Meet Yian Chang | Small business owner

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

Hi Yian, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Upon relocating from Taiwan to the USA following my marriage in 2018, I found myself awaiting a green card with idle time on my hands. The intense work culture and low pay in Taiwan had left me fatigued, prompting a deep desire for a break.

My discontent with company regulations, particularly the performance assessments, further fueled my motivation to seek independence. Being a highly sensitive person, I easily burned out in noisy and interactive environments. Yearning for a change, I granted myself a year to reflect and establish clear goals.

Although uncertain about the specifics, one thing was clear—I didn’t want to return to the corporate world. The idea of working for someone else, following orders and adhering to hierarchical structures, was no longer appealing. I craved autonomy and ownership over my professional journey, ultimately leading me to embrace self-employment and become a small business owner.

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 business thrives on observation—identifying people’s needs and actively listening to customers. I’m proud to offer unique handicrafts while creating positive opportunities for underprivileged women in developing countries.

My journey involves frequent trips between Nepal and the USA, staying attuned to trends and bringing fresh ideas for new designs. This hands-on approach allows me to work closely with sample makers, ensuring effective communication and precise design execution.

While the path hasn’t always been easy, overcoming challenges has been a learning process. What sets my brand apart is the commitment to both quality craftsmanship and empowering women, making it a story I’m eager to share with the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For a week-long adventure showcasing the best of the area:

**Day 1: Miami Vintage Vibes and Ocean Breeze**
– Morning: Dive into the treasures of the Lincoln Road Antique Market, accompanied by a delightful breakfast in the vicinity.
– Afternoon: Cruise down Ocean Drive with a bike tour through the Art Deco Historic District.
– Evening: Relish an outdoor dinner at Smith & Wollensky, savoring the sea view.

**Day 2: Art, Beach, and Instagram Moments**
– Morning: Capture Instagram-perfect moments with lifeguard watch towers dotting the beach.
– Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the vibrant street art at Wynwood Walls, followed by a leisurely lunch at a trendy café.
– Evening: Sip cocktails with a view from a rooftop, soaking in the cityscape.

**Day 3: Cultural Immersion and Coastal Charm**
– Morning: Embark on a cultural journey in Little Havana, sampling Cuban delights and exploring the local scene.
– Afternoon: Choose your coastal adventure—Crandon Park Beach, the Miami Seaquarium, or the scenic Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
– Evening: Conclude the day with a sunset dinner, whether it’s seafood overlooking the bay or Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in the charm of Coral Gables.

This curated itinerary ensures a dynamic blend of vintage vibes, cultural immersion, artistic exploration, and coastal charm, promising an unforgettable week of discovery and enjoyment.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to express my gratitude to my business competitor. Despite her persistent copyright harassment, her actions prompted me to accelerate my efforts, leading to the creation of numerous new designs. This experience also compelled me to sever ties with an unethical supplier. In an unexpected way, her challenges fueled my growth and shaped my business decisions positively.

Website: https://ganapaticrafts.com

Instagram: ganapati.cc