This long-running problem also worried Nan and Chang, who are planning to move their production center back to a tribe in Taitung that would create job opportunities for local people.
So far, Lima's products are made by hand and production is therefore small. By opening a factory in the tribe and transferring production techniques to the people, the couple hopes to expand their capacity to reach mass-production figures.
"Were the plan viable, we'll launch more aggressive marketing activities to increase our market strength," Chang said.
One idea Chang came up with is to duplicate Lima's Miaoli store in Taipei and offer a combined tour package, featuring Aboriginal culture and pottery classes.
"But it's hard to find a good location where customer traffic is strong enough to absorb the typical high rentals in Taipei," she said.
Some of their overseas clients have suggested they set up factories in China to reduce costs, but they refused.
"Our roots are here. Eventual-ly, we hope to draw other Aborigines to join us in exploiting Aboriginal industry, which is the best way to solve the present jobless predicament," Chang said.
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