Impress set to appeal to the 'masses'
Since arriving here from her native China as a young student 13 years ago, the ambitious designer has graduated university, married an Australian, given birth to her son and started her own business.
Later this year the mother-of-one will fulfil yet another long-held dream by launching her own women's shirt label.
The collection, dubbed Impress, will make its official debut at the impending Fashion Exposed trade fair.
Designed to target the super fine woven cotton market already commandeered by competitors Baubridge and Kay and Herringbone, Zhu said the range would include short sleeve and long sleeve shirts as well as three quarter French cuff shirts and dresses.
Manufactured in China, it will be available in a colour palette of white, black, purple, pink and lime block colour or stripes.
Available in sizes six to 24, Impress' retail price points are between $59.95 and $99.95.
Zhu, who under her company's Redweave banner has sold fabrics, men's shirts and pyjamas since 2002, said her first collection was inspired by her love for nature.
"I think with today's fast commercial life, people tend to forget how wonderful the world still is, how beautiful the trees and flowers are and the sky and ocean is. I want people to live from a child's perspective - no fears, trusting with integrity. This is how I live and how I teach my son to live."
The desire to launch a shirt label exclusively for women was driven primarily by her desire to set a good example for her son, she said. Commercial sensitivities also played a part.
"My customers wanted lower and lower prices. I could not compete with the trading companies in China or Hong Kong [but] I didn't want to lower my quality standard. I was confused for about a year and a half before I [found] the courage to start my own label.
"I love wearing shirts too, and I have a great passion for beautiful fine fabrics and styles. With [Impress] I am creating the shirts I love to wear, I hope they sell well too to serve the masses."