An inspiring expat spouse: Miranda Allen2009-03-02
This month, we hear more about the inspiring journey of Miranda Allen - Founder and Managing Director of Secrets from Africa. Secrets from Africa is a homeware store and speciality coffee bar selling quality imported products and serving organic fairtrade coffee with a selection on sandwiches, cakes, muffins and soups.
Jasmine: "Miranda, tell us a bit more about yourself. Where are you from and why did you move to Beijing a few years ago?"
Miranda: "I am from Cape Town, South Africa where I have lived all my life. My husband got a posting with his South African company nearly four years ago which brought us to Beijing."
Jasmine: "Has your relationship with China and Beijing been a happy one from Day one?"
Miranda: "Having always worked, I was anxious about what I was going to occupy my time with when I got to Beijing. On arrival I managed to get a part time position in our villa compound. It was a new compound and they required an expat to assist other expats with settling in to the community. This definately helped with my transition into expat life and living in Bejing as I was exposed to other people in the same position as myself. This job allowed me to occupy my time productively whilst settling in and meeting new people."
Jasmine: "Did you miss your previous professional activity as a HR manager?"
Miranda: "I loved my job as a Human Resources consultant in a large corporate financial institution. The new challenges that came with working in a new and exciting environment with people from very different cultures kept me very busy, so I can't say I longed for my previous position."
Jasmine: "So, why did you exactly decide to open Secrets from Africa?"
Miranda: "Prior to leaving South Africa, I had many business ideas in mind as I knew I needed to occupy my time with something. I wasn't quite sure what it would be until I had the chance to settle, meet and speak to people and friends and looked into the possibilities available to me."
Jasmine: "Was the birth of Secrets from Africa a one-day decision or a long process?"
Miranda: "This has been a project that has evolved, from the initial idea right up until the store opened. Many factors had to be considered. Some of these being:Not knowing how long we would stay in Beijing. Whether it would it be wise to make a huge financial investment in a country that is not our primary residence? You are required to have many documents and procedures in place. One has an idea and think it is the correct thing to do,but never know how it is going to be received. On the flip side, the saying goes 'high risk high reward' and I think this has been the case for me. I have been rewarded with so many wonderful opportunities, experiences and challenges as a result of opening Secrets from Africa."
Jasmine: "How did your family and your children react to your decision?"
Miranda: " My husband has always been extremely positive and supportive of any projects I have undertaken. I think this is extremely important to the success of the business and the commitment, time and energy I am able to give to the store. I try not to let the store impact too much on the time I spend with my family. I am very aware of the balancing act between the roles of being a wife, a mother and trying to run a home."
Jasmine: "Miranda, I am sure that many of us would be interested in hearing about the main benefits and challenges of having your own business?"
Miranda: "At this stage the positives far outway the negatives. The benefits of having my own business are that I don't report to anyone, I am able to make decisions that I feel are best for the business, I am flexible to implement ideas without too many problems. I also have a wonderful support structure of friends and family to bounce ideas off.
The challenges have been many. The process of importing takes a long time, requiring careful planning so that the delivery of my stock concides with expat activities. The costs of importing into China are extremely high giving very little margin for mark up and profit, and the changes in rules and regulations which are out of ones control can be frustrating."
Jasmine: "And how do you keep motivated when things are just not working the way you hoped?"
Miranda: "We all have China days and my days are not without these when it comes to Secrets from Africa. When I feel a little dispondent I have to remind myself of how fortunate I am to have something to do. I have a wonderful regular supportive customer base, and the results of the project have far exceeded my expectations at this stage. I also think if you weren't kept on your toes and thrown challenges in business or life that you would become too relaxed and forget to appreciate the opportunities you have been given."
Jasmine: "How do you keep a work/life balance what you are involved in something you are so passionate about?"
Miranda: "Running a business that you are passionate about can become a little consuming, but I think if you have a good support system it makes things much easier. I have to be disciplined and allocate my time accordingly. I believe in excercise to keep me sane, and have put many systems in place to accomodate my personal and professional life. I also have two dedicated ladies, in the store, which has lightened the load tremendously."
Jasmine: "So, as conclusion, would you recommend other expat spouses to start their own business?"
Miranda: "Yes, definitely. If you have an idea or a dream and the determination, go ahead and make it happen. The satisfaction you get from seeing a project succeed is very fulfilling. On the flip side, even if your project doesn't meet your expectations, I think that's also ok because you have had an experience you wouldn't have necessarily had before. This is all part of growing as an individual."
Jasmine: "After this exciting Beijing chapter, how do you see your next life & career chapter?"
Miranda: "For now Beijing is home.I am not sure where we will go from here, but, I am living for the moment and will worry about the future when I need to. I have always been someone who has kept myself busy and I am sure this will remain the case in years to come."
Thank you Miranda!
Secrets from Africa is located on Jingshun Road, 1km from the Beigoa Tollgate turnoff (Exit 4), North in COMPLEX 3.
