A close-up of the dress Shen made, June 17, 2020.[Photo/Xinhua]

"It's a huge sum of money, considering I earned only 60 yuan every month at that time," she recalled, adding that she was too excited to fall asleep for days.

Her shop was later opened and gradually gained fame, attracting customers ranging from movie stars and lawmakers to ordinary people. She has hired dozens of embroiderers for the expanding business. Some of her workers can earn up to 6,000 yuan monthly.

According to the women's federation of Liangshan, the prefecture has more than 30,000 women embroiderers. One, at an average level, can usually earn 2,000 yuan per month.

"With the money they bring home, women will have a greater say in their family," said Zhu Xuelei, vice president of the federation.