New York City, January 19, 2026
Shiyao Tang, a 34-year-old entrepreneur, leaves her high-paying position at DoorDash to pursue her passion for fashion by launching Soir Si, a silk womenswear brand. Transitioning from tech to fashion, she aims to create accessible luxury silk apparel that reflects her multicultural experiences. With a commitment to simplicity and sustainability, Tang is dedicated to building her brand identity while forming international manufacturing partnerships. Her journey highlights a growing trend of professionals seeking personal fulfillment through entrepreneurship in today’s evolving workforce landscape.
New York City, NY
Former DoorDash Manager Launches Silk Womenswear Brand
Entrepreneur Shiyao Tang transitions from tech to fashion to pursue her passion.
Shiyao Tang, a 34-year-old entrepreneur, has made a significant career shift by leaving her lucrative position at DoorDash to establish Soir Si, a new silk womenswear brand. This bold move, which sees her stepping away from a $390,000 salary, illustrates the spirit of innovation and the quest for personal fulfillment that is becoming increasingly common among professionals today.
After joining DoorDash in 2022 as a strategy and operations manager, Tang quickly discovered that while her role was both challenging and rewarding, it lacked a personal connection to the end-users. Recognizing this disconnect led her to reflect on her true passions, ultimately driving her to pursue a venture centered around her love for fashion—specifically, a silk apparel brand that mirrors her multicultural experiences.
Transition to Entrepreneurship
Transitioning from a stable tech job to launching a fashion brand is a trend that reflects the evolving landscape of career choices. Over a dedicated five-month period, Tang meticulously planned her exit from DoorDash. She engaged in extensive research and discussions with potential customers to establish a brand that emphasizes accessibility in luxury silk apparel. With a focus on simplicity and minimalism, Soir Si aims to create elegant yet affordable pieces that cater to a diverse clientele.
Current Endeavors
Now splitting her time between New York City and Paris, Tang is deeply invested in building Soir Si’s brand identity. She is actively involved in developing the brand’s website and has begun establishing relationships with manufacturers in Portugal. This international approach not only underscores the global ambition behind the brand but also highlights the commitment Tang has to create products that align with her values of sustainability and ethical production.
Industry Context
Tang’s transition mirrors a wider phenomenon seen across various sectors, where individuals are increasingly leaving established tech careers to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. As professionals seek more meaningful work experiences and the opportunity to express their creativity, startups and small businesses are on the rise, contributing to local economies and fostering innovation. This shift may also be aided by an environment of limited regulation, which can encourage entrepreneurial creativity and the growth of new enterprises.
Conclusion
Shiyao Tang’s journey from a high-paying role in the tech industry to launching her own fashion brand illustrates the pursuit of personal fulfillment that is shaping the current workforce landscape. It represents not just an individual transition but a collective shift towards embracing entrepreneurship and small-business innovation. As New Yorkers, we can support these entrepreneurial efforts by engaging with local brands like Soir Si, contributing to a vibrant economy and inspiring future generations of innovators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Shiyao Tang?
Shiyao Tang is a 34-year-old entrepreneur who left her $390,000 position at DoorDash to start Soir Si, a silk womenswear brand.
What is Soir Si?
Soir Si is a silk womenswear brand founded by Shiyao Tang, focusing on making luxury silk apparel accessible with simple and minimalistic designs.
Where is Shiyao Tang based?
Shiyao Tang splits her time between New York City and Paris, working on building Soir Si’s brand identity and establishing relationships with manufacturers in Portugal.
What led Shiyao Tang to leave her tech job?
Shiyao Tang felt disconnected from the end-users in her role at DoorDash and desired to pursue her passion for fashion, leading her to start her own brand.
What does Shiyao Tang’s decision signify?
Shiyao Tang’s decision reflects a broader trend of professionals transitioning from stable tech careers to entrepreneurship in search of more meaningful work experiences.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Subject | Shiyao Tang’s transition from a high-paying tech job to launching a fashion brand |
| Brand Name | Soir Si |
| Industry | Fashion (Silk Womenswear) |
| Location | New York City and Paris |
| Previous Employer | DoorDash |
| Annual Salary at Previous Job | $390,000 |
| Mission of Soir Si | To make luxury silk apparel accessible with simple and minimalistic designs |
| Manufacturing Partners | Manufacturers in Portugal |
| Industry Trend | Professionals transitioning from tech careers to entrepreneurship |
Now Happening on X
- @socoloffalex (Jan 16, 2026): Dreaming up and launching Silque AI, an AI-powered fashion photography studio for apparel and products to streamline imaging without costly experiments. View on X
- @tttliveonline (Jan 12, 2026): Highlighting Caribbean entrepreneur Allison Carr, who built her Trinidadian fashion brand ‘Collection by Ally’ in New York through dedication and creativity. View on X
- @aikr8ivedesigns (Jan 16, 2026): Showcasing a logo design for Silk & Sole, a modern womenswear and footwear brand emphasizing stylish comfort for women. View on X
- @NYC_SBS (Jan 13, 2026): Celebrating Silvia Mella and Nicola Zanatta’s success in turning Sorate, a Japanese tea e-commerce startup, into a SoHo storefront in NYC with city support. View on X
- @DrJessxAI (Jan 16, 2026): Recalling the “Regen Runway” fashion shows in NYC, partnering to promote sustainable local designers through VIP networking events. View on X
- @aem76us (Jan 18, 2026): Noting the Lingua Franca store window on Jane St. featuring custom hand-embroidered sweaters made by women in NYC, each unique. View on X
- @womanandhome (Jan 18, 2026): Announcing a new limited-edition collection launching today, blending Parisian style with artisanal details. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
