在跨界中,找到商業與生活的黃金比例:專訪 ININHOME 創辦人暨設計總監 Vanessa 林佳語

 

ININHOME 創辦人暨設計總監 Vanessa 林佳語(Vanessa, Head Director of ININHOME)

 
 

「許多人以為設計靠的是感性,但對我來說,邏輯跟數據在創業的過程中非常重要。你不能只有美感,去忽略這兩點的重要性。」Vanessa 語氣溫柔而堅定地說出這句話。

多次拍攝合作,ININHOME 創辦人 Vanessa 總給我們一種能量充沛、眼神明亮,卻又帶著經歲月與商場洗鍊後的從容感受。大學時期的她,便投身服裝產業,在東區街頭與電商浪潮中搏殺,再毅然決然轉身投入家居美學,甚至跨足營養師品牌。她的職涯路徑看似跳躍,實則有一條清晰的邏輯線。不僅是對市場痛點的敏銳嗅覺,也是對美好生活的執著追求。

這次我們與 Vanessa 將深入探討女性創業的歷程,從快時尚到慢生活的轉折心境,以及她如何在多重身分中,運用智慧調度能量,優雅地構建出屬於她的美學聚落。

 
 
  • "Many believe design relies on intuition, but logic and data are vital to entrepreneurship. You cannot value aesthetics while ignoring these two elements," Vanessa stated gently yet firmly.

    Through multiple collaborations, ININHOME founder Vanessa has consistently radiated energy and clarity, balanced by a composure refined through years in business. She entered the apparel industry during college, navigating the competitive retail sectors before pivoting decisively into home aesthetics and even a dietitian brand. Her career path seems indirect but follows a clear logic. It reveals her sharp intuition for market needs and an unwavering pursuit of a quality lifestyle.

    In this interview, we explore her entrepreneurial journey as a woman, her transition from fast fashion to slow living, and how she wisely channels her energy across multiple roles to elegantly build her aesthetic community.

 
 
 
 

從快時尚到慢生活,一場關於跨出舒適圈的叛逆


Q:從早期的服裝產業跨足到現在的家居與室內設計,甚至營養師品牌,是什麼樣的契機讓妳決定轉換跑道?



Vanessa: 其實那是一種對產業週期的反思。最早我在大學時就創業做服裝網拍,大四那年在東區開店,經營女裝品牌 I'MIUSA 好幾年的時間。那是一個高壓且快速更迭的世界,一季只有三個月,但流行趨勢可能一兩個月就換了一輪。我們永遠在追趕流行,這樣的節奏,讓我時常感覺生活與工作之間難以取得平衡。

同時,在長期觀察下,也逐漸意識到整體市場結構正在轉變,服裝產業的投資報酬率相對過往有所下滑。也因此,我開始思考下一個階段的可能性,嘗試在既有經驗之上,尋找新的突破點與更具長期價值的發展方向。

後來我開始接觸家飾品,我發現產品生命週期與快時尚截然不同。傢俱是可以陪伴你很久的。當時我在準備開設自己的店面,發現要在台灣找好看的傢俱太難了,得跑好幾個地方才能買齊。我就想,如果有個網站能讓我一次滿足該多好?

 
 
  • From Fast Fashion to Slow Living: A Rebellious Step Outside the Comfort Zone

    Q: What prompted your transition from the early apparel industry to home decor, interior design, and eventually a dietitian brand?

    Vanessa:
    It stemmed from reflecting on industry cycles. I started an online clothing business in college and ran my womenswear brand I'MIUSA for years. That environment was stressful and rapidly changing. A season lasts three months, but trends shift every few weeks. Constantly chasing trends made balancing work and life difficult.

    Observing the market, I realized the structure was shifting and apparel profit margins were declining. I began exploring new opportunities for sustained value based on my experience. When I discovered home decor, I realized its product life cycle contrasts sharply with fast fashion. Furniture is enduring. While preparing to open my store, I found sourcing attractive furniture in Taiwan required visiting countless locations. I wished for a single platform to meet all those needs.

 
 
 
 

Jamie: 所以轉做 ININHOME,其實也是妳從「消費者」角度出發的洞察?

Vanessa: 是的,我很喜歡分析市場。我會去想這個市場上缺乏什麼,而現在的人有什麼困擾。如果我能解決這個痛點,這就是商機。

我的創業邏輯往往源於我自己就是「消費者」,將我觀察到的「痛點」,提出解決的方案。比如我們的官網為什麼要傢俱照做成白底圖?因為我知道設計師需要做簡報,乾淨的去背圖對他們來說最方便。這就是換位思考。我也曾經是那個需要到處找軟裝家具的消費者,所以我知道他們的痛點。創業要成功不是只為了自我滿足,而是要解決問題。

Jamie: 除了官網設計,妳們的服務項目也針對這類痛點進行哪些調整?

Vanessa: 我們設立了軟裝部門,也推出輕裝修服務。因為我發現市場上有一個斷層:有些客人其實不需要打牆、動水電的大型裝潢,他們只想改一下油漆色調、換個地板、增加收納空間的系統櫃,或者有整體風格傢俱。傳統設計公司可能不想接這種小案子,但這對消費者來說卻是極大的需求。所以我們把這塊服務提供給消費者,讓軟裝師也能處理這些輕量化的工程,解決客人「只想改變局部空間」的困擾。

 
 
  • Jamie: Creating ININHOME was an insight driven by a consumer perspective?

    Vanessa: Exactly. I love analyzing the market to identify what is missing and what frustrates people. Solving those pain points creates business opportunities. My entrepreneurial logic stems from being a consumer myself and proposing solutions to the problems I observe.

    For example, our website features furniture on pure white backgrounds because I know designers need clean images for presentations. That is empathy in practice. Having been a consumer struggling to find soft furnishings, I understand their frustrations. Successful entrepreneurship is about solving problems, not just personal satisfaction.

    Jamie: Beyond website design, how have your services adapted to address these pain points?

    Vanessa: We established a soft furnishings department and introduced light renovation services. I noticed a market gap where some clients do not need major structural changes or plumbing work. They simply want new paint, updated flooring, added storage, or a cohesive furniture style. Traditional design firms often decline these smaller projects, yet consumer demand is massive. We provide this service so our decorators can handle lightweight renovations, solving the problem for clients who only want to modify specific areas.

 
 
 
 

Jamie: 那跨足「營養師品牌」也是同樣的邏輯嗎?

Vanessa: 對,大家想到看營養師,通常會聯想到去醫院,環境是冰冷的、有壓力的。但我希望能改變這個體驗,把它變成像去沙龍一樣享受。妳是去放鬆、去變健康的,而不是去看病的。這種將「美學體驗」植入不同產業的思維,就是我創業的核心。

 
 
  • Jamie: Did you apply the same logic when expanding into the dietitian brand?

    Vanessa: Yes. People usually associate seeing a dietitian with stressful, sterile hospital environments. I wanted to transform that experience into something as enjoyable as visiting a salon. You go there to relax and get healthy, not to seek medical treatment. Injecting aesthetic experiences into different industries is the core of my entrepreneurship.

 
 

將美學體驗植入營養師諮詢場域

 
 
 
 

在數據與直覺之間,精準拿捏市場的刻度


Q:在商業與藝術之間,往往很難取得平衡。妳是如何拿捏這把尺的?



Vanessa: 這是我覺得自己比較幸運的地方。我喜歡的東西,剛好大眾也喜歡,但我會堅持要比市場具前瞻性一點。

只要一點點就好,不能太多。因為純藝術追求的是極致的自我表達,不一定需要迎合大眾;但經營公司的邏輯不同,我們的目標是要能獲利、有發展性,所以必須精準拿捏市場的接受度。因此,我會看數據,如果某種類型商品雖然我很愛,但市場反應冷淡,我就會調整商品的比例,這類型商品當作提升品牌高度的象徵,而不是銷售主力商品。

 
 
  • Between Data and Intuition: Precisely Measuring the Market

    Q: Balancing commerce and art is often difficult. How do you find that equilibrium?

    Vanessa: I consider myself fortunate here. The things I like happen to appeal to the public, but I insist on staying slightly ahead of the market. Just slightly, not too much. Pure art pursues ultimate personal expression without needing to cater to the masses. However, running a company requires profitability and growth, demanding a precise gauge of market acceptance. Therefore, I rely on data. If I love a product type but the market reaction is cold, I adjust its proportion. I treat those items as symbols to elevate the brand image rather than primary sales drivers.

 
 
 
 

Jamie: 這讓我想到電影產業,好萊塢往往也是在技術成熟後,把二十年前的前衛概念重新包裝給大眾。因為如果太冷門、太藝術,就沒辦法打入大眾市場,這完全呼應了妳的多一點點哲學。

那你這種對市場的敏銳度是怎麼培養的?

Vanessa: 我是一個喜歡觀察趨勢的人,不只看設計,也看國際局勢和科技。我甚至很愛看房地產網站,天天看。因為房地產反映了人們最真實的生活需求。

我也會把在國外看到的靈感帶回來轉化。例如我們在宜蘭做的一個民宿案子,靈感其實來自我在米蘭看到的一個由古蹟改建的 SPA。那個空間有很強的歷史感與靜謐感,我就思考如何把這種古老元素提取出來,放進台灣的民宿裡。雖然台灣沒有那樣的建築,但我們可以透過材質與氛圍的營造,讓客人在宜蘭也能感受到那種截然不同的空間體驗。

Jamie: 談到趨勢,現在社群媒體也是兵家必爭之地,妳怎麼看待現在的流量焦慮?

Vanessa: 現在資訊真的太爆炸了,特別是 AI 出來後,內容產出變得太容易。但我反而覺得要重質不重量。

如果沒有真的值得分享的觀點或好案子,我寧可安靜。我不想為了流量去轟炸大家的眼球。在雜訊這麼多的時代,能夠提供有沈澱感、有真實溫度的內容,反而才是稀缺的。這也是為什麼我即便經營社群,也堅持要有話才說,而不是為了演算法而發文。

 
 
  • Jamie: This reminds me of the film industry. Hollywood often repackages visionary concepts from decades ago once the technology matures. If something is too niche or artistic, it cannot penetrate the mass market. This perfectly echoes your philosophy of staying just slightly ahead. How do you cultivate this market sensitivity?

    Vanessa: I love observing trends, spanning design, international affairs, and technology. I even browse real estate websites daily because they reflect people's most authentic living needs.

    I also translate inspiration gathered abroad. For instance, a guesthouse project we did in Yilan was inspired by a spa built inside a historical site in Milan. That space possessed a profound sense of history and tranquility. I considered how to extract those ancient elements and apply them to a Taiwanese guesthouse. Even without similar architecture here, we can use materials and atmosphere to offer guests a completely different spatial experience in Yilan.

    Jamie: Speaking of trends, social media is highly competitive. How do you view the current anxiety over online traffic?

    Vanessa: We are experiencing an information explosion, especially since artificial intelligence made content creation so easy. I believe in prioritizing quality over quantity. I prefer to stay quiet if I lack a truly valuable perspective or a great project to share. I refuse to bombard people just for traffic. In an era full of noise, providing content with depth and genuine warmth is rare. That is why, even while managing social media, I only post when I have something meaningful to say rather than feeding the algorithm.

 
 
 
 

撕下刻板標籤:女性創業家的溫柔與決絕


Q:作為女性創業家,妳是否曾面臨過性別刻板印象的挑戰?



Vanessa: 這真的太常發生了。早期在職場與創業過程中,女性很容易被貼上標籤。曾經有一次我去傳統市場買菜,因為趕著去開會請阿姨結帳快一點,阿姨說:「長這麼漂亮還需要上班喔?」我當時直接回她:「對,我們就是要走漂亮,又有自己事業的路線。」對我來說,這不只是回應,而是一種選擇,一種為女性的發聲。

女性本來就可以同時擁有多種樣貌,也有能力在不同領域中創造價值及發揮影響力。

我每一年都會為自己設定目標,其中一個就是:因為身為女性曾遇過的職場不公,我不希望我的員工在公司裡再遇到。我們公司女性居多,我希望打造一個以「專業與表現」為核心的工作環境。不論性別,每一位同仁都能透過專業能力被看見,在組織中有清楚的發揮空間與成長路徑。

 
 
  • Tearing Off Stereotypes: The Tenderness and Resolve of a Female Entrepreneur

    Q: As a female entrepreneur, have you faced challenges related to gender stereotypes?

    Vanessa: It happens incredibly often. Early in my career and entrepreneurial journey, women were easily stereotyped. Once at a traditional market, I asked the vendor to hurry because I was rushing to a meeting. She asked, "You are so pretty, do you still need to work?" I replied directly, "Yes, we are pursuing a path of being beautiful while running our own businesses."

    To me, this was not just a reply but a choice and a way to speak up for women. Women can inherently possess multiple facets and the ability to create value across different fields. Every year I set goals, and one is ensuring my employees never experience the workplace unfairness I faced as a woman. Our company is predominantly female, and I want to build a work environment centered on professionalism and performance. Regardless of gender, every colleague should be recognized for their expertise and have a clear path for growth.

 
 
 
 

Jamie: 這是一種很強大的保護欲與使命感。在管理上,妳認為女性有什麼獨特的優勢嗎?

Vanessa: 細膩與柔軟。在職場上,我們可以有魄力、殺伐決斷;但在溝通僵持不下時,身段柔軟不是示弱,而是解決問題的方法。有時候僵持不下的局面,用柔軟的溝通方式反而能化解。

Jamie: 外界常會給女性主管貼上「情緒化」的標籤,妳在職場上是如何處理情緒的?

Vanessa: 我的理念是,在工作與決策時,應避免因私人情緒影響大局。

因為公司組織本質是目標導向的,不論老闆或是團隊的個人情緒不應該被帶進公司影響工作,當領導者本身陷在情緒裡,決策會失準,團隊也會失去依據與方向。所以對我來說,情緒管理其實是一種專業能力,也是領導者的基本責任。你不只是管理事情,也需要管理好自己,才不會對公司造成負面影響,也是在管理整個團隊的節奏與狀態。

 
 
  • Jamie: That shows a strong protective instinct and sense of mission. Do you think women have unique advantages in management?

    Vanessa: Delicacy and flexibility. In the workplace, we can be bold and decisive. However, when communication reaches a stalemate, being flexible is not a sign of weakness but a method for resolving problems. Sometimes, a gentle communication approach can resolve deadlocks.

    Jamie: The outside world often labels female executives as emotional. How do you handle emotions at work?

    Vanessa: My philosophy is to prevent personal emotions from affecting the broader picture during work and when making decisions. A company is inherently driven by goals. Personal emotions from the boss or the team should not interfere with work. When a leader is trapped in emotion, decisions become inaccurate, and the team loses direction. For me, emotional management is a professional skill and a fundamental leadership responsibility. You are not just managing tasks but also yourself, preventing negative impacts on the company while regulating the rhythm of the entire team.

 
 
 
 

設計師與經營者的角色切換


Q:妳身兼多職,既是設計師又是經營者,這兩個角色妳怎麼切換?



Vanessa: 我覺得最大的差別在於視角。設計師會優先專注在自己的作品上,但經營者必須站在「制高點」看事情,看整體的發展與運作。

如果只從設計師角度出發,很容易忽略組織架構與公司成長所需要的策略布局。身為經營者,我會先思考公司在不同階段需要什麼樣的組織與分工,建立清楚的架構,並讓各部門都有對應的關鍵角色去承擔責任。

在公司持續擴大的過程中,我也不斷調整自己的位置,從「親力親為」轉為抓重點「做決策與給方向」。我的角色更像是提供框架與判斷,讓團隊在明確的方向下,有足夠的空間發揮專業。

 
 
  • Switching Between Designer and Executive Roles

    Q: You hold multiple titles as both a designer and an executive. How do you switch between these roles?

    Vanessa: The main difference lies in perspective. A designer prioritizes their own work, while an executive must take an elevated view of overall development and operations. Solely taking a designer perspective makes it easy to overlook organizational structure and strategic planning needed for growth.

    As an executive, I first consider what organization and division of labor the company needs at various stages, building a clear structure and assigning key roles to take responsibility in each department. As the company expands, I continuously adjust my position from direct involvement to focusing on making decisions and setting directions. My role is to provide frameworks and judgments, giving the team ample space to utilize their expertise within a clear direction.

 
 
 
 

Q:最後,妳會給想創業的人什麼建議?



Vanessa: 我一直都是「從做中學」,然後全心投入。只要妳全心投入一個產業,每天都在想這些事情,四五年後妳自然會成為專家,不一定非要科班出身不可。

 
 
  • Q: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

    Vanessa: I have always learned by doing and committing fully. If you devote yourself to an industry and think about it daily, you will naturally become an expert in four or five years, even without formal academic training.

 
 
 
 

看著 Vanessa 上一秒還是談論營收與組織架構的犀利經營者,下一秒談起生活,眼神又立刻柔軟了下來。那份在理性與感性間的無縫切換,自然流暢且真實。她身上沒有傳統女強人的緊繃感,反而多了一份經得起市場考驗的從容。

以實際數據支撐品味,用自律換取自由。Vanessa 在感性的設計與理性的商業光譜兩端,不偏不倚,優雅地走出了屬於她的黃金比例。

 
 
  • Watching Vanessa transition seamlessly from a sharp executive discussing revenue and organizational structure to someone with a softened gaze when talking about life feels entirely natural and genuine. She lacks the rigid tension of a traditional businesswoman, possessing instead a composure that has withstood market tests. Backing her taste with actual data and trading discipline for freedom, Vanessa strikes a perfect balance between emotional design and rational business, elegantly establishing her own golden ratio.

 
 
 
 

採訪|Jamie Lo . 編輯|Fei.W
攝影|Jamie Lo、ChichiL
 
 

 
Jamie Yelo 是攝影師、創作者,也是 Hey!Cheese 創辦人。他的專欄,是思考與實驗的場域,亦是他在專業與探索之間,不斷建構自我語言與獨特視角的重要延伸。