Founder’s Story

My Story

From the vibrant streets of Hong Kong to the heartbeat of New York City, my journey has always been about curiosity, creativity, and connection. I came to NYC in kindergarten and have called it home ever since. At Brooklyn Technical High School I was shy and socially awkward—until I discovered the power of belonging. The friends I made there gave me community, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

It was also at Brooklyn Tech that I got my first hands-on experience in metal shop—an unforgettable spark that ignited my love for making. That early spark—taking an idea and turning it into a real, tangible thing—has stayed with me ever since.

Today, Etchline NYC is a woman-owned, Asian-owned, neurodivergent-owned small business rooted in Brooklyn, NY—shaped by my lived experience and commitment to inclusive, meaningful design.

My son is my greatest muse. Since birth, he’s been incredibly creative—a natural tinkerer who’s always building, imagining, and transforming. He doesn’t need fancy tools; if he can hold anything in his hands, he’ll find a way to make something magical from it. Tape, string, cardboard—everything becomes a masterpiece in his world. His passion reminds me daily that creativity is limitless, and it’s inspired me to bring that same spirit into Etchline NYC.

Our family is a beautiful blend of cultures and stories. From several backgrounds and with different experiences—including our adopted Labrador-terrier mix who joined us during the pandemic—we’re united by a shared love of learning, exploring, and giving back. I studied abroad and backpacked across Europe in college, and now I love taking our family abroad on what we call “our version of summer camp.” We seek out hidden paths, chase curiosity, and celebrate the unexpected.

As a neurodivergent mother raising a neurodivergent child, the journey has been deeply personal and often challenging. Navigating IEPs, advocating for the right support, adapting parenting styles, and learning how to show up—for him, for my family, for my friends, for myself, and for our community—has pushed me to become more resilient, more resourceful, and more compassionate.

This lived experience is the heartbeat behind Etchline Cares—our initiative dedicated to helping students and nonprofits that support the neurodivergent community through sensory-learning maker workshops in NYC public schools.

It’s also why every Etchline NYC event and project is designed with inclusion, care, and thoughtful details in mind.

Service and impact are fundamental to how we live. I’ve volunteered and served in varied roles—from my time as a licensed EMT at Harpur’s Ferry Ambulance Service (at Binghamton University) to our ongoing family commitment to donate and give back to causes we believe in. Because at the heart of everything, we believe in crafting not just objects—but meaning.

Somewhere along the way, it became clear that my love of making, my son’s creativity, and my commitment to service all belonged in the same place.

Etchline NYC was born from this passion. Each laser-engraved piece is approached with care and attention to detail—from the design work through the customization—to ensure every recipient feels joy, value, and personal connection in what they receive.

I collaborate with clients to bring their vision to life—whether that means on-site laser engraving for events, thoughtful touches for teams and communities, or Etchline Cares workshops that reflect what matters most to them.

These are more than products—they’re keepsakes of connection, stories made tangible and shared with intention.

I’ve also worked across many sectors—finance, consulting, education, startups, nonprofits, and government—which gave me a broad lens on people, creativity, and purpose-driven work. Through it all, one thing remains true: I’m passionate about creating things that connect, inspire, and celebrate the personal in a meaningful way.

What’s Ahead

As Etchline NYC grows, my long-term vision is to bring this same “I made this” confidence beyond the classroom. Etchline Cares is the first step—focused on NYC public school classrooms. In the future, I hope to expand into youth sports and after-school programs: bringing on-site laser engraving to medals, trophies, team mascot balls, cleats, bag tags, and other keepsakes for kids in NYC leagues and after-school clubs.

The goal is the same in every space: more moments where kids can point to something, say “I made this,” and feel proud enough to show it off.

Connection is the luxury.

I’m Irene, and I’m so glad our paths have crossed.