We had the good fortune of connecting with Chenyang Nie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chenyang, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
As a former fashion designer who has transitioned into a professional curator and business owner, I deeply understand the challenges of artistic creation—especially for emerging artists fresh out of school. Many of these talented individuals leave academic environments full of passion and potential, yet find themselves lost when it comes to entering the professional art world. I’ve experienced this uncertainty myself, which is why I founded my company: to turn my personal journey into a meaningful support system for others.

My business is dedicated to empowering emerging artists by providing them with platforms, guidance, and opportunities to grow. We aim to remove the anxiety that often clouds early artistic careers, allowing artists to focus on their creative expression while we—my team and I—find the right ways to present and promote their work. Through mentorship, exhibitions, residencies, and collaborative projects, we help artists step into the industry with confidence, ensuring their talents are seen, valued, and nurtured.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I relocated from New York to Los Angeles, which meant leaving behind much of the network and connections I had built. Starting fresh in a new city, I knew I needed to rebuild my relationships and gain relevant local experience. To do this, I interned at many museums, galleries, and art foundations, constantly learning and accumulating practical knowledge.

As a newcomer to the industry, I often faced setbacks and moments of self-doubt, feeling that my efforts were not enough. However, I was fortunate to receive ongoing support from many of my previous supervisors, as well as the professors at USC, who were always willing to help when I reached out. Their guidance kept me motivated during challenging times.

With perseverance and the experience I gathered, I was eventually able to launch my own career as a curator and business owner. This journey has taught me the importance of resilience, seeking support when needed, and continuously learning. What sets me apart is my unique perspective as someone who transitioned from fashion design to curating, combined with a deep empathy for emerging artists facing similar challenges.

Through my brand, I want the world to know that creative success is rarely a straight path—it’s built on persistence, community, and the courage to start anew. My mission is to help artists find their own place and voice in the art world, just as I found mine.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I would definitely start by taking them to all the famous landmarks to make sure they don’t miss out on any must-see sights. After covering the basics, if they showed interest, I would use my professional expertise to guide them through some of the best museums and galleries in the area, sharing insights and stories about the artworks and artists.

Surprisingly, most of my friends actually love this part—I thought they might find it boring! I’d also take them to exhibitions I have curated and introduce them to some of the artists I admire, offering a more personal and unique art experience.

When it comes to food, beyond the wide variety of restaurants, I’m quite knowledgeable about food trucks and local hidden gems. So if my friends leave the meals up to me, I would customize a fantastic culinary journey that blends classic favorites with exciting street food, creating a truly memorable experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My growth and success would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of many people—especially during my transition into the field of curating. I’m particularly grateful to the professors and mentors I met through the USC program: Suzanne Lacy, Jenny Lin, Amelia Jones, and Andrew Campbell. Their deep knowledge and industry experience helped guide me and showed me how to find my place in this field.

When I left New York for Los Angeles to enter an entirely new area of study, I was filled with uncertainty and doubt. But with their support, I ended up learning far more than I ever expected—and ultimately, I was able to build a career of my own. I owe them a great deal of credit for where I am today.

Website: https://artistryedge.org

Instagram: @l_by_n/@artistry_edge_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chenyang-nie-2a4056202/

Other: red note: 11519429059
red note: ArtistryEdge

Image Credits
Images of exhibitions I curated, credits to each photographer.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.