Meet the Dalhousie alum keeping Halifax crafting

When Yang Wen moved from Sichuan, China, to Halifax to attend Dalhousie University, opening a craft shop wasn’t part of the plan. But four years ago, she opened her Barrington Street business, Yolo Craft, providing a creative space for crafty Haligonians.

Yolo Craft is a crafting shrine. Art supplies line the walls, with crafty trinkets stacked to the ceiling. Wen’s shop isn’t just a storefront; it offers workshops like rug-making, wood carving, and beading.  

The idea for the colourful shop came after Wen discovered how to make tufted crafts during the COVID-19 pandemic. She began hosting rug-making workshops for her friends, which inspired her to open Yolo Craft.

“My friend kept saying Halifax needed a space where people can relax, hang out and make something with their hands.” 

In 2022, Wen created the crafting space she thought Halifax lacked. Her passion for crafts turned into a community that’s become a staple among Halifax hobbyists. 

“It didn’t start as a big business plan,” she said. “It was just something I loved doing.” 

Wen’s economics degree from Dal helped her organize the business, but ultimately, she learned by doing. She taught herself how to build a website, create an inventory system, source materials and calculate profit margins.

“I didn’t know how to run a business,” she says. “I had to sit down and learn.” 

As an immigrant, Wen faced challenges starting her business in Halifax, partly because English isn’t her first language. 

“Sometimes I would worry about whether I was explaining things clearly,” she said. 

She had to adapt to cultural differences when negotiating with suppliers.

“In some cultures, you don’t speak directly about money,” Wen said. “In business, you have to talk about pricing, contracts and policies. I had to get comfortable with that.”

In the almost 4 years since Yolo Craft opened its doors, Wen has found her footing as a business owner. 

“Halifax has a very warm energy,” said Wen. “People really pay attention, and they watch you grow. I think that’s my favourite part.

“Halifax has really become home over the years.”