ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND THE TINY BIG SISTER BRINGS THESE 3 WOMEN TOGETHER. BRAVE, DETERMINED AND WITH A VERY CLEAR STYLES OF DRESSING: QUALITY AND COMFORTABLE CLOTHES ABOVE ALL. DO YOU WANT TO MEET THEM?
COMING FROM A LEADING FAMILY IN THE SPANISH HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY, EVA AND HER HUSBAND DECIDED TO BECOME ENTREPRENEURS A FEW YEARS AGO, AFTER WORKING FOR A LONG TIME IN A LARGE MULTINATIONAL COMPANY. CURRENTLY THEY HAVE 3 OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ASIAN FUSION RESTAURANTS IN MADRID.
WHO ARE YOU?
My name is Eva Chen, I come from a chinese family but I was born in Madrid. I am 30 years old. I dedicate myself to hostelry, a journey that I started with my husband creating an asian restaurant called La Pagoda. We have actually gotten bigger with another restaurant, Manolita Chen, in honor of the beginnings of my family here in Spain. I am currently pregnant with my first child.
WHICH ARE THE CLOTHING ITEMS YOU ALWAYS HAVE IN YOUR CLOSET?
A pair of jeans, a basic shirt and comfortable sneakers.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING CLOTHES?
That it flatters me, most importantly, and that it is comfortable to wear on the daily.
DO YOU FIND AESTHETICS IMPORTANT IN YOUR PROFESSION?
Totally. Even though it is hard to admit, nowadays, everything is invented. But the good thing is that thanks to technology, and being able to travel (maybe not in this moment precisely) we are able to see things from a different perspective, mix sources of inspiration, and reinterpret everything we perceive, be it culinary or aesthetic. Therefore, it’s a world in constant evolution which makes this field so competitive but entertaining and didactive at the same time.
WHAT MADE YOU CHOSE THE ENTREPRENEURIAL PATH? WHY DID YOU CHOSE RESTORATION?
Both entrepreneurship and restoration, are two things I have seen in my family generation after generation. Even though I started working in an office, I felt the calling and need to start something of my own making. I had a lot of ideas, curiosity and doubts, and I chose taking the risk at a young age to get rid of the uncertainty I felt, to see whether I liked that path (and otherwise trust that I could find another job or a plan B).
Hostelry is something which I had personally never dealt with, but gastronomy was something I was passionate for and had been sure of as well. That’s how, in a rather risky and somewhat reckless way, it all started. Up to this day, I am fascinated and proud of my work. The stress and daily hustle has reached to such a level, that I have no time to pose the question of dropping everything! (laughs)
WHEN DID YOU TAKE THE LEAP AND WHY?
I took the entrepreneur leap at 25 years old. Thinking about having something of my own and being able to decide upon changes and improvements- without having to go through filters or other people’s interests (which generally occurs in multinationals) – was my biggest encouragement.
WHAT DOES FASHION MEAN TO YOU?
I think it is the way to express how you identify yourself. I personally think that I like many different styles and depending on what I will be doing, or how my day will be like, I dress one way or another. When I worked in my office, my passion was wearing suits and high heels. However, now being an entrepreneur and devoting time to hostelry, I try to embrace fashion as something tha still defines me but transmits elegance, is comfortable and enables me to excel in my job. So for the time being: goodbye high heels, hello sneakers!
HOW DO YOU LIKE THE TINY BIG SISTER?
I think it’s a brand that truly represents its audience: the casual, fun woman. Its image is one which I feel identified with. In my leisure days where I opt for a look or outfit rather laid-back, but it is modern and tasteful.
FAVORITE ITEMS FROM THE COLLECTION
My favorite items from the collection are the jeans, the cardigan with doggies and the beanie. I think that makes up for an outfit that represents me, since they are items with a twist, but very versatile. Perfect to have them in the back of my wardrobe.
Take a look at what Eva is wearing at the TINY web!
