Meet Yuqing Xiao

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

Yuqing, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Honestly, staying true to yourself in any group isn’t always easy — it takes both self-awareness and intentional effort. From my own experience, there are two things that have really helped me navigate this.

First, I actively seek out people who inspire me. Throughout my time in school and early in my career, I’ve been lucky to meet mentors and peers who opened my eyes to different ways of living and thinking. They were often the people courageous enough to stand out and stay authentic in their own paths. Seeing that made me think, “I want to become someone like that, too.” That aspiration has been a powerful source of self-drive. It’s what helps me stay focused on my goals, even when faced with distractions or tough moments. Of course, at different stages of life, I’ve found myself drawn to different qualities in others — but I’ve always felt confident that I’m on a path of becoming a better version of myself each day.

Second, I’ve discovered what truly gives me peace and joy. I once heard that if there’s something others find exhausting but you love doing it — so much so that it doesn’t even feel like work — that’s your natural gift. For me, that’s learning and creating new things, and that process never feels like a burden. For example, during my time at SCAD, workshops might have felt like annoying assignments to some, but I saw them as opportunities to explore new ideas and meet interesting people. I don’t think I’m necessarily tougher or more hard-working than others; I simply find deep enjoyment in things that happen to build my skills and confidence along the way.

Altogether, knowing the kind of person I want to grow into — and finding genuine satisfaction in the work itself — has helped me stay true to who I am.

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

My name is Yuqing Xiao — though you can also call me Alice. I’m an industrial designer and design strategist originally from China, now based in Los Angeles. I hold dual master’s degrees in Industrial Design (MFA) and Design Management (MA) from SCAD.

Right now, I work full-time as an industrial designer, primarily developing a range of small home products. Alongside this, I’m also an experienced user experience researcher — or design researcher, since my work is especially rooted in qualitative methods. Occasionally, I take on independent research projects.

After graduating from SCAD, I started a blog called Curious Loom, where I share practical insights and tips drawn from my experiences in UX research. I’m currently working on a new article series focused on job-hunting strategies for industrial designers looking to break into the creative industries in North America.

If you’re curious about the intersection of industrial design, user research, and building a creative career abroad, I’d love for you to follow along. And if my work ever sparks a question or resonates with your own journey, please feel free to reach out!

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?

I know this might sound a bit unusual — maybe even strange compared to most answers — but I truly believe one of the most important habits you can build is to regularly observe yourself, almost like a calm outsider.

Watch yourself closely. Notice when you naturally slip into a state of flow. What are you doing in those moments? That’s often where your genuine interests and talents live. Once you find those areas, work stops feeling like a grind; you’ll have the energy and motivation to keep pushing forward, and over time, you’ll earn the rewards that come with mastery.

Also, pay attention to how you feel around different people. Who makes you feel at peace, inspired, or simply like a better version of yourself? Move toward those people, and try to become someone who brings that same energy to others. On the flip side, notice who leaves you anxious, confused, or constantly on edge — and make it one of your goals to distance yourself from those people.

I think understanding yourself is one of life’s biggest, lifelong challenges. It’s not something you figure out all at once. But you can start small: describe your feelings, write them down, and revisit them later. Over time, you’ll start seeing patterns that guide you toward a more authentic, fulfilling path.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

Honestly, I think talking to real people is the most powerful strategy, even in an age where AI can answer all the problems for you. There’s simply no substitute for genuine human connection.

As an international student who graduated just last year, I inevitably went through a difficult period while job hunting. I found myself quietly counting the days, collecting rejection emails, and feeling the growing weight of financial pressure — experiences I know many people can relate to.

But I was fortunate. Thanks to my design management courses, I had developed strong communication skills that gave me the confidence to reach out. I started messaging experienced professionals on LinkedIn, asking them to review my portfolio or share their honest feedback on my resume. Those conversations were invaluable. They offered sharp insights that I could immediately use to refine my approach, but beyond that, they gave me the kind of truths no one posts publicly, the almost “secret” tactics very few even try. Most importantly, they provided emotional support. Having someone tell me, “You’re not alone, keep going,” made all the difference. It helped me stay calm and steady instead of drowning under a pile of rejection letters.

If you Google career advice, you’ll find thousands of tips. AI can give you a beautifully detailed plan. But none of it compares to a heartfelt one-on-one conversation. That’s where I learned the most practical strategies and felt truly seen.

I mentioned my blog, Curious Loom, earlier. Just as so many people generously supported me during my own job search, I created the blog to pass that spirit forward. My posts aren’t just about sharing tips; they’re meant to reassure anyone who’s feeling anxious, ashamed, or scared that you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. I made it through, and I truly believe you will too.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

（Yuqing Xiao,2024)

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