PaletteLife Inspiration #3: Creative Entrepreneur: Ting Lin
WHAT WAS YOUR DREAM AS A CHILD AND ARE YOU THAT PERSON TODAY?
As a child born in Southern China, I dreamt of being a star one day. I was envious of the attention and admiration that these people had from fans and the media. I also wanted to dress up like them and perform on stage with applause in my ears. At the age of 4, my training for stardom began. I was studying music through piano and performed regularly at studios and concert halls. I was studying dance through ballet and showcased my talent with my kindergarten dance team and ballet school team. In addition, I received unofficial vocal training at my Middle School choir and family karaoke sessions.
Then I moved to America at the age of 12. With such a drastic life change, I still held onto my dream. I received formal vocal training when I was in high school. I added fashion design to my repertoire in college.
What I realized throughout the years though, was that the glamorous life we see from a star often times has a dark undertone that is overlooked. I want to become an artist/performer that creates meaningful work whether it’s writing original music with positive and important messages or creating fashion pieces that are sustainable and artistic. I realized I want to live by my own rules because I value authenticity and independence. So no, I’m not the person that I dreamt of as a child. I am better than that person. I’m proud that I have control of my own life, destiny and talents.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR COMPANY?
“THE TING TIMES” has many layers of significance. My name “TING” represents my Chinese heritage. I wanted to incorporate the many positive aspects of my culture in the name and company. I have an advantage growing up with two strong cultures: Chinese and American, that it is important to extract the best of both as I build my company. On the other hand, “TIMES” signify timelessness and legacy. I want my company to keep up with the ever-changing climate of the society and the world. It also signifies a new era of individual expression, creativity, diversity, and art made for activism. Overall, it will be an organization that encourages people to dream as big as they want while helping them realize those dreams and define lives on their terms.
WHAT WOULD YOU DESCRIBE AS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT SINCE THE INCEPTION OF YOUR COMPANY?
I would say it’s the “THE TING TIMES-NYC EDITION” campaign that I created with the participation of my friends and colleagues in New York in July 2018. As I started fashion consulting, I wanted to inform the public of what my company stands for. We value diversity in ethnicity, economic status, sexual orientation, age, body shape, height, and more. We style real people who are at different stages of life. And we want to help redefine beauty ideals in the 21st century for all. I realize the people who are in my life are exactly who my company will serve and thus this campaign was born! I am very proud of what we have created as it accurately depicts what my company stands for. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in supporting this campaign!
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY?
In order to win, I would have to buy lottery first, which I don’t do. But I guess I can imagine if I was to encounter a large amount of asset for my use, I will definitely use it to take care of myself and those closest to me first, before I can extend the help to the community at large. In my opinion, it’s not realistic to be a philanthropist and to save the world if we do not take care of ourselves first. I will use the money to build a life that is comfortable by my own standards. I will help family and friends who are in need of improving their lives. I will invest in building a legacy for future generations not just monetarily, but also systematically. I will contribute to social causes that I believe in. And of course, travel to see more of this beautiful planet; to explore more cuisines and cultures.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHORT LIVED SUCCESS AND LONGEVITY IN YOUR INDUSTRY ESPECIALLY WITH THE ADVENT OF SOCIAL MEDIA?
I think for any type of business, especially the creative ones, it is important to craft an authentic brand message and a mission with a long-term vision. Consumers today, especially millennials, demand more from brands. They want to know stories and people behind the brands. They want to be informed of where, whom, how the products are made. They want to know what kind of impact brands plan to make. They want to be able to trust the brands that they associate themselves with. With those thoughts in mind, brands should strategize on how to build relationships with their consumers. They should not solely measure their success by how many followers they have on social media, but how well they can communicate their ideas to each and every one who cares to listen to them.
WHAT ADVICE WILL YOU GIVE YOUR TEENAGE SELF?
- Be unapologetically you! It will continue to work to your advantage even as an adult. The world is indeed full of copies so be an original.
- Keep pursuing your passion as it keeps that fire burning inside of you and remind you that you are alive. Don’t ever sacrifice your passion in exchange for a comfortable and ordinary life. Your passion is your calling.
- Be patient and kind to yourself. As long as you take small steps forward, you will eventually reach your goals. Don’t worry yourself sick and look so far ahead that you forget what and who is in front of you. Learn to be more present in the “now”. And breath!
WHAT SHOULD WE BE EXPECTING IN THE NEXT ONE YEAR?
Many exciting things! In terms of fashion, there will be the “THE TING TIMES-DC Edition” campaign featuring real people of the DC and surrounding areas. In addition, I will be showcasing my fashion designs after a 6-year hiatus through photo shoots and maybe even small exhibitions. For music, I will be writing and releasing more original songs. Music videos will be created for some of the tracks. I will also be performing the originals throughout the DMV area.
HOW CAN WE CONNECT WITH YOU?
Check out my website (to see everything that I do and read my blog posts!)
Feel free to shoot me an email ting@thetingtimes.com or connect with me via Facebook , Instagram , Sound cloud, YouTube
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