Graduation is more than just a ceremony. It’s a moment of growth, change, and new beginnings. It’s a time when we say goodbye to one chapter and step into the unknown of the next. As someone who once stood at that turning point, I’d love to share my own journey, from university student to sustainable jewelry designer in Finland, and the meaningful graduation gift I’d give to my younger self.
From China to Finland: Following a Design Dream
As a designer from China and the founder of Upcycle with Jing, a sustainable jewelry brand based in Finland, my journey started back in China, where I studied Industrial Design at university. Even then, I was deeply inspired by Nordic design which is simplicity, practicality, and human-centered values.
That inspiration eventually led me to Aalto University in Finland, where I pursued a master’s degree in Creative Sustainability, Master of Arts (Art and Design). I hoped to find a more open and creative space to explore who I truly was as a designer.
And I did. Studying in Finland changed everything. Here, instead of searching for “the right answer,” I was encouraged to follow my interests, experiment with materials, and express my personal vision. That’s how I discovered sustainable design which completely shifted how I see the purpose of creating.
The Beginning of Upcycle with Jing
The idea behind Upcycle with Jing started quite simply. One day, I saw a DIY video on YouTube showing how to melt plastic bottles into flower shapes. I tried it myself, cutting, heating, shaping, and I was surprised by how delicate and beautiful the final pieces were. I thought, could I turn waste into something people would actually want to wear?
So I started making earrings from recycled plastic bottles, just for fun. Then I brought them to my university’s Christmas market - TOKYO Christmas Sales. To my surprise, many people loved them. That small moment planted the seed for something bigger.
Even before I graduated, I launched my brand Upcycle with Jing in 2020. I started on Etsy, then built my own website, joined online platforms like Stockmann.com and Ivalo.com, and took part in local design markets and exhibitions.
At first, the business was simple: I designed, I made, I sold. But over time, I realized my brand is not just about selling products. It’s about sharing values, sustainability, craftsmanship, community, and empowerment.
Now, Upcycle with Jing is a growing creative project. We run workshops, collaborate with other brands, and share stories through our blog. And I’m no longer working alone. I’ve built a small team with amazing mothers and other local women artisans in Finland. Together, we handcraft every item with love and care.
Starting a Business as a Student: Risk or Opportunity?
Looking back, I started Upcycle with Jing when I was still a student. Some people ask me, “Wasn’t that too early?” But honestly, being a student gave me some powerful advantages:
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Low pressure, high freedom: I had time to experiment, make mistakes, and learn. No one expected perfection.
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Support from school and community: My professors, classmates, and university resources helped me a lot. From giving feedback to helping with photos and markets, I was never alone.
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Early start, early clarity: Starting young helped me understand what I truly love and where I want to grow.
If you're also thinking about starting something while still in school, here’s my advice:
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Start small and real. One product, one post, one market stand. That’s enough to begin.
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Don’t fear change or failure. Every turn is part of your journey.
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Test the market first. Try selling at flea markets or pop-ups before investing in a company or website.
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Join local markets and events. They’re great for feedback, exposure, and connecting with real customers.
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Keep learning about business. Books and podcasts really helped me. I recommend The E-Myth Revisited and The Diary of a CEO.
The Graduation Gift I Would Choose for Myself
If I could give myself a graduation gift, it would be our Clear Triple-flower Drop Earrings.
These earrings are handcrafted from recycled plastic bottles. They’re light, transparent, and bloom softly like a flower in spring. To me, they represent growth, transformation, and quiet strength which just like graduation itself. An end, and also a quiet beginning.
I hope you could also find a unique graduation gift or a meaningful piece of jewelry from our shop. And our story and upcycled handcraft creations can be part of your next chapter.