We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Wenqing Bao. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Wenqing below.
Wenqing, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Before joining So Me Seattle, I had many years of professional experience, primarily in project coordination and management. This background gave me a solid foundation in organization, execution, and communication. My two co-founders also bring strong and complementary backgrounds to the team: Songsong has a fine arts background and holds a quilting instructor certificate from the Japan Handicraft Instructors’ Association; Mei is a seasoned maker with years of teaching experience. Both have prior experience in entrepreneurship and working with large nonprofit organizations. Together, our diverse strengths make So Me’s foundation and operations both professional and full of heart.
Many of the skills we now apply — including brand building, marketing, and course development — have been learned through hands-on practice. We continuously grow through reading, online learning, peer exchange, trial and error, and regular reflection.
If I could accelerate my learning journey, I would have set up a stronger time management system and more efficient collaborative tools earlier on.
In my view, the most important skills are coordination, communication, and time management. These are key to turning creative ideas into reality and enabling smooth collaboration within a team.
One of our biggest ongoing challenges is time management. All three of us are mothers, so balancing work and family life requires flexibility. Sometimes we have to shift plans or delay tasks, but this has taught us to prioritize effectively, stay adaptable, and stay attuned to our customers’ real needs.
At So Me Seattle, we hope to create more than just a craft studio. We want to build a warm, inspiring space where creativity can flow freely, where people — children, adults, and anyone who loves handmade art — can feel supported, express themselves, and connect through hands-on making.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m one of the co-founders of So Me Seattle, a creative handmade studio based in Bellevue, Washington, founded by three moms with a shared love for crafting and community. We created this space not only for ourselves but for families, friends, and anyone looking to reconnect with creativity, mindfulness, and joy through hands-on making.
My own background is in project coordination and management—I’ve spent years in the workplace organizing complex workflows and leading collaborative teams. My two co-founders bring equally rich and complementary experiences:
Songsong has a fine arts background and holds a Japanese Patchwork Teaching Certification;
Mei is a seasoned craft instructor with deep experience in sewing and DIY projects.
Together, we blend creativity with execution, and heart with structure.
At So Me, we offer a wide range of art and craft classes for children, teens, and adults—including sewing, pottery, felting, beading, macramé, paper art, painting, and more. We also host creative birthday parties, seasonal camps (spring/summer/winter), parent-child workshops, team-building events, and offer custom DIY kits and handmade gifts.
We serve a diverse community:
For children, So Me is a space to explore the world through their hands and imagination.
For adults, it’s a cozy retreat to unwind and feel accomplished through making.
For families, it’s a place to bond and create meaningful memories together.
For friends and community, it’s a hub for sharing inspiration and supporting each other.
What we’re most proud of is this:
So Me is not just a place to learn craft skills—it’s a place to feel connected, creative, and at home.
Everyone is welcome here, regardless of experience. With guidance, encouragement, and care, each person leaves with something truly their own.
What makes us different:
• Small class sizes with full teacher support – gentle, hands-on guidance for all ages and levels
• Thoughtfully designed curriculum – from seasonal themes to cultural storytelling
• A warm, home-like space – inspiring and comfortable for creating at your own pace
• A well-rounded founding team – combining artistry, teaching, and organizational strength to run things with both heart and efficiency
If you’re looking for a space where your hands can move and your heart can rest, So Me Seattle welcomes you. We believe everyone deserves a little “handmade time” in their life.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Yes — our creative journey is guided by a clear mission:
We hope people can reconnect with themselves through the simple yet powerful act of making with their hands.
In this fast-paced world, we believe that creating something tangible is healing. It’s a way of slowing down and returning to ourselves. Whether it’s a child discovering the joy of art for the first time, an adult rediscovering their creative spark, or a busy parent carving out a quiet moment of calm — we want So Me to be a space that holds those beautiful, meaningful experiences.
At So Me Seattle, our goal isn’t just to teach craft techniques — it’s to make creativity approachable, joyful, and meaningful. We want everyone to find a sense of peace, accomplishment, and connection — with their hands, their creations, and each other.
To us, crafting is not just about producing something; it’s a way of slowing down, embracing imperfections, being present, and expressing who you are.
As mothers ourselves, we deeply understand the real-life needs of families. That’s why our kids’ camps are more than childcare — they offer a safe, creative, and inspiring space where children can explore art, build confidence, make new friends, and have fun while engaging both their hands and minds.
We hope So Me Seattle can become a space that supports families, nurtures creativity, and brings warmth into everyday life. Whether you’re a child or an adult, this is a place to create freely, express openly, and let creativity become part of your life.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Yes — as someone who comes from a business and trade background, not an art or design discipline, I think many “non-creatives” might assume that creativity is a fixed talent you either have or don’t. I used to think that way, too.
When I first started this journey with So Me, my two co-founders — both with strong art and craft backgrounds — had a much deeper understanding of handcraft. At first, I saw myself as someone who simply handled operations. But over time, being surrounded by their passion and creativity gradually changed the way I saw things.
Through working closely with them, I began to understand that creativity isn’t just about artistic talent — it’s about openness, curiosity, and the willingness to explore and make mistakes. I learned that anyone can grow creatively, regardless of their background, if given the space and encouragement.
So if you’ve ever felt like you’re “not creative enough,” I’m here to tell you: creativity is not reserved for artists. It’s something we all have — it just takes a little time, practice, and the right environment to awaken it.
And that’s exactly the kind of space we strive to create at So Me Seattle.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.someseattle.com
- Instagram: Sewmakestudio
