Meet Chufei Yang

We were lucky to catch up with Chufei Yang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Chufei, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

I believe that building self-confidence and self-esteem starts with recognizing that you already possess these qualities. To me, we all have self-confidence and self-esteem, though they may manifest differently or to varying degrees. These attributes often fluctuate, but they are inherently part of us. My confidence stems partly from acknowledging my abilities and partly from tangible achievements. It’s not just about external validation or praise from others but also about measurable accomplishments, such as opportunities to exhibit in galleries both locally and internationally, awards, and recognition from industry professionals.

In facing personal challenges, I actively seek opportunities for self-improvement and learning. I use the feedback and support from others to reflect, adjust my mindset, and continue developing my self-confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, I believe it’s crucial to differentiate between subjective opinions and objective facts. Confidence needs to come from within and recognizing that is key to maintaining it.

When I encounter setbacks or difficulties, I remind myself that these are temporary. I approach challenges with a rational, positive mindset, focusing on solutions rather than the obstacles themselves. As I achieve the goals I’ve set and overcome the hurdles along the way, my self-confidence and self-esteem naturally grow stronger.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As an artist, jewelry designer, brand founder, and photographer, one of my proudest achievements has been the creation of my namesake brand, CHUFEI. This brand is not only an extension of my personal artistic practice but also a platform that merges contemporary art with high-end jewelry design. Through CHUFEI, I have successfully integrated my creative vision into a business framework, crafting a brand that reflects a unique aesthetic and values. My work spans beyond traditional jewelry design, touching on various areas of art, fashion, and design.

What sets CHUFEI apart is its ability to bridge the gap between art and commerce. I have collaborated with internationally renowned artists, including photographers, fashion designers, and graphic designers, to launch innovative projects. From jewelry collections to limited-edition art pieces, and even upcoming music albums and short films, each endeavor seeks to push the boundaries of contemporary art. The brand culture has been steadily forming, and CHUFEI is gaining recognition in the international market.

To further promote the brand, CHUFEI is active on various platforms, including Instagram, WeChat, and its independent website. Through these channels, our work has resonated not only with art lovers worldwide but has also garnered attention from both the fashion and art industries. Moving forward, I plan to expand the brand’s global influence through more international exhibitions and exclusive launches.

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?

Looking back, I believe creativity is one of the most valuable qualities that has shaped my life journey. Creativity isn’t just essential for artists or designers—it applies to all professions and fields. It represents how we think, how we approach problems, and, in a way, it reflects what it means to truly be “alive.” Creativity allows us to explore new possibilities, adapt to change, and find innovative solutions to challenges, regardless of our field of work.

In terms of skills, I would highlight time management and social skills as being crucial. The world operates with a high level of complexity, and learning to manage your time effectively allows you to balance personal and professional responsibilities while staying productive and focused. Social skills are equally important because building and nurturing relationships is key to success in almost any field. Networking, collaborating with others, and forming meaningful connections provide opportunities that would be difficult to achieve alone. In my own experience, these connections have opened doors and led to growth I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

As for areas of knowledge, I would say that philosophy has had a profound impact on my work and perspective. The philosophical knowledge I’ve gained, especially in terms of how we think about existence, meaning, and ethics, has informed both my personal and professional life. It has influenced not only the way I create art but also how I make decisions as a brand founder and designer. Philosophy teaches us to think critically and deeply, which I believe is an asset for anyone, no matter their career path.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

I believe it depends on the time period and the situation we are in. For young people, especially students or those who don’t have to worry too much about their livelihood, these individuals who “have the luxury of choice” may find it rewarding to invest their energy into improving areas they are not naturally good at. However, for those under significant life pressure or feeling lost, it may be more rewarding to explore and focus on their strengths, making every effort to enhance what they already excel at. The returns from doing so are often greater.

To give a simple example: I have been passionate about doodling and art since childhood. During secondary school, I was fortunate to receive guidance from teachers at the Academy of Fine Arts. Later, in university, I delved deeper into art history, design theories, and professional knowledge. I eventually chose to specialize in contemporary jewelry design and, after years of dedication, earned a Master’s degree in Fine Arts. This gradual accumulation of knowledge and skill, over many years, is something that cannot be achieved overnight through sheer hard work alone. In this case, maximizing my strengths has proven far more rewarding than attempting to be a jack-of-all-trades.

Just as it’s difficult to challenge someone’s area of expertise with a hobby, finding the right partners for collaboration can significantly reduce the cost of trial and error. Specialization allows us to balance out the parts of a business where we may not excel. Defining what we are good or bad at takes time, experience, and sometimes financial investment—resources not everyone has readily available. That’s why it’s essential to make choices based on one’s circumstances.

Importantly, this doesn’t mean making a one-time, fixed decision. As situations evolve, it’s wise to adjust accordingly, addressing areas of weakness while continuing to leverage one’s strengths. Sometimes, playing to our strengths can also help improve other areas we once struggled with.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chufeiyang.com
• Instagram: frey.a.chufei (Personal) & chufeistudio (Business）
• Facebook: Chufei