Ting

“I think that the woman that I am today is a culmination of all the cultures I have encountered, the people that I have been inspired by, and the experiences that have taught me valuable lessons.”

— Ting Lin

Ting’s versatility in the world of entrepreneurship, fashion, and the arts is unmatched. She is someone who strives to live outside of her comfort zone, and welcomes the growth that comes from challenges and change. Meet Ting. This is her story.

K: Please introduce yourself!

T: My name is Ting Lin. I immigrated from Southern China to Southern California when I was 12. By now, my time in America has exceeded those in China. I consider myself both American and Chinese. I keep the best parts of both cultures with me. I can speak Chinese (Cantonese & Mandarin) and English fluently. Being in this country has also allowed me the opportunity to connect with cultures from around the globe, so I consider myself more of a citizen of the world.

So far in America, I have lived in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, New Jersey, and now Washington, D.C. Having experienced both coasts really deepened my understanding of this country and myself. I feel that I have the West Coast free-spirit, kindness, and positivity, and the East Coast determination, straight-forwardness, and adaptability. I love the sunshine and ocean but also the metropolitan city life.

I am an artist at heart but also a business professional. I am very sociable and people-loving but I can also be very independent and self-sufficient. I would say I am a complex being like everyone else, but passion is something that defines me. Whether it is for my career, life, or social circle, passion is the driving force that keeps me going and growing.

I am currently a full-time corporate professional and part-time creative entrepreneur. My day job involves assisting executives in their daily operation which requires good organizational, communication, and multitasking skills. My entrepreneurial endeavors span from fashion consulting, to singing songwriting, to building creative communities.

Ting 2.jpg — When I have free time (which is very limited), I love to dance, try new food (seafood is my favorite), shop, go to concerts, binge on good shows, watch comedy, spend quality time with those I love, find ways to stay educated, and of course travel! I think that the woman that I am today is a culmination of all the cultures I have encountered, the people that I have been inspired by, and the experiences that have taught me valuable lessons.

K: What is your favorite thing about yourself?

T: I love that I am always curious about the world around me. I am always open to connecting with a new person and learning about their story. I am always open to new knowledge and perspective. I am always open to learning a new skill. I am always open to travel to somewhere that I have never been before. I sometimes feel that having one life is not enough to take it all in. But for as long as I live, I want to keep learning about the world and myself.

K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?

T: I think I have had many significant experiences that helped define who I am today, and all of them shared the theme of "getting out of my comfort zone.” Whether it's adapting to major changes in my family and living situation as a child, or immigrating to a whole new country, or moving to the most expensive city with no clear plans, or taking on a 3-year long distance relationship, or starting a business on my own, all of these daring experiences require courage and determination. No matter the result, I was happy knowing that at least I tried and gave it my best. Honestly, I'm so used to living outside my comfort zone that whenever I feel like I'm getting comfortable in doing something, I ask myself: "What more can I do?"

K: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?

T: Do the best that you can and stop worrying. Have faith that everything will work out the way that it’s meant to. Don't wish to be younger or older, just be present at your current age and enjoy every year of life that is given to you.

K: What does being a woman mean to you?

T: Being a woman is a powerful gift. This gift is both physical and mental. Physically, I love the curves and edges that I have. I love being petite. I love having soft skin. I love all the womanly assets that I have. I love that we are given the unique responsibility to carry and nurture the next generation. Of course there are physical challenges of being a woman as well, but I have learned to love them too because they remind us that we are alive, growing, and changing.

Photo Dec 06, 3 51 14 PM.jpg — Mentally, I love that I am in tune with my emotions, happy and sad ones. I love that I think about and care for others. I love that I am creative in the kitchen and in the conference room. I love that I can be codependent and independent. I love that I can be vulnerable and logical. We embody love, something that the world needs a little more of. We should be treated as equally as men in every aspect. We should realize our own power and make the world see it too.

K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?

T: My mom of course! Without her, my life would be so different. She grew up in a culture that was built on rules and limits, yet she had a wild imagination and big dreams. And she acted on them. She overcame all types of adversity to become her own boss. She moved from a small town to a big city. She brought her family with her as she climbed up in her career. She was not afraid to start over in a new country. She tried hard to assimilate to a new culture. She was brave enough to find love again. She brought me here and changed my life. She finished university as I finished high school because education is very important to her. And she is still going after her goals in her career, life, and family. Her spirit is my inspiration. She is the reason why I am not afraid to take risks and dream big. So "Thank you mom! Your decision to go after your dream was the moment that changed my destiny."