Ying came from humble beginnings. His began his career in the earlier years as an ordinary laborer in the Manufacturing garment factory, and making his way up to receiving clients such as Esprit. Eventually, by association, Esprit hired Ying as its sole sourcing agent in 1970, being one of the first of their kind to manufacture clothing at that level efficiency and productivity. Esprit Far East Group began operating in the 1970s when its founders Susie and Douglas Tompkins began Business with Ying.