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How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I initially learned about the art of tufting when I was scraping through Pinterest trying to figure out my new dorm room decor. However, I had so much trouble even getting an etsy link to an affordable decorative rug, let alone one with a design that I want. When I finally had the chance to experience making my rug, I realized that this is an experience I want to make accessible to everyone. Furthermore, I believe that decorative rugs as a form of creative expression are overlooked often and should be shared as an innovative creative channel to all.
What does the average day look like for you now as an entrepreneur (especially compared to past jobs/days)?
I really have to sit down and plan out my goals for the business and for my life as a student, finding a joint venture between both. It is easy to be off-balanced between my different priorities, especially my many other responsibilities involved with academics and student organizations. I am not a plan-it-to-the-dot person, but I have learned to work with myself in developing big-picture strategies. It is important for me to give myself deadlines to keep me on track with more open-ended projects (just like fuzz lab!). If I am not in class or a meeting, I am either working on-campus or grabbing coffee with others, fostering intentional relationships. My typical day would probably look like business / professional meetings and classes from 9-5 and student organizations meetings 5-8, then late night studying:)
What are some of the top things you have learned so far?
Learn to break down big goals/obstacles and tackle them one small chunk at a time. It is daunting looking at a project/goal as a whole and it is normal to feel overwhelmed and belittled by the difficulties, but marking countable progress and celebrating small victories are always encouraging and fueling. And before you know it, you would have already covered miles of progress that you never thought of.
Who or what inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
I have initially had the notion of business ownership since watching my parents operate their own business in the international oil and gas industry. The liberty of taking a business in any direction is fascinating to me, as well as the growing opportunities it comes with being an entrepreneur. In college where I was able to befriend many other students involved with the start-up scene where the question “Why don’t you start now?” has been a voice in my head, where I truly look for ways to actualize my entrepreneurial aspirations.
What have been 1-2 of your proudest moments in creating your business?
One of my proudest moments on this entrepreneurial journey so far has to be the first tik tok one of my customers made in promoting my business. The voluntary act shows me that the service I have been trying to deliver is genuinely appreciated by someone. It was also super helpful so see people’s perceptions on my business from a customer standpoint and see what they liked about the experience.
What’s the best advice you have received along your journey?
I think one of the most profound pieces of advice I have received and employed is simply the trust you must have for yourself. It is extremely important to have faith in the work that you do and your mission in order of persuading others to believe in you. Because even though you could have all actionable plans and goals, the motivation and perseverance that translate into actions definitely roots in your belief and confidence.
About The Author:
Hedy Zhang '25
Founder of Fuzz Lab
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