Meet Charlotte Xuwanqi Wang

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlotte Xuwanqi Wang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlotte Xuwanqi, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
“Business and art are best kept separate”.

When I first arrived in Los Angeles—even before I moved here, during my house-hunting—the first thing I noticed was how my university’s campus was structured. The business school is located on one corner, while the arts schools, including the cinematic arts, music, theatre, and dance programs, are all on the opposite diagonal corner. As someone pursuing studies in both business and cinematic arts, I often find myself crossing these two extremes of campus. This physical separation mirrors a common misconception: that business and art are fundamentally opposed disciplines.

I’ve encountered this mindset in conversations as well. Many students and even professionals seem unaware of what happens “on the other side of the diagonal.” It’s almost as if the subjects housed in those distant buildings represent entirely different worlds.

But my experience tells a different story. Back in China, I joined the team of a renowned variety show director whose work I deeply respected. Many people described him as “more of a businessman than a creative,” and it was precisely this blend of perspectives that set him apart. Working under him, I saw firsthand how his shows didn’t just entertain—they revolutionized the industry by merging artistic vision with commercial strategies.

His programs sparked cultural movements among Chinese youth, popularizing subcultures like street dance, rap, and streetwear. These shows didn’t just capture audiences; they redefined creative markets, turning once-niche subcultures into thriving industries.

I witnessed this transformation up close. I trained at a local dance studio, learning popping. After the rise of street dance programs, the studio experienced a surge in students, moved to a larger, more professional space, and became part of a growing ecosystem for dancers. Talented individuals who had previously gone unnoticed were suddenly in the spotlight, gaining the recognition and compensation they deserved.

This experience profoundly shaped my understanding of the relationship between business and art. I learned that the right balance can create sustainable platforms for artists to thrive while expanding access to their work. Moving forward, I aspire to combine my background in business and directing to establish my own production company or creative label. My goal is to produce works that inspire audiences and amplify the voices of talented individuals, ensuring they have the visibility and support they need to succeed.

Business doesn’t dilute art; it amplifies it. It’s not about compromise—it’s about creating opportunities. That’s the philosophy I carry with me as I navigate these two supposedly “opposite” worlds.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a serial entrepreneur, and my journey started in high school when I founded a student consultancy. We worked on various projects for both local and international organizations, and one of the highlights was co-creating the Yoga Ninja App, which received funding from Google.

After graduating, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected challenges, including global travel restrictions that disrupted my plans to study in the U.S. It was during this time that I co-founded SparkLab, a shared campus initiative designed to support students who were isolated at home. We recreated the campus experience by providing private study areas, communal spaces, and amenities to foster both academic focus and emotional well-being. What started as an idea to help peers like myself soon grew into something much bigger, with hundreds of students joining across multiple cities. Media coverage from major outlets and support from non-profit organizations helped amplify our reach and establish credibility, turning SparkLab into a recognized name in educational innovation.

Currently, I’m focused on EDspresso, a networking platform that facilitates peer-to-peer conversations through casual coffee chats. Inspired by my studies in the World Bachelor in Business (WBB) program, EDspresso aims to bridge communication gaps and foster global youth exchange. Some of my most meaningful insights have come from informal conversations—like a quick exchange at a coffee machine or a reflective moment by the Seine River with a friend. With EDspresso, I hope to replicate these powerful moments of connection on a larger scale, creating a platform where young people can share perspectives, learn from one another, and collaborate across cultures.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of daring to imagine—and then pursuing those ideas. Innovation and personal growth often require us to move beyond the subconscious limits we place on ourselves, whether out of fear, practicality, or convention. The more I’ve leaned into the possibilities of “what if,” the more I’ve seen how often the only thing standing between us and what we want to create is our hesitation to believe it’s achievable. This mindset has been pivotal for me in taking risks, embracing creativity, and staying open to opportunities that align with my vision.

Next, I will be joining the Schwarzman Scholars program at Tsinghua University in Beijing, a global leadership initiative designed for future entrepreneurs and changemakers. Building on this experience, I hope to combine my entrepreneurial background with my artistic passion to revolutionize the industry. My goal is to create transformative platforms and productions that not only redefine creative industries but also empower others to dream, innovate, and push boundaries.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles is a city of dreams, a place where anything feels possible. While I’m still new here and exploring its many layers, there are already places that hold special meaning for me—spaces where creativity thrives and inspiration feels tangible.

One of my favorite places at USC is the School of Cinematic Arts. It’s where creativity and storytelling feel alive, and being surrounded by its energy is always inspiring. Just nearby, the lawn outside the Norris Cinema Theatre is another spot I love. My favorite thing to do is sit on the red chairs scattered across the lawn, watching the squirrels dart around. It’s a peaceful corner of campus that offers a moment of stillness, a small escape from the bustling rhythm of both USC and Los Angeles.

Coffee shops are another part of my life here that I want to share. For me, they’re more than just places to grab a drink—they’re spaces where ideas flow. The simplicity of sitting with a notebook, watching the world go by, often sparks creativity in ways I can’t always plan for. These moments of reflection remind me why I’m here, chasing my dreams in a city where anything seems possible.

While I don’t yet have a full list of hidden gems or must-see spots, I think that’s what makes LA so exciting for me. It’s a city I’m still discovering, and I hope to continue uncovering its layers—not just the iconic landmarks but also the subtle, quieter corners where its magic truly shines. This City of Stars has already inspired me, and I can’t wait to see where it leads next.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to the World Bachelor in Business program, the undergraduate program I’m currently studying. It’s a one-of-a-kind triple-degree program where students spend four years across three continents, studying at the University of Southern California (USC) in the U.S., Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in Asia, and Bocconi University in Italy. By the end of the program, we graduate with three degrees and, more importantly, a global perspective that shapes how we view the world.

WBB has been instrumental in my journey from entrepreneur to artist. It introduced me to like-minded individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and gave me the unique opportunity to study at some of the world’s top business and cinematic arts institutions. Through WBB, I’ve been able to merge my passion for business and storytelling, and this interdisciplinary approach has become a cornerstone of my personal and professional growth.

WBB is more than just an academic program; it’s a global community that constantly inspires me to think bigger, connect more deeply, and create with purpose. For that, I will always be grateful.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlotte_wxwq/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-xwang/

Image Credits
Sunny Tao, Jason Kan, Echo Zhu, Charlotte Wang