Jin Chen first met Shawn Lin when both were children laboring in China's fields more than 15 years ago.

Years passed while an ocean and different experiences separated the two. Fate reunited them in Roanoke a few years ago.

Chen could not recall the English word "soulmate" to describe her relationship with Lin, but it seemed that was the word she sought.

The couple, now married and raising three children between them, make their home at Smith Mountain Lake and operate two businesses at Bridgewater Plaza -- Chopsticks and Oriental Decor.

"It's a new adventure," Chen said. "The lake area is good for the kids."

Although Lin opened Chopsticks, a Chinese restaurant, six years ago, Oriental Decor opened approximately three months ago.

"This is our first retail business," Chen said.

The store features items from several different Asian countries and cultures, including China, Japan and Taiwan.

Chen modeled the store after one a cousin operates on the West Coast.

"She has been in business seven years," she said.

Chen said she is not aware of any stores in Roanoke or Lynchburg that primarily sell items representative of Asian culture.

The lakeside store features an array of items from kimonos and sake sets to vases and collectible swords because Chen said she likes to give people a lot to choose from.

Especially popular with customers are framed silk-embroidered items.

Like her cousin in California, Chen hopes to carry furniture in her store, but she may need to acquire more space to do so.

"That's our goal," she said.

Right now every bit of available space is used to showcase hand-painted vases, faux jade Buddha and dragon fountains, dishes, clothing, collectibles and knickknacks.

Chen said the most interesting part of opening the retail business is being able to share her culture with others.

"I love to give something to people who love Asian things," she said.

Lin has plans to continue building on the restaurant as well. He hopes to open a sushi bar in the restaurant sometime in the fall.