Ding Yawen's journey began in Xuchang, Henan province. After marrying, she became a full-time homemaker, financially dependent on her husband. Feeling stifled, she found inspiration in a newspaper article about a man supporting his family through embroidery.
"The story was a wake-up call," she recalls. "I knew how to sew, so why not try?"
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Ding Yawen in Henan has found success through her mending techniques. Photo: QQ |
Ding Yawen in Henan has found success through her mending techniques. Photo: QQ
Mending, while seemingly simple, requires skill. Ding Yawen's early attempts were uneven and unattractive. Her solution was to borrow repaired clothes from reputable shops, unraveling them to study each stitch and technique.
After months of practice, the then 36-year-old felt confident enough to set up a roadside stall. By 2007, she had her own shop, earning over 8,000 CNY in her best month.
Two years later, she opened a professional repair shop in Zhengzhou. As her business thrived, people sought to learn her techniques. This sparked a second income stream: teaching.
"My training cost 800 CNY back then," she notes. "It's certainly more expensive now."
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A sweater, as good as new, thanks to Ding's mending skills. Photo: QQ |
A sweater, as good as new, thanks to Ding's mending skills. Photo: QQ
Recognizing the value of her unique methods, Ding Yawen pursued patents. A contact advised her that novelty, innovation, practical application, and lack of prior registration were the key criteria.
In 2013, she patented the "Invisible Thread Mending Method." Further patents followed in 2019 for the "Spiral Sleeve and Hem Repair Method for Knitwear," and in 2020 for the "Invisible, Liner-Free Thread Mending Method."
Today, Ding Yawen's students practice her embroidery and mending techniques across China and internationally.
Over 21 years, Ding Yawen has earned over 3 million CNY, purchased two houses, and gained widespread recognition.
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Her story, when shared online, quickly went viral, garnering widespread praise for her talent.
Humorous comments included, "I thought ripped clothes were only destined for the trash. I never imagined they held the secret to a woman's entrepreneurial success."
Bao Nhien (QQ)