Wendy Shen is a dynamic entrepreneur, global business leader, and a champion of women and minority-owned enterprises. As the president and CEO of FLOMO/Nygala Corporation, she has built an international powerhouse in product development, manufacturing, logistics, and global sourcing. With over 30 years of experience, Wendy has transformed her business from a small operation into a one-stop solution for retailers worldwide, offering innovative, high-quality products spanning party supplies, stationery, home decor, seasonal merchandise, and more.
Born in Taiwan, Wendy was deeply influenced by her family’s entrepreneurial spirit. Her father, known as the “King of Pencil Cases,” ran a successful stationery manufacturing company, which laid the foundation for Wendy’s future endeavors. Despite her parents’ wishes for her to return home after completing her MBA at Pace University, she pursued her dream of establishing a business in the United States. With determination and resilience, she convinced her parents to send her merchandise, and from a small office above a dry cleaner, FLOMO/Nygala was born in 1992.
The journey was far from easy. As a minority woman in business, Wendy faced numerous obstacles, including language barriers, limited resources, and difficulty gaining credibility. She single-handedly managed all aspects of the company, from sales and inventory management to shipping and finance. Her breakthrough came when she secured a contract with Disney, proving that persistence and quality products could open doors.
Under Wendy’s leadership, FLOMO/Nygala Corp. has become a trusted global brand, supplying over 10,000 products to retailers worldwide. Her expertise in global product sourcing, manufacturing, and third-party logistics has positioned the company as an industry leader. With teams in the United States, Taiwan, and China, she ensures seamless operations, from concept and design to production, compliance, and fulfillment.
Beyond business, Wendy is a passionate mentor and advocate for women entrepreneurs and minority-owned enterprises. She serves on the boards of the IWEC Foundation, WBEC Metro NY, and the FLOMO Educational Foundation, which provides free English and computer programming lessons to underprivileged children in Taiwan. Her commitment to economic empowerment and education reflects her dedication to giving back to the global community.
Her leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2023 Enterprising Women of the Year Award, the IWEC Award for International Women Entrepreneurs, and recognition from Ernst & Young as a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year in 2013. She was also named among the Best 50 Women in Business by NJBIZ in 2013 and recognized as a 2013 Women Presidents Organization Women of Color Achievement Awardee in partnership with 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Additionally, she won the Small Business Global Trade Award at World Trade Week in 2015 and was honored with the Enterprising Women in Commerce Award for International Trade in 2021 by the New Jersey Commerce and Industry Association. In 2012, she was named to the Women Worth Watching® list by Diversity Journal, and her company, FLOMO®, was recognized as one of the Top 500 Women-Owned Businesses in the U.S. and Top 100 Asian Pacific American-Owned Businesses by DiversityBusiness.com. FLOMO® is certified by WBENC, NMSDC, and WEConnect International, and in 2011, it earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 List of the Nation’s Fastest-Growing Businesses. She has also been honored by organizations such as the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, YMCA Bergen County, and the Center for Hope and Safety.
Wendy’s influence extends beyond corporate success. She is a firm believer in mentorship, collaboration, and strategic innovation. She actively works with small businesses and Fortune 1000 companies alike, helping them navigate product development, global sourcing, and international trade. Her strategic insight and hands-on approach have made her a sought-after leader in retail and manufacturing.
Through her work with nonprofits and business organizations, Wendy empowers future leaders and entrepreneurs to achieve success in a competitive global market. Her ability to adapt to shifting business landscapes, as seen during the pandemic-driven shift to e-commerce and logistics solutions, underscores her foresight and resilience.
A lifelong learner, Wendy has further refined her leadership and strategic skills through executive education at Harvard Business School and IESE Business School. She combines her academic knowledge with real-world experience to drive business growth, foster innovation, and build sustainable global partnerships.
Wendy Shen’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and transformation. From a small startup to an international brand, she has carved a path for herself and others in the industry. She remains dedicated to empowering businesses, mentoring future leaders, and making a lasting impact on the global economy.
Character:
Wendy Shen exemplifies resilience and determination, overcoming language barriers, financial challenges, and industry biases to build a thriving global business. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and perseverance in the face of adversity have shaped her into a respected leader and mentor. A true people person, Wendy leads with empathy, passion, and vision, always walking every corner of the company to stay connected with her team. She is not only an exceptional motivator, coach, and mentor but also a leader who prioritizes collaboration and long-term relationships. Wendy puts her customers, employees, stakeholders, and vendors first, fostering a culture where teamwork and shared success drive sustainable growth. Her leadership has cultivated a dedicated workforce, with many employees having been with the company for over a decade, a testament to the trust, respect, and sense of purpose she instills in her team.
Knowledge:
With over 30 years of experience in manufacturing, retail, and global sourcing, Wendy possesses a deep understanding of product development, logistics, and international trade. Her ability to combine hands-on expertise with executive education from Harvard Business School and IESE Business School further strengthens her strategic leadership.
Strategic:
Wendy’s foresight in adapting to industry trends, such as e-commerce growth and supply chain innovations, has been instrumental in FLOMO/Nygala’s expansion. With 30 years of experience in the importing, wholesale, and product development business, she has a deep understanding of retail market trends, from big-box retail chains to off-price retail chains. Her expertise extends to advising retail partners in key areas such as worldwide manufacturing, logistics, pricing, negotiation, product development, and global sourcing, particularly in consumer products. Her ability to pivot during economic shifts and global disruptions showcases her visionary approach to business, ensuring continued growth and success in an ever-evolving market.
Communication:
Wendy excels in cross-cultural collaboration, effectively bridging teams across the United States, Taiwan, and China to ensure seamless operations. Her ability to listen, mentor, and negotiate with global partners fosters long-term relationships and business success.
