Lyn Ng’s Lightning Career Shift
Fresh out of uni, Lyn Ng dove headfirst into the world of marketing. Two weeks of non‑stop grind from 9 am to 3 am had her sitting on the edge of a nervous breakdown.
Talking to the Manager
- Lyn kept exchanging glances with her manager, hoping for a pep talk.
- The manager calmly replied, “If you’re truly passionate about something, you’ll make sacrifices for it.”
- That line flipped a switch in Lyn’s mind: she didn’t want a desk‑bound life.
Planning the Next Move
- Lyn drew a list of must‑do adventures.
- Two big goals popped up: a gap year abroad and learning a brand new hobby.
- She realized that breaking the routine meant stepping into the unknown.
Woodworking 101
- “I finally wanted to build a wooden headboard for my bed,” Lyn chuckles.
- She faced a truth: she had zero woodworking experience.
- Instead of giving up, she dove into tutorials, measures, and sawdust.
- Now she’s turning raw timber into bedroom art—and maybe a future vlog.
Lyn’s story reminds us that career pivots often snatch the unexpected from within. If you’re feeling the burn, just remember the words of that manager and jump head‑first into the unknown.
Determined to prove herself
Lyn’s Wooden Adventure
In 2017, Lyn packed her $20,000 savings and set up shop in Taiwan, landing at a quirky woodworking school in Linkou, Taipei. Just six short months later, she hopped back home and snagged an apprenticeship at a local carpentry studio.
Why the Switch?
- Wanted to test the waters: “Is this whole wood‑craft thing really my jam?”
- Had a bigger goal: open the woodshop to more women, making tools and designs that felt less like a male‑only playground.
Old Bias, New Bravery
It was a walk back in time to those moments when whispers of “you can’t survive in a rough industry” had nagged her. “My uncles said it was hard to earn decent cash, and that a girl wouldn’t make it in the so‑called ‘chor lor’ (rough in Hokkien) wood world,” she recalls.
But Lyn rolled her eyes, picked up a chisel, and decided the only way to break the mold was to live it. Now she’s chopping, sanding, and carving her way to a future where every woman can handle wood like it’s no big deal.
Lyn’s Wood‑Wonder: From Craft to Cult Fame
Back in 2018, Lyn set up Studio Mu Yu with a bold mission: turn ordinary timber into gold‑standard jewellery and DIY kits. It’s not all sunshine – the real craft is beating a trail in a crowded runway.
The Triple‑Threat
- Brand Naming – Finding a name that sticks was tougher than threading a necklace through a beehive.
- Market Saturation – The fashion arena is packed. Sifting through the sea of glitter‑clad labels felt like looking for a needle in a haystack.
- Wood’s Reputation – “People deem wood as a cheap material, hence they’re not willing to pay good money for our pieces,” Lyn explains almost like a wood‑warrior’s battle cry.
Turning Skepticism Into Skill
Instead of letting “wood” win the cheap‑chop card, Lyn rewrote the narrative. She blended hand‑crafted charm with high‑end design, proving that timber can be as trendy as the latest silicone‑skirt.
Key Tactics
- Storytelling on Social – Sharing the journey of each piece from tree to trinket.
- Celebrity Collaborations – Partnering with influencers who dare to dare on click‐bait.
- Pop‑Up Events – Making the wood visible, tangible, and begging people to touch it.
Big Picture
Lyn’s work showcases that you can charm the fashion world by reimagining the humble log. And if wood’s too “cheap” for others, think of it as a canvas for tongue‑in‑cheek creativity – because, like a good meme, it’s all about the context.
Read also: Sugar or fish curry? Singapore TikToker “judges” both you and your favourite prata accompaniment.
Finding her niche
Meet Lyn and Her Wooden Wonderland
Lyn discovered the real buzz behind Studio Mu Yu: sustainability. She’s turned what most would toss into a treasure trove of glinting gems!
The Spark Behind the Sparkle
Picture a crafty carpenter’s workshop. Instead of dumping that splinter‑laden scrap, Lyn swoops in to rescue the discarded wood. She doesn’t just throw it away—she flips it into dazzling jewellery.
From Wasted to Wow‑Worthy
- Recycling Reimagined: She chops, shapes, and polishes the wood to reveal hidden beauty.
- Educating the Old‑Guard: “I wanted to show seasoned carpenters that waste can be the next big thing,” Lyn says.
- Building a Circular Fashion Loop: Each piece becomes a part of a growing, eco‑friendly ecosystem.
The Touch of Humor
Whoever says “knives are heavier than hammers” forgot that Lyn’s jewellery is lighter than a feather—literally!
Why It Matters
It’s not just about looking good; it’s about proving that style can still be kind to the planet. Lyn’s upcycled pieces remind us that the world’s trash can be turned into tomorrow’s treasure.
Mastering the Hustle: A Gutsy Guide to Business Success
Picture this: You’re steering a brand ship, but the waters are rough. Confidence and a solid roadmap are your lifelines.
1. Clear Mindset = Smooth Sailing
Forget the “just marketing and design” myth. Your mind needs to stay sharp, focused, and ready for the unexpected turns that come with entrepreneurship.
2. The 3‑5 Year Game Plan
- Think long‑term: Map out where you want the company to land in three to five years.
- Set milestones: Break that big horizon into bite‑size goals so you can celebrate wins along the way.
- Stay flexible: Adjust the plan as new opportunities or market shifts pop up.
3. Own the Numbers
Financial health isn’t just a number crunch. It’s a reality check that tells you :
- Cash flow patterns: Spot when money is coming in or going out.
- Profitability levers: Pinpoint what’s truly boosting your bottom line.
- Risk tolerance: Know how much risk you’re comfortable taking.
4. Take the Reins on All Ops
Being a one‑person army might sound heroic, but it’s a double‑edged sword. You’ve got to:
- Delegate smartly: Hand off tasks that others can handle better.
- Set clear boundaries: Separate work time from personal downtime.
- Stay accountable: Own decisions, learn from mistakes, and keep improving.
Bottom Line
Running a business is less about perfect ads or flawless design, and more about a steady mind, a big‑picture plan, and diving head‑first into the financial and operational side. So, pack your gear, set that roadmap, and go make those brands shine!
