CLAIRE XUE

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@clairexue | @moodelier | moodelier.com

1. Tell me a little bit about you, who is Claire outside of work?

I'm Chinese from Inner Mongolia who has been living in San Francisco for almost ten years. Wow. It's so strange to say it out loud. But ten years is a long time, especially for this city. I am a wife and dog mom as well. Our dog's name is Hazel. She one and half years old Pom.

2. What do you do for work?

I'm the founder of Moodelier, which means I do everything and anything for Moodelier when it is needed. It is not as glamorous as it sounds most of the time.

3. As a female creative working in a competitive industry, what are some of the biggest obstacles you have faced within your industry / the workplace?

It's hard for people to take you seriously when you start, even when you know better than them. I used to work at a super early-stage startup; I mean, there was only a founder and an unpaid intern. We were an all-women team, the founder and I both didn’t have a ton of experience of what she was trying to build. But I had more expertise particularly [when it came to] design. I suggested doing things a certain way; she never listened to me and kept pushing back. I no longer work there, [but] I learned she did this thing the way I suggested from the beginning with a whole team of professionals .

4. How have you been staying creative/inspired during a pandemic?

Working with others has kept me going. Really, I can't work on something alone. I feel so lucky that I could work with many brilliant creators; they inspire me to do better. Also, most importantly, my customers. I have the best customers, and I am so grateful for them. They are the source of my energy. Serving them is one of the best things I've accomplished in my life so far.

5. What women in your life inspire you and why?

My mom, and my mother-in-law. My mom is battling cancer right now; she is so optimistic and brave that she inspires me to do better every day. My mother-in-law is the sweetest mother-in-law ever; I love her so much. She makes people feel happy and warm around her.

6. What advice would you give to women who want to pursue a new life direction -- whether that be moving to a new city, pursuing a new career path, starting a side hustle, or choosing a new major in school?

Please start now. Please don't try to make it all perfect before you start. Where you are at now is good enough to start anything that you have been dreaming of. You will make tons of mistakes, and it sucks for a bit, but you will be grateful for all these mistakes down the road. Sometimes, there aren't right or wrong decisions. You have to make a decision and stick with it, and if you realize that's not the path you should be pursuing, then pivot quickly.

7. How do you balance a job, personal life and passions? Is there such a thing as balance?

I'm not the best at balancing everything, but I want to give myself grace. I believe we should all aim for a well-balanced lifestyle.

8. What are some ways you implement self-care?

Self-care is [giving] my body what it wants; if I wish to have ice cream, I will get some. If I want some fries, I will get some. But I also make sure there are fresh whole foods that go into my body every day as well. Keep my mental health in check. I've seen my therapist for more than five years now. I think my life has changed for the better ever since I decided to control my mental health.

9. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders, movers, and shakers?

I will tell them the same thing that I would tell 16 year-old me. Love yourself first before you love anyone else, don't doubt yourself; you are adequate for anything you can imagine yourself doing.

10. How can women advocate for each other?

Hire other females in a leadership position if you are hiring on your team and pay her what you'd pay a male for the same position. Listen to them, and take their advice. Don't discount their opinion. Cheering each other on when we see any success among us. Reach out to help each other. Stand up for one another.