Meet Rose Yanping Zhang

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rose Yanping Zhang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rose Yanping, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I founded my business Star Champs International LLC in 2014, headquartered in Irvine, California. Before that, I had three years of teaching experience and seven years of educational marketing experience. After helping my daughter complete her undergraduate studies at UCLA and her graduate studies at Columbia University, I wanted to share the valuable, firsthand experiences I gained with students and families who need support.

To me, education is not just about academics—it’s also about character building. I aim to help students become compassionate, dedicated, and truth-seeking individuals who strive to live meaningful, joyful lives in this land. No matter the obstacles, with love, family support, and encouragement from friends, we can overcome difficulties and open doors to a beautiful future.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My first job was as a bilingual teacher at an after-school program in Northern California while taking education-related courses at West Valley College. My three years of learning and teaching built valuable experience and deep connections with students and their families. I taught not only basic Chinese conversation but also writing and study methods, leaving me with beautiful lifelong memories.

After my daughter got into her university, I was inspired to share my experience and educational insights. I founded Star Champs International LLC in Irvine, Southern California, based on the path I helped my daughter take—from UCLA undergraduate to Columbia University graduate.

For the past 11 years, I’ve offered educational consulting and workshops to serve new and established immigrant families. I’ve collaborated with local resources and help many students get into to their dream schools each year. For example, Michelle was admitted to MIT in 2016. She began planning with us in 9th grade, and after four years of guidance, she fulfilled her dream. She went on to MIT graduate school and now works at NASA. In March 2025, one of my students was admitted to Pomona College—one of the hardest schools to get into in California, with only a 4.59% acceptance rate. Her success was built over six years of consistent effort, especially in public speaking, and she had long dreamed of attending this school.

This is why I started this business—to help students, especially new immigrants, craft personalized college application plans. I also extend my services to include guidance on financial aid and scholarships. Last year, I helped two college freshmen secure significant financial aid packages, making a huge difference for their families.

Throughout these 11 years, I’ve faced market competition and challenges with a positive mindset, emphasizing collaboration and win-win outcomes. I think from the student’s perspective, focus on real success stories, and maintain small-group or one-on-one formats to ensure quality. In my free time, I enjoy Tai Chi, dancing, and participating in community events. Living in the dynamic tech hub of Irvine has helped elevate the quality of my small business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This summer, I have relatives visiting LA, and I’ve planned a week-long itinerary. As someone in the education field, I will definitely take them to visit top universities.

Day 1:
We’ll visit UCLA, where my daughter completed her undergrad. I know the campus very well, and it’s also a popular photo spot in LA, especially with its beautiful architecture. We’ll have lunch on campus—classic burgers and fries—to get a taste of student life. If time permits, we’ll visit Caltech in the afternoon to feel the academic atmosphere of a top-tier research institution.

Day 2:
We’ll head to The Getty Center near UCLA. I love its architecture—each piece of stone is natural and uniquely white. The art exhibits change every season, and I especially appreciate the three large flower basket-shaped arrangements in the garden. The terrace offers a panoramic view of LA. It’s a relaxing and scenic spot, though a bit chilly in winter.

Day 3:
We’ll go to The Huntington Library. I love the Chinese garden there—with white walls, grey tiles, and scenery reminiscent of Hangzhou’s West Lake. You could easily spend a whole day exploring.

Day 4:
We’ll visit The Grove, a beautiful European-style shopping area similar to Las Vegas in ambiance. It has many food choices—last time I had Japanese food, which was delicious and comforting.

Day 5:
We’ll drive to San Diego, known for its coastal views. I recommend visiting the Spanish Village Art Center—great for photography. Ideally, bring a photographer for stunning shots. I also highly recommend The Flower Fields at Carlsbad, one of the world’s top 10 flower fields, open from mid-April to mid-May. It’s breathtaking. For meals, since travel time can be tight, I suggest Panda Express, Vietnamese pho, Korean BBQ, Korean tofu stew, and Japanese sushi—all quick, delicious options.

Day 6:
The grand finale: Universal Studios Hollywood. This movie studio is a must-visit—if you haven’t been to a Hollywood set, you haven’t truly been to LA! The cutting-edge technology and immersive experience draw tourists daily, so it’s best to book in advance. Universal Studios is truly a magical, unforgettable destination.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My daughter moved to California during high school. We supported and encouraged each other constantly. We did many activities together each week—I drove her to school during weekdays, and she helped me with creating teaching documents. During weekends, I would attend her speech or dance competitions and training sessions, and I actively volunteered as a parent judge. I also taught 2nd and 3rd grade Chinese in a Northern California after-school program, where she worked part-time as a teaching assistant. She encouraged my students by teaching them art, crafts, and dance. My students loved her, which boosted their interest in Chinese and greatly helped my teaching. We organized activities like Tang poetry contests and writing competitions at the library. These were key parts of my teaching journey.

When I founded my educational consulting company, my daughter continued to support my outreach work and offered her input on strategy. During the pandemic, when we worked remotely, she helped counsel students and helped my small business to survive its toughest times. I also want to thank the Orange County OC/IE SBDC program, especially Mr. Alain, who patiently assisted us in applying for funding that kept my small business thriving.

My daughter continues to support me throughout the process. Her dedication and patience have won admiration from many students and parents. She serves as a role model for students aspiring to attend universities. Those who got into dream schools this year were especially inspired by her and motivated to pursue their own dreams.

Other: Email: starchamps66@gmail.com

Image Credits
Image credits: Photographer Yuding Lin