YouMe Lin is a trailblazer in social media & influencer marketing & started a seven figure agency in her twenties & works with brands like Living Proof, Korres, Sundays and more.
YouMe has been a fierce advocate for breaking down barriers and pushing brands towards sustainability and eco-consciousness, often as the only Asian female at the executive table. She started her career during college as creative director at Screenshop, a company later acquired by Snapchat working alongside Kim Kardashian.
YouMe is also the creator of Cloud Cafe, which is dedicated to offering minority female business owners free consultations. She started this in 2021 and has since devoted over 100+ hours to helping small businesses.
Please tell us a little bit about your business – what is Cloud Studio all about?
Cloud Studio is a purpose-driven creative marketing agency that specializes in the beauty, wellness, and lifestyle sectors. With our deep understanding of these industries, we are dedicated to collaborating with mission-driven brands, offering them a comprehensive range of services to maximize their online presence and drive meaningful engagement.
At Cloud Studio, we pride ourselves on delivering a holistic approach to marketing. We understand that in today’s digital landscape, social media is a powerful tool for brand building and connecting with target audiences. That is why we focus on developing tailored strategies that leverage the full potential of various social media platforms. From content creation and curation to community management and analytics, our team of experts ensures that your brand’s message is effectively communicated to the right audience at the right time. Beyond digital marketing, we also specialize in event activations, recognizing the power of immersive experiences in creating lasting impressions. Whether it’s a product launch, brand showcase, or experiential event, our team brings together creativity and meticulous planning to design memorable experiences. From conceptualization and production to execution and post-event analysis, we handle every aspect of event management to ensure seamless and impactful activations.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company?
When I was an undergraduate sophomore, I was hired as a creative director for a fashion app endorsed by Kim Kardashian. By my senior year, I had become the head of social media and influencer marketing for a sustainable fashion brand. Amidst the challenges and uncertainties brought about by the pandemic, I found the strength and conviction to take a leap of faith. Fueled by my passion for the industry and my unwavering belief in the transformative power of inclusivity and diversity, I made the bold decision to start my own agency. This endeavor allowed me to combine my knowledge, experience, and vision to create a platform dedicated to driving positive change.
What are your plans for the future, how do you plan to grow this company?
At Cloud Studio, we are focused on expanding our reach and impact by establishing partnerships with more purpose-driven brands that align with our values and mission. Additionally, we have exciting initiatives in the pipeline, including community-focused programs such as mentorship programs aimed at supporting and empowering female-founded businesses.
What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
As a young entrepreneur in my twenties, I have experienced the uncertainties that come with starting a venture from the bottom up, which at times led to moments of doubt and imposter syndrome. There were certainly days when I questioned myself. However, I am immensely grateful that my perseverance has paid off, and I can’t emphasize the importance of mental health enough!
What are the top 3 online tools and resources you’re currently using to grow your company?
- Slack: At Cloud Studio, we recognize the importance of seamless communication between our internal team and our clients. That is why we utilize Slack as a powerful collaboration tool that streamlines our communication channels. With Slack, we can efficiently and effectively exchange messages, files, and updates, facilitating quick decision-making and fostering stronger relationships with our clients. By eliminating communication barriers and promoting real-time exchanges, we are able to achieve faster turnaround times and deliver exceptional results.
- ChatGPT: As a creative agency, we constantly seek innovative ways to enhance our creative processes. ChatGPT has proven to be an invaluable tool in our day-to-day operations. Its versatility allows us to leverage its capabilities for a wide range of tasks, from generating creative social ideas to crafting engaging scripts. By harnessing the power of ChatGPT, we can tap into its vast knowledge base, explore different perspectives, and push the boundaries of creativity. We are able to deliver captivating content that drives impactful results for our clients.
- LinkedIn: LinkedIn serves as an essential platform for Cloud Studio. It provides us with a unique opportunity to connect with decision-makers, build meaningful professional relationships, and showcase our expertise in the beauty, wellness, and lifestyle sectors. Through LinkedIn, we can stay connected with industry leaders, stay updated on the latest trends and developments, and actively participate in relevant discussions. Moreover, LinkedIn serves as a powerful tool for talent recruitment, allowing us to share our company culture, values, and job opportunities with a targeted audience. By leveraging LinkedIn’s networking capabilities, Cloud Studio can attract top talent and foster a thriving community of professionals in our industry.
What’s a productivity tip you swear by?
Creating a to-do list first thing in the morning is a simple yet powerful habit that I’ve incorporated into my routine. By taking a few minutes to jot down tasks and goals for the day, I instantly declutter my mind and set a clear direction for my productivity. This practice provides me with a comprehensive overview of my priorities for the day, allowing me to focus on what truly matters and allocate my time and energy efficiently.
Can you recommend one book, one podcast, and one online course for entrepreneurs?
- Don’t Believe Everything You Think” by Joseph Nguyen is a book that deeply resonates with me, especially as someone who is currently in the stage of expanding a company. This insightful book delves into those moments when fear and worry can overpower us, hindering our progress and potential. It offers valuable insights and strategies to overcome these mental barriers, empowering us to embrace the unknown and navigate through the uncertainties that come with growing a business. By challenging our thoughts and beliefs, we can develop a new superpower—one that allows us to approach challenges with resilience, curiosity, and a growth mindset.
- On the podcast front, I highly recommend tuning in to “Active Ingredient,” a captivating podcast hosted by my friend Sophie Weill, a true powerhouse in the field of PR. This podcast delves into all aspects of growth, covering topics ranging from brand building to business development. What sets this podcast apart is Sophie’s holistic point of view, which considers not only the external factors but also the internal mindset and strategies necessary for sustained growth. Each episode is filled with engaging discussions and thought-provoking insights from industry experts. What truly makes this podcast stand out is the abundance of actionable takeaways shared throughout, empowering listeners to implement practical steps and make tangible progress in their own entrepreneurial journeys.
What helps you stay driven and motivated to keep going in your business?
I feel incredibly fortunate that my business aligns with my passion, which is creating impact by helping mission-driven brands. This inherent alignment makes it easy for me to stay constantly excited and motivated about what I do. Ultimately, what keeps me genuinely enthusiastic is staying true to myself and pursuing endeavors that bring me immense joy.
What is your favorite quote?
“Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.
– Alan Cohen
What valuable advice would you give new entrepreneurs starting out?
The only limits in life are the ones you create. Let go of that mindset and take that first step.
What is your definition of success?
My definition of success is to continue staying true to who I am, doing what I love each day, and surrounding myself with good people.
How can readers get in touch with you?
You can find me using my handle @shesyoume on social media. Let’s stay connected! 🙂
