Today we’d like to introduce you to Emberlynn Miao
Hi Emberlynn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Emberlynn Miao, Co-Founder and Principal Designer of Oura Design, a studio specializing in branding, product design, and business strategy. At Oura Design, our mission is to create innovative and elegant solutions that tell captivating stories, solve challenges, and inspire action.
Growing up, I moved frequently, which instilled in me a deep appreciation for human connection and creativity. From a young age, I’ve had an endless, overflowing vat of artistic energy. I drew incessantly as the activity became my primary outlet during a challenging upbringing—a constant flow of characters, objects, fashion, anatomy, anime, and environments that expressed my inner world. When I discovered industrial design, it opened a new realm where art fused with problem-solving. This sparked my journey to create while meeting the real-world needs of others and bringing delight to everyday life.
Prior to my studio, I’ve worked with industry leaders like Mattel-Fisher Price, Spin Master, and Nottingham Spirk. At Mattel, I created innovative early childhood development products. In addition, I learned the power of branding through being on the Paw Patrol and Moonbug team at Spin Master Entertainment. However, it was through being a part of an innovative design consultancy like Nottingham Spirk where I could switch between projects from some of the most interesting clients/industries on almost a daily basis. I dove deep into ideation for NASA intellectual properties, implemented branding and experience design for Ernst & Young, and got to contribute to the detailed design parts it takes to create an award-winning product like Ditto, a revolutionary sewing pattern projection system with paperless patterns that makes it possible to adapt to any body measurement and make design changes on the fly. These experiences gave me the tools to balance creativity with strategy, solving diverse challenges for clients worldwide.
Through my journey as a creative entrepreneur, I’ve had the privilege of working on projects that challenge me to think holistically as both a designer and a strategist. From creating brand identities for an immigration firm simplifying the complex visa process to collaborating on an AI-powered children’s toy with Founders Inc., each experience has deepened my understanding of how design can impact lives. Most recently, I’ve explored opportunities in the beauty and tech industries, such as preparing a proposal for a groundbreaking skincare product. These diverse projects have taught me the importance of designing with both emotion and practicality in mind, ensuring every solution resonates deeply with those it touches.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting Oura Design was a leap of faith, born from a desire to merge design with branding and business strategy. In a time when traditional career paths felt increasingly unstable, I chose to create my own opportunities. In 2024, landing full-time roles has become increasingly difficult for many, including my friends and senior designers who have had to settle for junior-level pay or contract positions. Observing this struggle, I identified an opportunity within the influx of short-term needs. Instead of working for companies in unstable, short-term positions, I decided to start my own LLC, allowing me to offer my expertise on a contract basis while building credibility, and maintaining control over my career. Transitioning from an employee to an entrepreneur was daunting, but it taught me the importance of resilience, calculated risks, and the value of building trust with clients. Oura Design is my response to the need for innovative products that offer practical, user-friendly solutions while also looking beautiful and enhancing the living experience.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Oura Design, our mission is to create innovative and elegant solutions that tell captivating stories, solve challenges, and inspire action.
Reflecting on my journey as a creative entrepreneur, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of calculated risks—principles that now guide both my personal growth and the work we do at Oura Design. This philosophy of embracing challenges with intentionality extends into our projects, where we merge creativity with strategy to design holistic solutions. Every project is an opportunity to tell a story and create meaningful connections.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The importance of taking risks—and ensuring they are calculated—has been foundational to how I approach opportunities. Despite the hesitation and fear that often accompany the unknown, I’ve learned that when life gives you little choice, you will find a way to thrive. Over time, I’ve worked to leverage my past experiences with risk to overcome fear, viewing it as a muscle that grows stronger with practice.
Calculated risks require careful thought and preparation because they demand you show up confidently and professionally to honor the leap you’ve taken. In a way, risks operate much like a design brief: a framework that guides key decisions and ensures intentionality, whether in designing a product, building a system, or navigating life’s next big move.
This philosophy extends into the work we do at Oura Design, where we craft holistic solutions that go beyond just the end users to consider all stakeholders. Every project is an opportunity to tell a story—whether it’s through brand strategy, product design, or industrial design. These stories help create emotional connections that make products truly meaningful.
What truly drives me are the narratives behind the products and brands we work with. I am passionate about collaborating with clients to uncover and articulate their unique stories. For those who don’t yet have a brand story, I see it as a chance to sit down, delve into their vision, and understand what drives them. Ultimately, it’s the human connection and shared journey that fulfill me. My goal is to create designs that are not only visually compelling but also enrich lives around the world. The flexibility and autonomy of running my own business allow me to take risks exploring my diverse interests fully, which in turn reflects our values of quality, innovation, and authenticity.
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