He Pan teaches Qipao-making to younger alumni, June 1, 2016. [Photo/IC]

After graduating, she worked in a Qipao shop. She drew pictures for customers and recommended costumes. After work, she immersed herself in various Qipao books.

Supported by her family and friends, she eventually created her own studio, which has won favor from customers due to its special designs.

"I (sometimes) use textile dyes to draw something on Qipao, such as casually drawn butterflies, which created a sense of modern painting," she said.

She says customers are often happily surprised by such pieces.

While running the studio, He Pan worked with her Alma Mater, providing internships and business opportunities for the younger alumni.

"I will keep at it, but won't go into blind expansion as all I want to do is to be a crafts person," she said, adding she liked designing and wished to beautify customers with her designs.