(ECNS) -- A young couple from China's Xinjiang shows visitors their self-created costume brand at their exhibition booth on the first day of China International Consumer Products Expo on Friday.
"We've sold about 50 to 60 pieces since this morning. That's all we've brought here. We plan to sell online from tomorrow," said Ale Abdureshiet. Both Ale Abdureshiet and her husband Tiyar Yusup were born after 1995.
The idea of promoting ethnic costumes among the younger generation came to them as college students. "We had the idea of letting young people wear our ethnic costumes when we were college students. People seldom wear this kind of clothing now because it is inconvenient. We hope to deliver some ethnic elements to young people in a novel way," she added.
Atlas, a traditional Uygur style clothing, used to be made of silk. The couple has turned to high-quality Xinjiang cotton to make Atlas and so meet a younger preference: comfortable and durable.
"Even as Xinjiang locals, we find it difficult to get Xinjiang cotton due to short supply. We have to order first," said Tiyar Yusup.
It's a tough road to start a business, but this young couple shows a strong confidence in the future. "We pay each employee 4,000-5,000 yuan (about $620) per month. 4,000 yuan is the minimum wage. Workers are willing to work with us. We plan to upgrade the reputation of our brand. We hope more young people could wear our ethnic costumes and make them fashionable," said Ale Abdureshiet.
