Discover Yuling Designs: A Creative Branding Studio Founded by Yuling Wang Tan in NYC That Empowers Women Entrepreneurs and Bridges the Gender Funding Gap
Yuling Designs is my creative branding and design studio located in the heart of New York City, guided by my vision as Yuling Wang Tan. Since 2011, my studio has celebrated and told the stories of your work, love, and play.
I aim to collaborate with businesses and organizations committed to positive impact and passionate about their missions. This focus has allowed me to forge strong, lasting relationships with clients, helping them elevate the messaging of their offerings and garner support for their products, services, and goals. I believe that life’s stories are best expressed through art, and I strive to create branding, print, and digital presences that empower companies and individuals to share their narratives in unique and beautiful ways. I am eager to partner with those who share my vision and passion for meaningful work.
What inspires you?
Inspiration is truly everywhere, and I find it in countless aspects of life. I’m constantly capturing photos of things that catch my eye during my travels—whether it’s the breathtaking landscapes of nature, the intricate details of architecture, the charm of vintage finds, or the creativity in typography. Each moment offers a glimpse into a unique perspective, and I love to immerse myself in these visual experiences.
Whenever I feel uninspired or find myself in a design rut, I make it a point to step outside and explore my surroundings. A simple walk in the park can do wonders for my creativity, allowing me to connect with nature and appreciate its beauty. I also enjoy visiting new neighborhoods in the City, where the vibrancy and energy of the streets can ignite fresh ideas. Art museums are another favorite destination of mine; the creativity on display often reignites my passion for design and opens my mind to new concepts.
Additionally, I thrive on cross-pollinating ideas, colors, and textures from various design industries—be it fashion, art, interior design, or architecture. Each of these fields has its own unique language and style, and merging elements from them can lead to some of my most exciting projects. Engaging with different mediums not only broadens my creative palette but also challenges me to think outside the box and reimagine the possibilities of design.
Meeting new people also inspires me. Conversations with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences can reveal fresh perspectives and ideas that I might not have considered. Whether it's a fellow designer, an artist, or someone from a completely different field, these interactions often spark new creative directions and collaborations.
In essence, I believe that inspiration is a continuous journey. By remaining curious and open to the world around me, I can consistently find new sources of creativity that inform and elevate my work. Each experience shapes my design philosophy, allowing me to create meaningful and impactful projects that resonate with others.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your life? How did it change the way you think about life?
Being an entrepreneur is no doubt one of the most challenging, yet most rewarding, things I’ve ever pursued. It requires fearlessness and immense discipline, from setting up a routine to setting boundaries. Not to mention you have to learn to be good at lots of different aspects of business, from networking and business development, to marketing, contract writing, and accounting.
Over the course of running my business, I have learned to take risks and change directions as needed. Don’t be afraid to step back and re-evaluate whether something is working or not. If you’re not challenging yourself, you’re not growing.
Rather than trying to do everything, I’ve learned to sub out the portions of a project that are not my strength. In doing so, you not only build up other businesses around you, but you foster community.
Is there one “rookie mistake” that new entrepreneurs keep on making? What is it? Did it happen to you?
Absolutely, there is a common rookie mistake that many new entrepreneurs make, and I can say from personal experience that I fell into this trap as well. When I first started my business, I found myself working around the clock, driven by a mix of ambition and the fear of falling behind. At first, it felt exhilarating to pour my energy into my work, but over time, I realized this approach was completely unsustainable.
One of the most critical lessons I learned was the importance of setting boundaries. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, especially in the early stages of entrepreneurship, where every task feels urgent and every client request seems essential. However, I quickly discovered that working nonstop not only led to burnout but also diminished my creativity and productivity. Without a clear separation between work and personal time, I felt like I was always “on,” which took a toll on my mental and physical health.
Establishing a set work schedule became vital. I started to implement specific hours during which I would focus solely on work and then commit to stopping at a designated time each day. This simple act of stopping work at a certain hour allowed me to recharge and step away from the constant demands of my business. It also made me more present during my personal time, whether that meant enjoying a hobby, spending time with loved ones, or simply taking a moment to breathe.
Another critical aspect of maintaining boundaries involves taking time off to replenish yourself. In the early days, I was hesitant to take breaks, fearing that any time away from work would lead to lost opportunities or falling behind on projects. However, I soon realized that stepping back and allowing myself some downtime was essential for long-term success. Whether it was a short vacation, a weekend getaway, or even a quiet afternoon off, those moments of rest helped me return to my work with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.
Setting limits for clients and clearly outlining expectations was another lesson I learned through experience. Early on, I often found myself saying “yes” to every request, wanting to please clients and demonstrate my commitment. But this approach can lead to miscommunication and overcommitment, which can strain relationships and ultimately hurt the quality of work. By taking the time to define my availability and the scope of my services, I was able to manage client expectations more effectively and foster healthier, more productive relationships.
In the end, I realized that maintaining a work-life balance is not just a luxury but a necessity for any entrepreneur. When I prioritize self-care and set healthy boundaries, I’m not only better equipped to handle the challenges of running a business but also more inspired and engaged in my work. I encourage new entrepreneurs to take this lesson to heart: your well-being directly impacts your success, and taking the time to care for yourself will ultimately make you a better entrepreneur.
Why do you think it is that women get less funding than men? What can we do to change that and close the gender gap?
The issue of funding disparities between men and women entrepreneurs is a complex and multifaceted problem that continues to persist in the business landscape. One significant reason why women often receive less funding than their male counterparts is that many women are harder on themselves. This self-doubt can manifest in various ways, affecting not only their confidence but also their ability to advocate for their worth. Women frequently question their abilities and feel less entitled to ask for more funding or investment, which can significantly impact their business success.
Cultural and societal norms play a substantial role in shaping this mindset. From an early age, many women are socialized to be modest and deferential, leading them to downplay their accomplishments and hesitate to seek out opportunities. This internalized belief can create barriers that prevent women from presenting their ideas with the assertiveness and confidence often required to secure funding. In contrast, studies show that men tend to approach funding requests with more self-assurance, which can lead to higher success rates in securing investments.
To combat this issue and close the gender gap in funding, it is essential for women to encourage and empower one another to speak up. By creating a supportive network, we can foster an environment where women feel confident in articulating their needs and aspirations. Mentorship programs can play a crucial role in this process. Experienced women leaders can provide guidance, share their own funding experiences, and help newer entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of seeking investment. This type of support not only builds confidence but also creates a community of women who uplift each other.
Moreover, increasing visibility for women-led businesses is vital. Media representation, success stories, and highlighting women entrepreneurs in conferences or industry events can challenge stereotypes and normalize the idea of women seeking and receiving funding. When potential investors see successful women entrepreneurs, it can shift perceptions and open the door for more equitable funding practices.
Education also plays a crucial role in addressing the funding gap. By equipping women with negotiation skills, financial literacy, and business acumen, we empower them to engage more effectively with potential investors. Workshops, webinars, and networking events focused on these topics can provide valuable resources and insights, giving women the tools they need to advocate for themselves.
Additionally, investors and funding organizations need to take a hard look at their own biases. Creating more equitable funding practices requires acknowledging and addressing the unconscious biases that may exist within investment decisions. By diversifying investment teams and implementing training programs focused on inclusivity, organizations can work towards creating a more balanced funding landscape.
Finally, advocacy is key. We need to support policies that promote gender equity in funding, such as initiatives that encourage venture capital firms to invest in women-led startups. Engaging in conversations about the importance of diverse funding and holding investors accountable can drive systemic change in the industry.
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