Kimberly Yang
Kimberly Yang
Writer / Creative Consultant / Marketing Strategist
Los Angeles, CA
www.kimberlypearl.co
instagram @kimberlypearl_
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“Consulting, copywriting, and editorial work. ”
My expertise is in storytelling and growth strategy: I help brands and organizations cultivate their voice, create their own niche, and establish both authority and community within their unique space.
Simply put: I love helping brands and people find their why and their magic.
(And when I’m not working, I’m reading a lot. And dancing, too.)
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
The short version? I’ve been writing (and compulsively reading) for as long as I can remember. In a past life, I led copy, brand marketing, social media, and special projects in the beauty space; now, I’m leveraging a decade of in-house experience to work with companies one-on-one.
A part of me wishes that there was some grand story of my career thus far—perhaps a quarter-life crisis that spurred epiphany, or something more happenstance. Bohemian. An “it found me…” trajectory would certainly make my life less predictable and more interesting, but as someone who writes, you can’t help but crave control. When I knew writing was what I wanted to do, I needed to find a way to make it work—so I started a blog.
The rest is history. 😊
How do you stand out in your field?
This one’s difficult to answer—largely because of cultural upbringing (Gish Jen’s Tiger Writing explains it beautifully; before reading her book, I couldn’t quite place my finger on it), and partly because I believe that no one (myself included) is irreplaceable. Everyone has the capacity to work hard or be the best in their class.
I suppose the easiest way for me to answer this is to rephrase the question so it asks which personality traits I once wanted to change, and now, wouldn’t. (Or couldn’t; it may be too late, anyhow.) I’m an introvert. I like listening because I rather observe. I value quiet strength and soft leadership; I believe in just doing it (instead of shouting from the rooftops). And as much as I understand the importance of data analysis, intuition and originality should inform decision-making.
We have to look forward, not back. Open-mindedness is the only way up.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I couldn’t be more grateful to work with female-led, indie beauty brands that not only prioritize innovation and equity, but are founded on those very pillars. The people behind those companies are just as beautiful as the products they create.
I’ve also had the privilege of consulting for organizations whose missions center on bridging the gap in education or creating opportunities for marginalized communities. It’s been incredibly humbling—not to mention, fulfilling—so far.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Personal taste is usually irrelevant when it comes to my work, but there is a through-line in shared values: I have an appreciation for projects that prioritize people, innovation, and creativity.
Influences, however, are an entirely different subject: I can’t help but be the sum-product of what I consume—which in turn, subconsciously affects how I approach everything. My current to-read/recently-read book stack is perhaps the best insight of my inner moodboard: 032C (two copies; an old 2018 issue and a current one, with Jeremy O. Harris on its cover), CR Fashion Book, GQ, "Yolk" (Mary H. K. Choi), "A Breath of Life" (Clarice Lispector), "Blueberries" (Ellena Savage), Bettina Rheims’ eponymous photobook, "Francis Bacon: Books and Painting" (Didier Ottinger), and "The Smell of Risk" (Hsuan L. Hsu).
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Creative writing is something I haven’t had the time to work om since college. While it’s more of a personal project and less so work-related, I do believe that creative work can only shape product copy (for example) for the better.
Copy that reads as poetry is the best kind, in my opinion.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Current events. The state of the world. All of it, any of it.
I’d be lying if I said I could work through it all; there were days in June (following the murder of George Floyd) and again, earlier this year (especially after the Atlanta shooting that left 6 Asian women dead), when I couldn’t do anything—much less work on something quippy in the midst of devastation.
There have been so many times within the last year when I questioned why I chose this path when it felt meaningless, but I was recently reminded that we’re allowed to contain multitudes. It’s part of being human.
Another note-to-self: Beauty may be frivolous, but it’s a form of resistance, too.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Having someone filter through and answer any admin emails first thing in the morning would be a time (and more importantly, energy) saver.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Set boundaries. Walk away when you know something isn’t right for you. Neither are signs of weakness or failure; instead, they’re displays of strength and even more importantly, self-respect.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
There are so many; to spend a day with experts across different industries and departments would be a dream. If I had to choose, though, it’d be a nose. The artistry and science behind perfume development are the result of pure talent and intuition. Any insight into a nose’s mind would be a dream—and utter magic, I’d imagine.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’m interested in working with women who create for and with women in mind; only beauty can come of it. (And it’s high time that women design their own desires to reshape their experience within our world!)
Whether it’s brand architecture or strategy, skincare product development, copywriting, or editorial work—I’m game.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Clients who value (1) a unique point-of-view, (2) creativity, and (3) innovation are the ultimate dream.
Who is a creative that has helped you elevate your work?
Ruba Abu-Nimah is someone I can only hope to cross paths with one day. Following her work alone has inspired me tremendously: I have the utmost admiration for her approach to graphic design and creative direction. There’s pragmaticism and respect for her craft—purpose is something she never forgets—which allows her utmost freedom to flex. She’s visionary, truly.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
E-mail me at kimberlypearl@icloud.com; tell me about yourself, your brand or organization, your main goals and your budget.
If you’re so inclined, share a book you love or are currently reading, too. I’m always in the mood for new discoveries.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
I read, dance, visit museums or galleries as often as I can, and live for ballets and Broadway shows.
This member profile was originally published in April 2021.