One was a part-time supplier for big events, providing goods and accessories; another was a delivery goods driver in London who honed his communication skills; Vivian and Lucas apprenticed for some fashion designers in Paris.

Although just launched, Panda Town has drawn attention from companies both in China and overseas, keen to work with it. The company will also open its third shop in Beijing by the end of 2009.

Based on the previous design of the two lovers, they redesigned the doll into a panda and turned it to the symbol of their company, Panda Town. [Global Times]

"Our pandas represent Chinese traditional culture, and we also put some western elements into their designs, which make it appealing to all young people," Lee said. The company even has ambitious plans to corporate with the internationally-famous luxury brand Louis Vuitton in designing dresses and accessories for the pandas.

"Chinese goods exported overseas are usually low-end products, but what we have are Chinese-style products with creativity and high technology," Zheng explained. He believes their insistence on developing creative products is worth of doing.

Currently the pandas are selling well enough to keep the two stores afloat and the Panda Town founders believe they will start making a profit in one year. However that's not enough for them – they have set their sights on a bigger ambition – to promote their pandas to the world.