We had the good fortune of connecting with Yanlin Li and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yanlin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It’s actually a funny story of how I started my small business. When I was working at my previous job, I was very stressed out every day and I really had no way to cope with it. My coworker at the time was telling me about an online group where people share and sell their crafts, and I thought maybe I could do that too since I have been pretty good with crafts and arts (not drawing or painting though lol) and I really wanted to do something that makes me happy. I went to the craft store, bought some supplies, and made my first bracelet. From there, I just started making more and more, and at some point, I realized that I had turned it into a small business hehe.

As for inspiration for my jewelries, I really just sit down and put together things as I feel right. I am a very visual and energy-driven person. So, when making my jewelries, I like to play with colors and just go with the flow. (Side note: I also love mushroom very very much, so you will see a lot of mushroom-themed jewelries from me). I also love crystals deeply, so I usually incorporate crystals into my jewelries. I currently offer beaded bracelets, earrings, wire-wrapped pendants, as well as some clay jewelries.

The first year of having my own business, I was mainly doing online sales. But I felt like I really didn’t have my people or a community that I would fit in. When my friend told me about the Every Witch Way Denton event back in September 2021, I jumped on the opportunity. I got to meet Elizabeth, who is the founder of Every Witch Way Denton, and many many talented artists. I finally felt like I found my people and a community that would tolerate my awkwardness and weirdness.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It definitely has not been a smooth road for me. As we all know, having a small business is tough. It’s a one-person job for most of us. You have to do everything by yourself. Whether its advertising yourself, packing orders, writing hand notes, or taking the time to go drop everything off at the Post Office. It can take hours and hours of your time. For me, having a full-time job while managing my small business is A LOT. It took me a while to find MY way managing both and making sure I also have time for myself as well.

I think what set my art apart from others is that the special energy that I put into creating my art. Each piece has a little bit of my heart, and I think people can see my passion about them. I am also always looking for unique supplies for my jewelries.

What I want people to know about me and my bran is that I absolutely love creating and designing my jewelries, and I hope people feel happy and pretty wearing them. I am a true believer that everyone needs to have jewelries that make them feel beautiful or feel-good wearing. Growing up, I never felt pretty. But I also feel 1000% more confident when I put on my earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Because of that, I want to make affordable and beautiful pieces that when people wear them, they feel like the badass they are. I try to find unique supplies and make unique designs that set myself apart from others. I want people to look at them and recognize “hey, it’s from That Girl!”.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I was born and raised in China, so I absolutely love eating authentic Chinese food. I love introducing friends to Chinese culture through food! I also like going to Asian Karaoke with friends. I love singing although I never sing in front of people. But going to Karaoke in a private room is super fun to me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would recommend Natalie aka A Tarot Story Teller. She has been a great friend and support for me!

Website: thatgirlcreations.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thatgirl_creations

Facebook: facebook.com/thatgirlcreations2

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