Designing Innovation: How Ling Zhang Built a Patented Apparel Startup  

When Ling Zhang set out to redesign the nursing bra, she was solving a problem she experienced herself. Today, her company, Muqin, holds two patents and is generating revenue, proving how Iowa State innovators can turn research into real-world impact. 

Muqin, which means “mother” in Mandarin Chinese, creates garments specifically designed for breastfeeding women. Ling developed a nursing bra and babydoll shirt that combine functionality with comfort and aesthetics, addressing a gap in the market for supportive yet comfortable and thoughtfully designed nursing wear. 

“Muqin is a unique brand that helps mothers who want to feel confident and beautiful,” Ling said. 

Building a business while being a faculty member 

While building a startup from the ground up, Ling was also teaching full-time at Iowa State. She balanced the demands of being an associate professor in Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management with the realities of launching a business.  

To manage both roles, Ling carved out time outside of her teaching schedule, working on product development and manufacturing in the evenings and on weekends, and using summer breaks to prepare for major milestones like product launches. 

“I worked on the business during weekends and after teaching,” Ling said. “During the summer, I focused on preparing for manufacturing and launch.”  

Ling emphasized that success required careful planning. “You have to have a very solid and clear timeline,” she said. “You have to plan very well for the entire year.”  

Her experience highlights how both Iowa State faculty and students can pursue entrepreneurial ventures alongside their academic work with the right structure and support. 

Validating the problem and developing a solution 

“The biggest challenge was identifying what made our product truly unique,” said Ling. 

During the early stages of development, Ling worked with business partner Li Jiang to conduct literature reviews and analyze existing nursing bras on the market. Their goal was not to replicate what already existed, but to identify gaps and create a more effective solution. 

“If we design something that is already on the market, why do we need to do that?” Ling said. “That took a lot of time to think through, and also a lot of communication with overseas manufacturers, because this was a very unique product. They had never made something like this before.” 

Through her research and personal experience, Ling identified a key issue: most nursing bras fail to account for the body changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. 

“There’s no bra that considers body size changes, especially in the underband,” Ling said. “The body changes significantly, and existing products don’t adapt to that.” 

Developing a solution required collaboration with manufacturers overseas, where sizing standards differed significantly from those in North America. Early prototypes reflected those differences. 

One of the nursing bra prototypes.

“The first samples they sent were far too small because they used their own sizing system,” Ling said. “I had to explain the North American standards and advocate for the correct fit.” 

The final design includes adjustable sizing across small, medium, and large sizes to better accommodate changing body types: an innovation rooted in both research and lived experience. 

Creating a product that stood apart required not only technical adjustments but also a focus on comfort and confidence. Ling incorporated high-quality fabrics and thoughtful design elements to support mothers through the physical challenges of breastfeeding. 

“Breastfeeding is already difficult for many mothers,” she said. “I wanted to create something that could make them feel more comfortable, and more like themselves.” 

Leveraging resources and building mentor connections 

Ling leveraged programs through the ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship to transition from researcher to entrepreneur. She participated in I-Corps and the Iowa State University Startup Factory, gaining hands-on experience in building and launching a business. 

Ling said the ISU Startup Factory provided practical business training in areas she had not previously studied, including accounting, taxes, and legal processes. 

“Startup Factory taught me how to start a business and how to be a businessperson, not just a professor,” Zhang said. “I had never taken business classes, and I didn’t know how to read accounting or legal documents. They provided a lot of resources.” 

Through the 18-week program, participants like Ling are paired with experienced mentors and meet weekly for one-on-one guidance. This mentorship played a critical role in her development as a founder. 

“My mentor helped me a lot,” she said. “He gave me suggestions, encouragement, and confidence to continue building my business.” 

Ling said the experience not only strengthened her business knowledge but also gave her the confidence to move forward with Muqin. 

“I definitely learned a lot,” she said. “I really appreciate the experience I had at Startup Factory.” 

Advocating for design entrepreneurship  

While her path to entrepreneurship required patience and persistence, Ling now sees herself as an advocate for entrepreneurship, especially among designers and engineers. 

“I never thought about having a startup company or running a business,” she said. “But it has become a real benefit to my teaching. Fashion design is a practical major, and for students to succeed in the industry, they need to understand how to sell their garments.” 

Ling emphasizes that technical skills alone are not enough. Understanding the business of design, from market demand to pricing and production decisions, is essential for bringing ideas to life. 

“I highly recommend that my students take entrepreneurship courses,” she said. “The materials you choose, including fabric, affect how you price a garment. Those decisions are all connected to the business side. It’s not just about designing something.” 

She encourages students to take advantage of resources like the ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship to turn their ideas into real ventures. 

Receiving an issued patent and generating revenue 

Ling has secured not just one, but two patents for her work with Muqin and is actively generating revenue through the business. 

“I got the first design patent in November 2024, so that’s already two and a half years later,” Ling said. “It’s a long journey.” 

She received a second patent for utilization in December 2025, a milestone that was a long time coming. Looking ahead, Ling plans to expand Muqin’s product line while navigating ongoing uncertainty in the global manufacturing landscape. 

“We plan to launch more products in the near future,” she said. “We’re exploring not only bras, but also underwear, loungewear, and sleepwear.” 

Despite the challenges, Ling remains focused on innovation and impact. 

“I want to show that fashion design can change people’s lives,” she said.