrepreneurs have started coming into their own and they've stayed in the black. None are as wealthy as Ms. Yang but some of them, like Hong Rudan (Holly), are naturals at business and seem born to excel.

Holly is 23 and flourishing. Successful, self-made, she is no hothouse executive babe: she doesn't wear makeup, high heels or fancy clothes--but this woman radiates success and authority. "For the last eight years I've worked this business," she told me, carefully scanning her goods and clientele as we spoke. "I started out working for my sister; in fact, I quit middle school to come up from Zhejiang Province to work as her assistant. Three years ago I bought her out. We still help each other out but this company is all mine now."

Indeed, this remarkable young woman has what it takes: business acumen, fashion sense and great guanxi (connections). She operates an international wholesale jewelry and gemstone business that supplies Canada, the United States and Britain. "Eighty percent of my business is wholesaled internationally," she remarked, "But I have this retail shop because it allows me to contact with foreigners and locals. They're always astounded at my prices and my wares."

Stewardesses from all international flights know her, so do local embassy personnel, as well as regular business travelers who stay in the nearby Holiday Inn. Women clients pass her name around: Holly is a clever Chinese mélange of Mary Kay and the Avon Lady.

"Since most customers are foreigners," she said, "I've had to teach myself English, and a little German and French, too. I needed to learn to use a computer and a credit card machine. I'm ashamed that my formal education is so low but I try to learn something new every day."

"We call her big sister," said Lili, one of Holly's many employees, "but she's really a kind of queen; she inspires my devotion."

As a regular client, I could only agree. Holly knows Steven Covey's requirements of the Seven Rules for Highly Effective People and maybe a few more as well: She commands without browbeating, she knows her product and educates graciously. Most importantly, she's flexible and always gives the customer whatever she wants.

"Holly, hello," a buxom 30-something American woman with auburn hair and a deep Texas accent booms at her. "I just flew in on my transatlantic shift: Do you have my order?"

"Sure do," Holly replied, signaling to a young helper to pull it out. I gaped as dozens of Tiffany items, from silver bracelets to sleek earrings, as well as glittering crystal beads intertwined with perfectly round pearls, were laid on the counter for Marilyn from Dallas. "Looks great sweetie," the airhostess remarked, pulling out a wad of cash as her items were packed into small silk gift bags.

After the customer exited, I asked Holly: "How do you sell that stuff so cheap?"

"Because I'm not as greedy as the real Tiffany stores," she replied. "I sell those solid silver bracelets for 25 bucks each; Tiffany retails them at 300 dollars. Plus they're made in my hometown; I buy them at cost: That's good guanxi. I only mark them up a little. Besides, this retail is just a tiny fraction of my business; I do it to be social and to keep my eye on fashion trends."

"Well, the trends tell me to take one of those Tiffany's home along with my turquoise," I said, pointing to an elegant piece.

"Certainly," she answered, "And for you a little discount, because you're a regular here."

"Holly, what are your future plans?" I curiously asked.

"I need a husband pretty soon," she replied, and chuckled. "He's got to be able to follow orders, because I want him to stay close and work with me. I'll train him and teach him the business. But it sure is hard to find a good man."

"You're in charge of everything," I replied, smiling. "Chinese girls really have made great progress: no more golden lily/bound feet, no more eating the scraps after serving dinner on bended knees."

"We Chinese women deserve the good life too," she replied, grinning wide.

The author is an American living in Beijing.

(Beijing Review November 6, 2007)