When the “Guru” of Campaigns Met the “Craftsman” of Wood
Lyn Ng’s jump from marketing to a workshop is the kind of career shuffle that would make most of us freeze. A career switch can feel like a plunge off a cliff: you’re throwing yourself into the unknown, hoping you’ll land on a sunny lawn instead of a lake of doubt.
Why the Marketing Dungeon Was No More
She was on triple‑successful campaigns, yet something felt off. “I wasn’t feeling satisfied even though the campaigns I worked on were successful,” she admits. So, she set a new goal: find something that would actually feel like a challenge.
Gap Year or “Go Big or Go Broke”?
- • She quit her job with a calm certainty—she wanted to take a gap year to test the waters.
- • She had no roadmap, just a list of possibilities and a heart full of “maybe”.
- • The moment of truth was: “Hey, when I’m in a lab of sparks and oiled hands, will I find myself genuinely alive?”
Why Taiwan? Because the Idea Was Sweet
“I decided to go to Taiwan because it’s a place where I always feel at home.” In addition, she was freshly indulging into a new house—so a blank canvas was exactly what she needed.
She had exactly one problem: IKEA shelves that didn’t stick together. That sparked a chance to learn to build, work with wood, and finally feel the product being built right under her fingertips.
Six‑Month Course, Eight‑Hour Days, And Barely Ample Funds
The journey was a whirlwind: half a year of hard work in a workshop, hands covered in sawdust and the relentless rhythm of the hammer. Convinced that learning a usable skill would mean a new future—Lyn’s bank account, however, started shrinking faster than her patience.
She laughed at the cash drain: “I couldn’t pay for more coffee… but the money saved in the growth was far richer than the next loaf of dough.”
Fate’s Lesson, in a Bowl of Trees
In a place that felt like home, all of Lyn’s doubts vanished. Her satisfaction was something entirely new: the feeling of building something that you can hug and the excitement that it will be better tomorrow. Whether or not she’s a master carpenter—she’s definitely a master of change.
She had to jump through extra hoops to prove herself
From a Big Down‑size to a Little Wood‑soul: Lyn’s Story
When Lyn jumped into the world of hand‑crafted furniture, she left behind a hefty $20,000 nest‑egg. Course fees were only the tip of the iceberg – she was also shelling out $1,000 every month for rent, everyday stuff, and spontaneous trips to craft meet‑ups that turned her into a crafty explorer. By the time she rolled back into town, she only had about a quarter of that original stash left.
Every Dollar Was a Lesson
“This whole trip shaped my passion for sustainable woodworking a ton,” Lyn tells us, grinning. “I knew every cent was worth the adventure.”
Once she returned, she snagged an apprenticeship at a local carpentry studio that transforms up‑cycled wood into cool furniture. It was there she discovered that:
- The production line loves to toss out countless wood pieces.
- She felt an instant click with anything that was a mash‑up of old and new.
And that’s how she decided to give those discarded pieces a new life.
Breaking the Mold in a Male‑Dominated Craft
“Being smaller than the industry giants gave me a few extra hurdles,” she admits. “And let’s be honest – convincing vendors that I could whip up furniture was a little drama.”
There were moments when she heard the old script:
“You can do this? Are you sure? You’re a girl!”
She didn’t just nod – she went full‑time, and the chatter shifted. Men who’d doubted her started to realize that her bite was all about TLC – the tiniest detail matters, and she nailed it.
Shewn the Skill and Gained the Throne
“I took those skeptical comments and turned them into a showcase of my pretty‑sharp eye for detail,” Lyn explains. “Give me a chance, and I’ll handcraft every piece to perfection.”
Now, her work speaks for itself, and the cottage industry has learned that size doesn’t define talent.
There are grand plans for Studio MU YU
Meet Lyn, The Wood‑Whisperer Behind Studio MU YU
Lyn has been turning trash into treasure for three years now, living in the heart of Singapore with her one‑of‑a‑kind woodworking studio – Studio MU YU (@muyu.co). She scrambles up raw wood that would otherwise be chucked out by carpenters, and transforms it into bags, jewellery, and furniture with a fair‑trade flair.
Beyond the Workshop: Sustainable Installations & Rental Ideas
- Think of a pop‑up shop that can become a wedding backdrop – she’s planning to rent out reusable installations that turn any storefront into a green event.
- “It’s all about re‑use,” she says. “Why let a beautiful piece go to waste when you can give it a new life?”
Teaching the Craft of Up‑cycling
Lyn isn’t content with simply producing eco‑friendly goods; she’s on a mission to spread the word.
- Hands‑on workshops where participants get to up‑cycle a chunk of wood themselves, experiencing the joy of transformation.
- “Feel the craftsmanship it takes to build a piece of furniture or a fine piece of jewellery,” she explains. “Seeing the process helps people appreciate the art behind everyday objects.”
- This education creates a culture that values sustainability and quality.
Why Quality Over Quantity Matters
She’s passionate about products that have a clear ethos – knowing where the material comes from is as important as the final design.
- “Big brands produce heaps of waste, yet they keep it hidden away,” she says. “I want to highlight those who’re honest and share their supply chain.”
- Consumers should be picky and pay attention to the provenance of their purchases.
Explore Studio MU YU’s Collection
Passionate DIY‑enthusiasts, you can find Studio MU YU’s range online or in-store at Sift & Pick. Pick a bag, a necklace, or a unique piece of furniture and get hooked on the sustainable vibe.
Future Plans: From Marketing to Mentoring
One day, you might run into Studio MU YU not just as a brand but also as a consulting firm. Lyn is ready to help fellow makers navigate the saturated market by sharing her marketing know‑how.
Practical Career‑Switch Advice from the Wild
New in business? Lyn knows the struggle; she’ll give you the raw truth.
- “Are you ready to dip into a modest salary for the next two years? Is it worth staying in this line for the next five?” they ask.
- “Do your homework, research the terrain,” she reminds.
- Honestly, Lyn says she “should’ve dedicated more time to mastering the craft before hopping into the business,” and that’s a lesson she delivers shamelessly.
The article first saw the light in CLEO Singapore, so the next time you’re planning to switch hats, think about what Lyn is doing and how she’s making it all from humble, recycled woods.
