We caught up with our Quality Manager, Chingyi Guiliana Pau to learn about how we keep our clothing in-check, on all quality fronts. We also got the scoop on camping trips in Yemen, her love for nature and handsome young fellow named Kublai.
Where are you from and how did you make your way to Hong Kong?
Hong Kong has always been home. I was born in Hong Kong, but grew up in Shanghai and the US. When I was little, I used to come to Hong Kong every break I had from school. Hong Kong, in my heart, is a place filled with only good memories. So after college, I decided to move back here.
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What do you do here at Grana?
Embracing true entrepreneurial spirit – I think everyone here at Grana, like me, does a bit of everything to help the company grow. My main responsibility is managing the Quality System, and helping the team strive for the quality we stand for. I’m also leading the Do Good Taskforce which means working on projects that make positive impacts in our supply chain, as well as the communities we touch.
Why is quality control so important? Especially to an e-commerce company?
Quality should be extremely important to every company, as the best companies all strive for excellence. For an e-commerce company (especially a direct to consumer e-commerce company like us), having a comprehensive quality assurance system is especially important. Failing to provide quality products would be detrimental to a company’s reputation.
Silk Classic Shirt (Black) & Oxford Boyfriend Shirt (White)
At Grana, we want every customer’s unboxing experience to be a pleasant one. That’s why we set higher standards than industry benchmark to ensure our customers have positive Grana experiences. Of course, apparel manufacturing, production and quality assurance, are on the complicated side of the spectrum. Due to the number of variables in the whole process, some still slip through the net, but I’m here to minimise that.
What were you doing before you joined Grana?
I was working for UL, a major US electronic fire safety testing and certification body. Particularly under their verification services arm, in Responsible Sourcing. I started out managing partner relationships and their responsible sourcing programs, and later advised partners on innovative responsible sourcing practices and sustainable supply chain projects.
Oxford Boyfriend Shirt (White)
Explain the process of quality control?
Quality control is a system that reviews all quality determinants in manufacturing. Part of it is product inspection, which is to detect defects before they arrive in our warehouse. We can’t talk about quality control without having implemented processes in the first place to reduce the risks. And those processes are quality assurance measures. Part of our quality system includes evaluations of suppliers based on a variety of indicators to ensure we select the right partners and thus minimise quality issues. It also monitors raw material quality, and eliminates possible quality issues down the chain. Customer feedbacks are also important to us. Customer feedbacks are analysed and factored into our supplier scorecard. Quality assurance also supports the continuous improvement of our product quality actively.
What’s your favourite thing about your job?
It’s absolutely exciting to work at such a fast paced start up, and watch it grow. Knowing that I can make a positive impact by working hard also excites me.
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Who’s your four-legged friend?
Kublai, also known as Kub doggy dogg. I adopted him two years ago, he likes coming to work with me and everyone finds him pretty handsome.
What do you like to do in your down time?
I love spending time in nature. I go out for hikes, or camping (when I have time), and of course, Kublai loves it too. I am also a big music and art lover.
What’s your favourite type of food?
Fresh and simple food.
What is it about Hong Kong that makes it special?
I live in one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Hong Kong. There is a fantastic combination of the traditional Hong Kong and a younger international culture. And just in 20 minutes’ walk, I can be in the nature. The convenience of submerging yourself in different atmosphere in such a short walk is amazing.
Silk Classic Shirt (Black) & Black Denim Skinny Jeans (Black Resin Rinse Wash)
What’s your favourite time of day and why?
That’s hard to say. Every day is different, depending on the weather, my mood, the moon phase…
What kind of role does traveling play in your life?
Travelling helps shape my worldview. To experience different cultures and explore new places are incredibly exciting and also puts you in perspective.
Where’s a place that you’ve been that stood out to you?
Yemen. We camped out of a 4X4 for 8 days around the island, by the beach, in the valley, on the summit of the mountain, on the sand dune, in a fishing village. It was magical.
Outside of quality control, what are some projects that you’re working on?
I’m still taking music courses, and hopefully I’ll start learning music production.
Silk Classic Shirt (Black) & Black Denim Skinny Jeans (Black Resin Rinse Wash)
life / by Grana / 04.13.17like cool stuff, LOLs and sunsets? you’ll love our emails.
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