Meet Yuki Fan

We recently connected with Yuki Fan and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Yuki, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

My optimism stems from what I describe as “pessimistic optimism.” While I hold infinite confidence in the ultimate outcome, I remain cautious and deliberate in the process. My life motto is: “If something isn’t done well, it’s not over yet.”

The creation of Soul Mates Bridal embodies this mindset. I’ve always dreamed of building a sophisticated and stylish business—a brand that redefines the traditional wedding industry while standing firmly in the fashion circle. Many might hesitate to voice such ambitions, especially as a woman, as the term “ambition” can carry unnecessary stigma. But to me, ambition is not simply about great desires; it’s about the ability to set clear goals and take actionable steps toward achieving them while seeking help and collaboration when needed.

One pivotal moment that sparked the founding of Soul Mates Bridal was during a friend’s wedding. As I pressed the shutter on my camera and captured their radiant smiles, I realized just how profound love is—a force that allows two individuals to find their perfect match in this vast world. That fleeting moment stayed with me, reminding me of the beauty of love and inspiring me to create a brand that celebrates these moments for others.

More recently, I’ve come to see the importance of focusing inward rather than being overwhelmed by external pressures. True strength comes from aligning with what truly matters to us, and this clarity has further fueled my optimism. It’s this combination of inner focus, strategic execution, and belief in the power of love that drives my resilience, even through challenges. Optimism, for me, is not just about envisioning success but about the journey of turning dreams into reality.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Soul Mates Bridal was founded to celebrate the beauty of love and help couples preserve their most precious moments.
The idea took root during my career in the fashion industry in America, where I connected with many talented designers. I noticed a gap in Seattle for wedding dress rental options that are beautiful, unique, and budget-friendly. This insight, combined with my passion for wedding photography and design, inspired me to create Soul Mates Bridal. The name “Soul Mates” holds special significance, reflecting my own soulmate and the hope that everyone finds their perfect match. At Soul Mates Bridal, we believe every love story is extraordinary and deserves to be celebrated with style and elegance.

We offer wedding dress rentals, stunning couple photoshoots, studio rentals, and creative craft workshops. Additionally, I took a bold step by designing my own bridal collection, Wings of Freedom, which debuted at Fashion in Flight 2024. This milestone is particularly meaningful because it represents the intersection of my childhood dream to enter the fashion world and my goal of redefining the wedding industry.

What truly sets us apart is our attention to detail and commitment to creating a seamless, all-inclusive experience for every client. Our studio, designed by top Harvard architects, features elegant and versatile indoor scenes that are ideal for capturing timeless photos. We provide each couple with personalized services, including wedding dress fittings, professional hair and makeup, behind-the-scenes recording, and access to our thoughtfully designed studio spaces. Every detail is crafted to ensure that our clients feel special and celebrated on their big day.

Our mission is not just about taking photos—it’s about preserving love in its most beautiful, authentic form. We want every couple who walks through our doors to feel like they’ve found their own “SOULMATE” in the process.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Focus and Execution: Staying focused on my goals while taking decisive actions has been crucial. Building Soul Mates Bridal required a clear vision and the ability to turn ideas into tangible outcomes.

Creativity and Aesthetic Sensitivity: My background in fashion has been invaluable in curating unique wedding dress designs and crafting visually stunning photography experiences. The “Wings of Freedom” bridal collection is a testament to this creativity—it reflects not only the freedom of love but also the elegance and individuality I aim to bring to every client’s experience.

Empathy and Client-Centric Approach: Understanding the emotional significance of weddings has shaped our client-centered philosophy. By listening deeply to their needs, we create personalized experiences that resonate with each couple.

For those starting their journey, my advice is to remain committed to your core values, constantly seek opportunities to learn and grow, and never hesitate to ask for help or collaborate with others. Challenges are inevitable, but resilience and adaptability will carry you forward.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

This past year, I’ve grown by learning to stop judging myself against external standards. Life is full of both dreams, like the moon, and practical realities, like the sixpence. I’ve realized that when I stop chasing external validation and focus on what truly matters to me, I rediscover the simple joy of living authentically.

This shift has helped me embrace the ups and downs of balancing my ideals with real-world demands. By seeing myself as the main character in my own story, I’ve turned life into something dynamic and exciting, instead of getting lost in self-doubt or other people’s opinions.

It’s this clarity and renewed passion that have kept me grounded and driven, giving me a stronger foundation for whatever lies ahead.

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Image Credits

Fashion District NW

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