We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bernice Lin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bernice below.

Alright, Bernice thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s go back in time to when you were an intern or apprentice – what’s an interesting story you can share from that stage of your career?

One of the most memorable experiences from my internship to full-time role at Contingeci was working on the multifunctional foldable pet bed project (Jax Pet Bed). At the time, I was still adjusting to the fast-paced world of product development, and this project had me involved in everything from brainstorming ideas to overseeing production, web design, and marketing.

One of the biggest lessons I learned was how unpredictable the development process can be and how much work is needed after a product is made. We had a great idea on paper, but when the first prototype arrived, it was completely different from what we envisioned too thin, not as convenient for people to fold and the fabric didn’t hold up well with pet use. However, what stood out to me most was how upbeat and solution-driven our team remained. Instead of feeling discouraged, we saw it as an opportunity to collaborate, refine, and innovate. As a brand, we didn’t just focus on the product itself we had to build its entire foundation by creating a product page, running wash tests, and ensuring it met quality standards.

We worked closely with our pattern engineer, tweaking materials and structure, testing different versions, and refining our communication to bring our vision to life. Eventually, we got it right and seeing the final product launch with a strong brand presence was incredibly rewarding, especially when we saw real customer feedback.

That experience shaped how I approach projects today. I learned that every challenge is an opportunity to refine and improve, and that cross-functional collaboration is key to creating something truly successful. It also taught me that developing a product is just one part of the journey to make it sell, you need strategic pricing, marketing, and a compelling online presence. Most importantly, I realized that patience, adaptability, and clear communication are essential in bringing any product from concept to reality.

Bernice, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As of today, I am currently with Fossa Apparel, where I oversee overseas projects. My role involves communicating with merchandisers, brainstorming creative apparel designs within the promotional industry, and ensuring that our overseas factories follow through on execution.

My previous experience has been invaluable in shaping my approach. With a degree in product development and hands-on experience in operations at Contingeci, I have developed a well-rounded perspective—understanding both manufacturing and project coordination. This allows me to bridge the gap between creative apparel design and production, ensuring smooth communication with overseas factories while maintaining a strong design focus.

I have managed multiple large-quantity orders, acting as the project manager for orders up to 10,000 units. While these projects can be challenging especially with tight timelines and client expectations thorough communication with our overseas factories is key. Being able to successfully bring a concept to life, meet client needs, and see the final apparel worn by end users has been incredibly fulfilling and a testament to the impact of strong project management.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Showing appreciation is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep a team motivated and engaged. Here are a few ways to build a positive and productive work culture:

Say “thank you” often. Acknowledging someone’s hard work, whether in a quick message or a meeting, makes them feel valued and seen.

Recognize contributions publicly. A shoutout in a team meeting, an email, or even a small note of appreciation can go a long way.

Celebrate small wins. A project doesn’t have to be huge to be worth celebrating. Recognizing small milestones, whether it’s hitting a deadline, learning a new skill, or helping a colleague, fosters a culture of appreciation.

Invest in growth. Supporting your team’s development shows you value their contributions long-term. This could mean offering mentorship, sharing industry insights, or providing opportunities to take on new challenges.

Listen and show interest. Taking the time to hear out your team members’ ideas, challenges, and goals builds trust and engagement.

You don’t need grand gestures to show appreciation, it’s the small, consistent efforts that make the biggest impact. When people feel valued, they’re more engaged, motivated, and committed to doing their best work.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

For me, the driving force behind my creative journey is the challenge of transforming ideas into something tangible and impactful. Working in the promotional industry is different from retail, it requires a deep understanding of corporate branding, ensuring that every design aligns with the client’s brand colors, identity, and target demographics.

Whether it’s developing custom apparel, brainstorming new designs, or problem-solving with overseas production, I love the process of bringing a vision to life. My goal is to create design that not only look great but also serve a purpose, whether that’s strengthening a brand’s presence, improving functionality, or making something people are genuinely excited to wear.

Collaboration plays a huge role in this journey. Working closely with merchandisers, manufacturers, has shown me that creativity isn’t just about aesthetics it’s about communication, adaptability, and problem-solving.

Ultimately, I want to continue pushing boundaries in apparel development, making the process more seamless, innovative, and efficient, while delivering products that truly resonate with the end user.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bernicelin829.squarespace.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernice-lin0829