We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Qianwen Chen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Qianwen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

The journey to naming my brand ChicDev was deeply personal and reflected my own evolution both as a professional and as a fashion enthusiast. I started my career as a mobile app developer, working in the heart of the Bay Area. This tech-centric environment had its own unspoken dress code – the ubiquitous company t-shirts and hoodies. It was comfortable, yes, but it also subtly fed into the stereotype that engineers, especially in tech, don’t prioritize style or fashion.

For me, though, fashion has always been a passion. It’s a way to express my personality, mood, and creativity. Despite my tech background, I was never one to shy away from experimenting with different styles and embracing fashion as a form of self-expression. I found joy in putting together outfits that made me feel confident and stylish, challenging the norm of what a ‘typical’ engineer should look like.

The realization that my unique blend of interests could be an inspiration for others led to the birth of ChicDev. I wanted to show that being a developer doesn’t confine you to a stereotype. You can be a coding whiz and still have a keen eye for fashion. By sharing my daily looks on Instagram, I aimed to inspire not just fellow engineers but also women and girls contemplating a career in tech. I wanted to send a message: Your profession doesn’t define your style, and you should wear whatever makes you happy and confident.

ChicDev, as a name, embodies this ethos. It’s a nod to my roots as a ‘Chic Developer’ – someone who loves coding and cherishes fashion equally. Through this brand, I hope to encourage more females to join the tech industry, showing them that tech and fashion can coexist beautifully. It’s about breaking stereotypes, fostering inclusivity, and most importantly, empowering women to be their authentic selves, both in their career and their personal style.

Qianwen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I’m a content creator specializing in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, with a unique Asian aesthetic influence in my work. My journey into this industry was a blend of passion, creativity, and a desire to bring something new to the table.

I began my career in technology, specifically as a mobile app developer, but I always harbored a deep love for fashion and style. This dual interest led me to create content that bridges the gap between technology and fashion. My work primarily revolves around producing engaging short videos and lookbooks that showcase diverse styles and trends, with a special emphasis on incorporating my Asian heritage into contemporary fashion.

Apart from content creation for my audience, I also provide B2B solutions and consultations for businesses. My aim here is to help brands effectively reach and engage with their target audience. I enjoy experimenting with new marketing strategies, and one of my successful ventures was organizing a custom event last year. This event was a unique collaboration between the famous English hand-printed wallpaper brand de Gournay, San Francisco local fashion brand MuteByJL, and a flower arrangement class. It was a fantastic blend of art, fashion, and lifestyle, resulting in increased sales for MuteByJL and heightened local awareness for de Gournay.

Furthermore, I’ve been actively involved in helping Chinese fashion brands gain international exposure. Last year, I facilitated showcase opportunities for these brands at New York Fashion Week. Additionally, I provided a unique service where I helped Chinese brands create lookbooks in San Francisco without the need for them to travel, leveraging the scenic beauty and diverse culture of the city to enhance their brand appeal.

One of my most cherished projects is the founding of EchoHer.org, a community for female founders. This platform brings together women from various industries, fostering a supportive environment where they can share resources, insights, and encouragement. It’s a space where women can connect, grow, and empower each other across different fields, reflecting my belief in diversity, collaboration, and mutual support.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend technology, fashion, and creative marketing strategies to provide unique solutions and content. I’m most proud of how my work not only showcases fashion and style but also empowers and connects people, especially women in various industries. For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to see my brand as a fusion of style, innovation, and community building, always striving to bring something fresh and impactful to the table.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and a creative, for me, lies in the profound impact my work can have on others and the collaborative journey it entails. Hearing from individuals who say that my content brings them happiness and inspiration is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a powerful reminder that what I create extends beyond mere aesthetics; it has the ability to resonate emotionally and intellectually with others, uplifting and energizing them in their own lives and pursuits.

Another deeply gratifying aspect of my work is the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse array of talented individuals like independent photographers, videographers, and artists. The creative process is enriched by each person’s unique perspective and skills, resulting in work that is more dynamic and multifaceted. There’s a sense of communal achievement and growth that comes from these collaborations.

But perhaps the most heartwarming aspect is witnessing the success and evolution of these collaborators over time. Knowing that I played a role, however small, in their journey towards success adds an extra layer of joy and pride to my work. It’s not just about what I create, but also about fostering a community and network of creative talents, supporting and elevating each other in our respective paths.

In essence, the dual reward of positively impacting individuals through my content and being part of a thriving, collaborative creative community is what makes being an artist and a creative truly fulfilling for me. It’s a journey that’s as much about connecting with others and contributing to their growth as it is about personal artistic expression.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building my reputation within the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle market has been a journey rooted in authenticity and a long-term vision. Here are the key factors that I believe have significantly contributed to my reputation:

Authenticity: In an industry often clouded by trends and hype, I’ve always strived to remain authentic. This means being true to my style, beliefs, and values, and reflecting this in my content and collaborations. My audience and partners appreciate this authenticity, as it brings a level of trust and relatability that is crucial in the creative industry.

Long-term Perspective: I’ve always approached my work with a long-term perspective, prioritizing sustainable growth and enduring relationships over quick wins or short-term gains. This approach has helped me build a solid foundation and a reputation as someone who is in it for the long haul, which is particularly appealing to brands and collaborators looking for stable, ongoing partnerships.

Value-Driven Approach: My focus has always been on what I can offer to my audience and partners, rather than what I can gain from them. Whether it’s through inspiring content, innovative marketing strategies, or insightful consultations, I aim to add value in every interaction. This approach has helped me build a reputation as a valuable contributor in the industry.

Fair Pricing Strategy: While it’s important to value your work appropriately, I’ve always been mindful of maintaining a fair pricing strategy. This isn’t about undervaluing my services but about ensuring that the pricing aligns with the value provided and is accessible to a range of clients. This has helped in establishing long-term relationships, as clients appreciate the balance of quality and affordability.

Commitment to Relationships: I place a high emphasis on building and nurturing relationships. Whether it’s with clients, collaborators, or my audience, I invest time and effort into understanding their needs and preferences, which helps in creating more targeted and impactful content and services.

Consistency: Consistency in the quality of work, in the message conveyed through my content, and in my engagement with my audience and clients has been key. Consistency helps in building a reliable and recognizable brand.

By combining these elements, I’ve been able to build a reputation as a dependable, authentic, and valuable content creator and consultant in my market. It’s about a balanced approach that respects both the creative aspects of my work and the business relationships that sustain it.

Contact Info:

• Website: echoher.org
• Instagram: Chic_Dev
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/qianwenchen/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChicDev