2 sentences for 起家 (qǐ​jiā)

1. 这位政治家是从基层起家的。

   zhè wèi zhèng​zhì​jiā shì cóng jī​céng qǐ​jiā de.

   This politician started his career at the grassroots level.

   Source: Dong Chinese Dictionary

2. 他的家族是靠纺织业起家的。

   tā de jiā​zú shì kào fǎng​zhī​yè qǐ​jiā de.

   His family built its fortune in the textile industry.

   Source: Dong Chinese Dictionary