Today we’d like to introduce you to Krystal Hsiung
Hi Krystal, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up, dance was my world. I trained and competed in various styles until the age of 16, when I decided to step away to focus on academics and my future career. My path initially led me into the oil and gas industry—a structured and technical field where I built a strong foundation in problem-solving and strategic thinking.
Over time, I realized my passion for design and human interaction, which led me to pursue a master’s degree in Interaction Design. That decision changed everything. I transitioned into tech, specifically UX design, where I now create intuitive digital experiences that bridge technology and human needs.
At 25, I rediscovered my love for dance. What started as a passion quickly evolved into something bigger—I completed my first full year as a professional dancer in Dallas, performing with USA Cheer and Jackals Rugby. Balancing both UX design and my career as a pro dancer has been incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to merge creativity, performance, and strategy in unique ways.
My journey has been anything but linear, but every step has shaped who I am today. Whether in tech or on the dance floor, I’m driven by a love for movement—whether that’s designing seamless user experiences or performing in front of a crowd.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Entering the oil and gas industry right before COVID-19 was tough—everything became uncertain as the industry struggled, forcing me to rethink my career. I needed a path that balanced both my technical and creative strengths, but transitioning into tech during such an unstable time wasn’t easy. I had to rebuild my skill set, network from scratch, and prove myself in a completely new field.
At the same time, I decided to return to dance after a decade away. Stepping back into something I was once trained in was intimidating—my body didn’t move the same way, and self-doubt crept in. But pushing through that discomfort led me to a professional dance career, proving to myself that with the right mindset, I could successfully reinvent myself in multiple ways.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I balance a corporate career in UX design while pursuing my passions as a professional dancer and content creator. By day, I design intuitive digital experiences that blend strategy and creativity. Outside of work, I perform professionally and build my brand in beauty, wellness, and performance.
What I’m most proud of is proving that you don’t have to choose between stability and passion—you can have both. What sets me apart is my ability to adapt and grow in multiple spaces, whether in tech, dance, or content creation. Balancing it all isn’t always easy, but it keeps me inspired and constantly evolving.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I see risk-taking as a necessary part of growth. For me, taking risks has never been about recklessness—it’s about trusting my ability to adapt and figuring things out along the way. Some of the biggest risks I’ve taken were career shifts: leaving the stability of oil and gas to break into tech, and later, stepping back into professional dance after a decade away. Neither path was guaranteed, and both required me to start over in different ways.
Transitioning industries meant rebuilding my skill set and proving myself in a completely new space. Returning to dance after so many years meant overcoming self-doubt and retraining both my body and mind. But in both cases, betting on myself paid off. I’ve learned that risks don’t always lead to immediate success, but they do lead to growth. And in the long run, I’d rather take the leap than wonder “what if.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystal_hsiung?igsh=djQyaHhucDFuanJ4&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystalhsiung?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Jonny, Thomas
