Meet Li Ting Leah Wang

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Li Ting Leah Wang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Li Ting Leah, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?

People often tell me that I seem brave and willing to take risks. While I appreciate the compliment, I don’t think my journey has been about impulsive risk-taking. I didn’t dive into creating OutForm Ceramics Studio on a whim. Instead, every step I took was built on careful planning, accumulated experience, and the confidence that came with it.

Before starting my studio, I was a studio mate at other artist studio. I also worked and taught at different ceramics studios and participated in craft markets and exhibitions. These experiences gave me insights into how the ceramics industry functions—both artistically and commercially. When the idea of opening my own community ceramics studio started to take shape, I didn’t jump into it blindly. I spent a lot of time creating a detailed, official business plan, researching market demand, and thoroughly understanding the local ceramics scene. I also meticulously forecasted my cash flow for the first two years and applied for a small business loan from the government. All of these steps gave me a clear sense of direction and a strong foundation to move forward.

The process of planning wasn’t just about logistics—it was about building confidence in my decision-making. Each plan I made and each past experience I drew from helped me develop belief in my own judgment. This sense of confidence was essential because, like many entrepreneurs, I faced numerous hurdles along the way.

For example, in the early stages of building OutForm, I had a major fallout with my formal business partner, which shook me deeply. I also had to deal with challenges involving people I trusted, whose actions negatively impacted the studio. Even now, I’m still dealing with other issues.

However, throughout this journey, I’ve been fortunate to have the unwavering mental support of my family and my partner. Their encouragement has been a source of strength, especially when things got tough. Knowing that they believe in me has given me the confidence to keep pushing forward, no matter what challenges arise.

I’ve learned that chasing your dream is never smooth sailing. The more problems I solved, the more I trusted myself. I’ve come to believe that resilience and risk-taking go hand in hand—the more you push through adversity, the more confident you become in your ability to take on the next challenge. In that sense, risk isn’t just about being bold; it’s about having faith in your process, your planning, and, most importantly, yourself.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

OutForm Ceramics Studio is not merely a space for creative expression; it embodies the vision to inspire people, positively impact lives, and encourage a pursuit of individual lifestyles infused with art. Ceramics, as a medium, has a rich history and endless possibilities. Connections among individuals with shared passions are akin to different types and temperatures of clay—compatible yet distinct. Through OutForm, the goal is to bring together individuals who have a passion for life and creativity, building a community of art enthusiasts where everyone connects, sparking unexpected results. I want OutForm to be everyone’s happy place—a space where art, connection, and personal growth come together.

Having graduated from the Visual Arts program at Emily Carr University with a focus on ceramics and sculpture, I bring both a strong academic background and technical expertise to everything we do at OutForm. This foundation helps me guide members in their artistic journeys while ensuring high-quality teaching and production standards in the studio.

Running a studio, however, hasn’t been easy. As a first-time entrepreneur, I’ve had to wear many hats—being the marketing person, the instructor, the technician, the designer, the administrator, and handling customer service and course planning all at once. There’s no real “off” time; the studio occupies my mind 24/7. One of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make is whether to prioritize the business side or my personal art. For now, I’ve decided to focus on growing the studio, knowing that as it stabilizes, I will find the time and headspace to return to creating my own work. Right now, the studio is my art, and I believe I’m still inspiring people and sharing knowledge through it.

What excites me most is the endless possibilities within ceramics as an art form and its ability to bring people together. At OutForm, we offer memberships tailored for both hobbyists and full-time artists, making ceramics accessible to everyone. Our open-concept studio—once a floral shop with plenty of natural light and big windows—provides a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing space for creative exploration.

We collaborate with local artists to showcase their work, hold special workshops focusing on unique techniques, and host regular events that build a sense of community. For our upcoming one-year anniversary, we’re planning new promotions and another window display to celebrate our members’ creations.

Ultimately, OutForm is about more than just art—it’s about creating a space where people can connect, share their ideas, and find joy in the creative 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?

Reflecting on my journey with OutForm Ceramics Studio, three qualities stand out as most impactful: resilience, technical skills in ceramics, and strong communication and collaboration.

Resilience: Starting and running a business, especially one built around your passion, requires immense perseverance. There will be setbacks and challenges along the way, but the key is to push through. One thing that has helped me stay grounded is a poem by Charles Bukowski, “So You Want to Be a Writer.” While it focuses on writing, its message applies to any creative or entrepreneurial pursuit. It reminds me that true passion is what drives us forward, even when things get tough. If you’re truly meant to do something, you will find yourself compelled to continue no matter what obstacles come your way. My advice is to find something that fuels you in the same way and keep going.
Technical Skills in Ceramics: Learning ceramics has been crucial for creating and teaching effectively. My continuous learning and experimentation with various techniques have enriched both my artistic practice and my members’ experiences.
Communication and Collaboration: Building strong relationships with others has been key to the growth of OutForm. The community aspect of my studio wouldn’t exist without the open exchange of ideas, shared knowledge, and collaboration with members and local artists. My advice to those starting their journey is to nurture your relationships, both personal and professional. Whether it’s working with partners, customers, or mentors, clear communication and genuine collaboration will help you move forward.

Also, never overlook your own mental and physical well-being. Running a business can be all-consuming, and it’s easy to let your health slip. But nothing is more important than maintaining your mental clarity and physical energy. Prioritize self-care, because without that foundation, it’s hard to do your best work.

Lastly, if you’re considering starting your own business, make sure to do thorough research. Seek out available resources, such as small business loans provided by the government, but always be prepared. Know what you’re getting into and make informed decisions. It’s essential to do your homework before taking big steps.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

The most invaluable support system in my journey has undoubtedly been my family and my partner, Calvin. My parents have always been there for me, taking care of me in daily life and offering unwavering emotional support. Knowing that I have their unconditional backing has given me the strength to keep going, even when things get tough.

Calvin, my partner, has been a tremendous help, particularly when it comes to areas where I struggle, like financial management. He works in finance, which has been a lifesaver for me, as the numbers side of running a business has always been my weak spot. He’s taught me so much about bookkeeping, helped me navigate the complexities of applying for government loans, and always offered practical guidance when I needed it most. Beyond the financial side, Calvin’s positivity and constant encouragement have kept me grounded. He’s there by my side during every challenge, offering reassurance and reminding me to stay focused on the bigger picture.

Together, their support has allowed me to focus on the creative and operational aspects of OutForm, knowing that I have a strong foundation to lean on. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://outformceramics.com
• Instagram: outformceramics
• Facebook: OutForm Ceramics Studio