aBG Spotlights…

Women who inspire us through their life and work

Mylen Yamamoto Tangsinco, Founder of Cropmade & Clique-now

Cathy Nguyen Banaag, Radiologic Technologist

Drushti Gandhi, Manager, People Advisory Services, Consulting at Ernst & Young

Jessie Kim, CEO and Founder of Jessie Kitchen

Lulu Ge, Founder and CEO of Elix

Maria Yuan, Founding Executive Director of IssueVoter

Haesue Jo, LMFT and Clinical Operations Lead at BetterHelp

Olivia Cheng, Actress on HBO/Cinemax’s “Warrior”

Tammy Huynh, CEO and Founder of Omni Bev

Grace Yoon, Founder and CEO of Qi Alchemy

Occupation & company

Cropsticks by Cropmade | Clique-Now LLC

What was the moment that set the path for your career?

When I have an idea that keeps me up at night, I love mapping out the steps it would take to make the idea a reality. For example, the idea to Cropsticks happened on an airplane and then I spent the next few weeks mapping out steps to make the idea a reality.

The process is quite straightforward too. For example, Step 1: Research market opportunity. Step 2: Create a prototype. Step 3: Test for product, market, fit.

The journey to get to each step is exciting enough but it's when I get to the moment when the idea starts generating an actual income is when I realize, OK, this can be a career!

What do you love the most about what you do?

Before I was a full-time entrepreneur, I was a full-time professor so my first love has always been in teaching. When I get to help my clients at Clique-Now reach their dreams or when we're able to help our restaurant customers figure out ways to become more sustainable, I feel so fulfilled. I think I love being helpful.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by staying curious. That is number one for me. If I'm learning something to better myself and the business, it is easier to stay motivated.

Second but just as important, I like to build work in a calm environment as much as possible. If I'm able to refrain from feeling overwhelmed, my motivation lasts longer. In the earlier days of being an entrepreneur, I tried to do everything and felt so burnt out. It wasn't healthy. These days, when I take on a project or task, I now implement it into a system. Building systems are so important for your sanity and scalability.

How has your Asian identity played a role in your career?

As someone who represents Asian talent and built a product for Asian cuisine, my Asian identity has influenced my career by far. It wasn't intentional either but I think it goes to show that when you can proudly and authentically speak to something, it takes away feeling like a fraud. Feeling inauthentic in what you're pitching can drain your soul. So for me, being Asian has done the exact opposite. It empowered me.

Not to say that non-Asians can't represent Asian talent or invent kitchenware for Asian cuisine. I'm from Hawaii so I see the power in cross cultural collaboration. I mean, that's how we got Spam Musubi! But to understand the nuances in your pitch or point of sale every day takes energy. So the more someone researches and prepares their "pitch", the better it could be for everyone. I'm just lucky enough that I was raised with a good chuck on that knowledge. And even though I'm Asian (Japanese, Filipino, Chinese mix), there's still so much to learn.

Words of encouragement for others wanting to pursue the same career?

Instead of saying, "You got this!" because you already know that, I want to share something I wish someone told me when I first got started. And it's not fluffy.

Girl, get Quickbooks. Like for real. Once you start making money, Quickbooks can help track where it's coming from. It'll create reports that will categorize your expenses. You can easily send out invoices. Remember, the better systems you can create early on, the less overwhelmed and more motivated you'll be. I want you to feel less stress if you decide to pursue entrepreneurship. When it comes to tax time, you'll thank me later.

Quote or motto you live by

"Never Give Up On Something You Can't Go A Day Without Thinking About." Winston Churchill

Myers Briggs/Enneagram (if you know it!)

INTJ. (some times ENTJ)

Social Handles

Instagram: @mylennial | Youtube: @MylennialTipsforSmallBusinesses | TikTok: @mylennial

listen to her episode

OCCUPATION & COMPANY

Radiologic Technologist (Chino Valley Medical Center)

WHAT WAS THE MOMENT THAT SET THE PATH FOR YOUR CAREER?

I’m currently an x-ray technologist, but originally had set out to study music education. I felt like I needed to re-evaluate my career choice when I didn’t quite get the approval I was hoping for. Honestly, I was just annoyed at the fact that everyone kept questioning if I was making the right choices.. & with that, I had decided to go into pursuing something that was pressured upon me versus what I had previously decided I wanted to do.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

The opportunity that I get to help & be a part of making a positive impact on people’s lives is very fulfilling.

HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED?

Sometimes it's not so much the what or the how that matters, but the why -- the reasoning behind it everything I do, comes down to my family.

HOW HAS YOUR ASIAN IDENTITY PLAYED A ROLE IN YOUR CAREER?

Well, I guess you can say I took a very traditional route considering what I had initially planned out to do. Definitely a struggle under the weight of my parents’ expectations & definition of success versus what I truly wanted to do & was passionate about at the time. Obviously I decided to switch gears, & though I understand their intentions, I ultimately made my decision mainly to not disappoint & to stay loyal to them.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR OTHERS WANTING TO PURSUE THE SAME CAREER?

I think that with anything & whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy.

QUOTE OR MOTTO YOU LIVE BY

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" - Philippians 4:13

MYERS BRIGGS/ENNEAGRAM (IF YOU KNOW IT!)

ISFJ

Social Handles

Instagram: @yeeitscathy | Youtube: @lilcdawg

Listen to her episode

OCCUPATION & COMPANY

Manager, People Advisory Services, Consulting at Ernst & Young

WHAT WAS THE MOMENT THAT SET THE PATH FOR YOUR CAREER?

There were 2 distinct moments that set my path:

1) When I decided to pursue business instead of medicine: Although I knew I was always passionate about business, as first child and first-generation immigrant, I was on track for applying for Med school. It was a difficult decision but the right one for me. I graduated pre-med but started my first job at Enterprise, where I learned how to manage my own "mini-business".

2) When I decided I wanted to go into Consulting and go to Business School: I always knew I wanted my MBA, especially having a pre-med degree. Most people figure out their career while in school, but luckily for me, I figured I wanted to do Consulting (Human Capital specifically) prior to applying. Both of those came together perfectly at USC Marshall - this was one of the best decisions of my life. I started my job at EY after graduating!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I love being able to impact people and business. On the business front, as a consultant we get really cool opportunities to help business transform in small to large ways. My favorite project was one in which I got to see an immediate and real difference our work had made for the company and the people. They were so appreciative of what we did. I felt so fulfilled. On the people front, I manage some project teams and direct reports. I absolutely love mentoring, coaching, and developing others. This is where my purpose in life translates to my career - I genuinely love helping others find their happiness; in this case, growing their career, skills, and experiences. My goal is always to make the work environment a happy place for my team. After all, we spend 8-10 hours (50% of our “awake” time) working.

Other things I love include creative problem solving, strategic thinking, and structuring ambiguity.

HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED?

First, I stay motivated by making goals and having a plan while expecting and being open to change (that’s key!). My goals keep me striving, act as my “North Star”, and provide something tangible for me to reach/pursue. I have short- & long-term goals, along with career & personal goals. I make plans to reach those goals in small and big increments. These plans are guiderails and act as "my map" on how I'll achieve my goals, this helps make my goals real. I update goals and my plans as things change in my life. I also take time to evaluate my goals, if they still make sense, if they still fit me, etc. This reflection helps to align things! If you try this, remember to not be critical of yourself or anticipate everything going perfectly. Reflecting, evaluating, and changing are a part of the journey. Use goals and plans to guide that journey, not predict it.

Second, I stay motivated by always learning. I love learning! I love changing projects at work because it means I’m always learning and doing something new. It really stimulates my mind to build new skills, have new experiences, and work on new things!

HOW HAS YOUR ASIAN IDENTITY PLAYED A ROLE IN YOUR CAREER?

My Asian identity is what set me on the med school path and made for a difficult family conversation when I wanted to transition into business (because its less stable). However, getting a masters and demonstrating success in my business career has definitely helped!

The other main time my identity came into play was during a promotion cycle at EY when there was another Indian woman and me up for promotion, I thought – “there’s no way they’ll promote 2 brown girls in one year”. It was a scary and unexpected thought that crossed my mind.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR OTHERS WANTING TO PURSUE THE SAME CAREER?

I believe we can do anything we put our minds to. There are several ways to get into consulting and there are several types of roles and firms. I started by doing research and having conversations with people. You’ll be surprised, if you ask, how many people are willing give you their time to share their journey and advice. Once you talk to someone, ask them if they can connect you with another person they know to continue understanding the firm and role. You can also go into consulting post undergrad and from industry / non-consulting jobs (you don’t need to go to business school). Each firm and practice has unique benefits, I would find the right one for you. Remember, there is no such thing as failure, just stepping stones in the right direction.

QUOTE OR MOTTO YOU LIVE BY

There are too many! I’ll share a few that really guide my life:

1)Love yourself and OWN who you are. It took me 30 years to truly love myself and then I really started to own who I was. This is a lifelong upkeep. Your inner voice should be kind to you, if you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself. When you are ready, really own who you are, good or bad, own it and be proud. We each are unique for a reason; we contribute to a holistic.

2)Nothing is impossible. Be fearless. I truly believe we can do anything. Don’t let fear stop you from living your best life. This also comes with believing and trusting yourself, know that when things aren’t perfect, you’ll figure it out and find your way. It means, when (not if) you fall, you’ll get up, and likely, be stronger and better.

3)Take the time to understand others, not judge. Empathy goes further for building the world than we’ll ever know. Take a step back, reflect, and understand yourself and others. This really helps you personally grow, the ability to see things from anyone’s perspective, helps you frame and reframe yours.

social handles

Instagram: @drushtiagandhi | Facebook: Drushti Gandhi | LinkedIn: Drushti Gandhi

listen to her episode

OCCUPATION & COMPANY

Founder and CEO of Elix

WHAT WAS THE MOMENT THAT SET THE PATH FOR YOUR CAREER?

My path to launching Elix began about 4 years ago when I went off hormonal birth control. I had always hated how it made me feel (nauseous, unsettled, the list goes on...). I also noticed more and more alarming headlines about the scary potential side effects and decided it was finally time. Unfortunately, my body responded with a roulette wheel of debilitating pain every month. For the first time, I experienced stabbing cramps, sharp headaches, bloating, unrelenting fatigue, and insomnia. I was feeling so unlike myself that at one point, I actually had to call in sick to work — something I had never done before (let alone for my period). I was in dire need of something to relieve my symptoms. While I experimented with a cocktail of over-the-counter painkillers to no avail, my OBGYN ended up advising me to go back on synthetic hormones. I was really frustrated by the lack of safe, effective, and sustainable alternatives, so I reached out to my grandfather, who at the time ran a hospital in China (it was actually the hospital I was born in) and he connected me with one of his close friends and colleagues, Dr. Xia Hongsheng, the former Chief Physician of the Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital and an incredibly well-respected figure in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Community, to discuss my symptoms. I was fascinated by Dr. Xia Hongsheng’s approach which included questions about thirst, headaches, and a tongue examination. His questions (which inspired Elix's online health assessment) went beyond my menstrual symptoms, covering my overall gynecological health, diet, and lifestyle. Dr. Xia shared that my menstrual symptoms were my body’s way of signifying an underlying imbalance. Dr. Xia created a personalized blend of herbs to lower inflammation and rebalance my hormones, and it ultimately quelled my symptoms during my first cycle that I was using the formula. After a few months, the debilitating pain was virtually gone! People in my circle began asking about my special herb blends, but Dr. Xia said that my blend was successful because it was tailored to my body’s particular pattern of symptoms.This was the lightbulb moment that led me to founding Elix. I recognized that I wasn't alone with my experience and so many women were looking for holistic treatments to support their hormonal health and wellbeing. Thanks to Traditional Chinese Medicine, I had finally found a holistic, hormone balancing remedy that worked. I wanted to take that same level of personalized care I got from Dr. Xia and TCM and make it accessible to women everywhere. In the first year of R&D, our team led a review of 246 clinical trials and studies and developed an in-depth health assessment while consulting with Dr. Xia (who later became part of Elix's medical advisory board). Along with that research, our team perfected a method of blending organic, whole herbs into easy-to-consume, concentrated liquid tinctures with no added chemicals or fillers. This process eventually led to the creation of our flagship product, Cycle Balance. We piloted our health assessment and personalized tinctures for nearly a year with more than 300 women – during this beta period, 93% of women reported an improvement in menstrual symptoms in the first three months.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

The best parts about launching Elix has been interacting with the diverse community of women we've built, the intersectional conversations we've been able to have around women's health, and helping people discover the healing potential of Chinese herbal remedies. Many conversations around women’s periods revolve around how awful they are, rather than viewing them as a vital sign that speaks volumes about our overall health. While we've seen a lot of progress in general openness to discussing and addressing menstrual health in a proactive, public way, there’s still a lot more work that needs to be done. Our community has shared hundreds of stories about how they were dismissed when they identified and tried to treat their pain and they’re not alone. In my initial market research when first starting Elix, I heard from so many women who had tried virtually everything on the market and hadn’t found real relief. I'm so proud to make these personalized, holistic solutions accessible to women in the U.S.

HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED?

I keep motivated through establishing various rituals and routines to stay sharp and healthy. What is most important to me is getting proper sleep, nutrition, and exercise. It may sound simple, but goes a long way in helping you show up as your most energized self!

HOW HAS YOUR ASIAN IDENTITY PLAYED A ROLE IN YOUR CAREER?

As the founder of a clinically-backed, women’s health company rooted in the ancient power of Traditional Chinese Medicine, my Asian identity has played a huge role in my career. Growing up, my mother and grandmother always had TCM herbs around the house to keep everyone well and heal various ailments – from headaches to PMS – so from early on, I was able to understand the powers of TCM and herbal healing.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR OTHERS WANTING TO PURSUE THE SAME CAREER?

My words of encouragement for anyone wanting to start their own business is to "remember your 'why'." The entrepreneurial journey isn't easy, but so incredibly rewarding. While at times all-consuming, it’s the sense of greater purpose that will help pull you through all of the difficulties you may encounter!

QUOTE OR MOTTO YOU LIVE BY

"Be the change you wish to see in the world "

Myers Briggs / Enneagram

ENFJ - To note, I'm certified in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI)

SOCIAL HANDLES

Instagram: @luluge, @elixhealing | Twitter: @luluge, @elixhealing

OCCUPATION & COMPANY

Founding Executive Director of IssueVoter

WHAT WAS THE MOMENT THAT SET THE PATH FOR YOUR CAREER?

In 2nd grade, our teacher did a simple activity in class that stayed with me until this day: mock voting. I experienced democracy and the act of civic participation at 7-years-old. I felt powerful, included, and it was fun!

15 years later, I went to manage a campaign in Iowa, a state known for its voter engagement. I always say, if you want to meet famous politicians one-on-one, don’t go to D.C., go to Iowa. In Iowa, just like everywhere else, people are super engaged during election-season, and disengage during the off-season. You would never pay and promote an employee without seeing all of their work, yet that’s what we do when we re-elect our reps! Iowa taught me that I did not want to work in politics: 1) Like most of us, I didn’t agree with either party 100% of the time. 2) Politics and campaigns completely overshadow what’s important – policy.

We are a nation built on laws, and policy affects every single issue you care about. But it’s hard to be engaged! Congress introduces over 10,000 bills each session. Nearly 1,000 are voted on. We only hear about a handful in the news. It’s more important than ever to make your voice heard now.

Every constituent contact is tracked – and reports are delivered regularly to Members of Congress by their staff that summarize what their district cares about. But the complexities of the legislative process and archaic ways opinions are still shared with Members of Congress prevent everyday Americans from participating. Only the most well-organized or well-funded voices are being heard.

That’s why I founded IssueVoter! We translate bills into layman's terms with points from both sides. One click sends your opinion directly to your reps office. And you get a personalized scorecard that shows how often your rep votes your way – helping you hold them accountable year-round, and become a more informed voter at the next election.

It’s not a poll to sell your data. It’s not a petition to be ignored by Congress. We’ve sent over two million alerts to individuals and opinions back to Congress. We take what would have been 20 hours of your own research and turn it into just 30 seconds.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

Our mission - to give everyone a voice in our democracy - motivates me. Imagine the impact we can have when IssueVoter becomes a household name. As a nonpartisan nonprofit and free public resource, we exist for you, your families, your communities. Together, we can create the world we want to live in with a democracy that works for us!

HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED?

I am proud of the impact IssueVoter has had and it’s what keeps me motivated: IssueVoter has sent over two million alerts to individuals and opinions back to Congress from individuals across all 435 Congressional Districts and D.C. As a direct result, 30% of people using IssueVoter cited IssueVoter as the reason they voted in the first place. Plus, 47% were exposed to new viewpoints, 59% inspired to take additional forms of civic action, and 94% learned about new issues for the first time.

Now, more than ever, people need a way to make their voices heard from home - and IssueVoter has been a resource for so many.

Individual donations keep IssueVoter a free, nonpartisan resource. Giving people a voice is worth it. Accountability and transparency are worth it. The health of our democracy is worth it.

HOW HAS YOUR ASIAN IDENTITY PLAYED A ROLE IN YOUR CAREER?

My dad’s family fled communitst China, and I grew up in the U.S. with parents who always voted. The value of civic duty was something I learned at a young age.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR OTHERS WANTING TO PURSUE THE SAME CAREER?

At the same time, I didn’t pursue a career in politics, even though I had (1) participated with a group to introduce and pass a bill in our state’s legislature, (2) interned in a rep’s office, and (3) always been upset by inequality and injustice. I encourage people to find that trifecta where your purpose/interests, skills, and value you can provide others or the world align.

QUOTE OR MOTTO YOU LIVE BY

Ask yourself, “If I don’t do this, would I regret it?” If the answer is yes, then do it.

MYERS BRIGGS/ENNEAGRAM (IF YOU KNOW IT!)

ENTJ/8

SOCIAL HANDLES

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok @IssueVoter | Instagram: @myuanut | Twitter: @MYDaysandNights

OCCUPATION & COMPANY

LMFT; Clinical Operations Lead at BetterHelp

WHAT WAS THE MOMENT THAT SET THE PATH FOR YOUR CAREER?

It was more a series of events spanning across my adolescence and formative years in college centered around recognizing my own EQ and knack for being present for other people. Even though I didn't really even know what therapy was, I was already providing some foundational tenets of it to friends during that time: undivided attention, unconditional positive regard, and validation. I've lived my adult life with a mission to understand people (probably in an attempt to better understand myself), and fortunately I found a career path that lets me pursue this mission too.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

You know that feeling when you're in a group of people or at some party or gathering, and someone's dog chooses you to go to for some attention? Of everyone there, they chose you and want you to pet them!

It's always a privilege and honor to be let into someone's internal world. There is something fulfilling and humbling about being that person for someone else, and that aspect is one of my favorite pieces of this work.

I also love that even when things are really stressful, I can zoom out and remember that I am stressed out in the pursuit of helping others. That's good stress, even if it doesn't always feel good in the moment.

HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED?

Maintaining holistic wellness (health of mind, body, spirit) is one of the best ways to train yourself to care - care about self, care about life, care about others. One of the hallmark symptoms of depression is diminished drive and motivation. If we don't play active roles in the upkeep of those pillars of wellness, it's almost as though we are inviting lethargy, apathy, and hopelessness into our lives.

Self-care is a foundational basis of feeling good and being able to identify value and meaning in the things that we do everyday. If we can't recognize value and meaning in life, it's very easy to start wondering, "What's the point of anything anyway?"

To stay motivated, to stay healthy, to stay well - I put in concerted effort to take care of myself and treat myself kindly. Maintaining social connections with friends and family, having creative outlets, exercising regularly, thinking about sleep hygiene, eating healthy food (treats are great in moderation), keeping my home tidy and clean, seeking things that bring me joy, giving myself time and space to rest/relax, getting into nature here and there, processing my feelings - these are necessary for me personally to stay motivated.

HOW HAS YOUR ASIAN IDENTITY PLAYED A ROLE IN YOUR CAREER?

Mindful awareness of intersectionality has played a large role in that personal mission I have around understanding people. I don't think it's possible to be wholly considerate of the implications of the intersection of race, gender, social class, etc without thinking about one's mental health.

My outward appearance in a yellow body, my internal experience as a minority in the US, and my heritage as an Asian American person has created a lens through which I see myself in the context of relating to other people and the world around me. Navigating coming of age and the lifelong pursuit of happiness while juggling clashing cultures, opposing values/ideology, and microaggressions in places like school and work has carved out a spirit-of-social-justice component in my career path.

Not only do I want to be an effective therapist, I strive to be one that advocates for equity, multicultural competence, and safety for folks with marginalized identities.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR OTHERS WANTING TO PURSUE THE SAME CAREER?

This is not an orthodox field that many Asian-immigrant parents will be familiar with or even accept as your career path. While that may feel discouraging at times, my own experience pursuing this equipped me with knowledge, the language, and internal tools to communicate with my parents about our relationship, managing expectations, and maintaining healthy personal boundaries.

This journey has taught me how to access emotions, vulnerability, and introspection in ways that I can share with my Asian American clients. We've heard the phrase, "Representation matters," and that is true beyond media. I never knew what therapy was as a kid, and even if I had seen a bunch of therapists I'm not sure I would have wanted to pursue something that only included white faces.

Being a therapist of color has inadvertently and unintentionally turned me into a role model for others that look like me that want to pursue mental wellness and health, personally and professionally! My encouragement is to pursue what interests you and gives meaning to your life - if that means becoming a therapist, you will be doing so much not just for your clients but for a community too.

QUOTE OR MOTTO YOU LIVE BY

"Whatever you are, be a good one." - Abraham Lincoln

MYERS BRIGGS/ENNEAGRAM (IF YOU KNOW IT!)

INFP/Enneagram 8

listen to her episode

OCCUPATION & COMPANY

Actress on HBO/Cinemax’s “Warrior”

WHAT WAS THE MOMENT THAT SET THE PATH FOR YOUR CAREER?

That would be the moment I got the offer to be a part of Walter Hill's "Broken Trail" for AMC. I was a broadcast journalist at the time but I was feeling pretty lost because on paper my life was great, but I was restless and yearning for something I couldn't name. Then I heard that Robert Duvall was coming to Alberta with a western and was looking for five Chinese actresses, they didn't necessarily have to have experience so I called in sick at work, and drove three hours to get to the audition. Long story short, I got the part, had a full blown existential crisis, quit my job as a reporter and so began my life as an actor.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I get to play and step into new worlds all the time. Even if my character is going through hell on screen, I'm probably having a blast bringing her to life and figuring out how to make her real.

HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED?

I love what I do and when you love what you do, you stay curious. I think curiosity is a huge ingredient for my motivation.

HOW HAS YOUR ASIAN IDENTITY PLAYED A ROLE IN YOUR CAREER?

My Asian identity has shaped my career whether I want it to or not. I can never hide the fact that I'm Asian, and sometimes that's what gets me in the door, and sometimes that's what keeps me standing at the gates. I've struggled with being in an industry that likes to tell itself it knows how to define me, but I've also worked so hard to own who I am and be comfortable and proud of my skin. Being an artist means owning your life experience and opinions because they're the womb for all your creations. I see so many amazing women of Asian heritage on this website and I think the through line across all our stories is that we've carved out niches for ourselves by owning who we are, and how we see the world.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR OTHERS WANTING TO PURSUE THE SAME CAREER?

Find your tribe. Find the friends who love the things that make you weird, and who celebrate your wins like they're their own. Find the teachers who are gifted in helping you hone your voice, not the ones who want to turn you into an extension of theirs. Make mental health a priority. Actors work with emotions, exposing and exploiting your pain in an unhealthy way is not the only option. And there's so much about this business that can break the strongest and healthiest of hearts, so get help when you need it and do not avoid therapy if you need it. Asking for help is the greatest sign of strength and self love because I know how hard it is to do.

QUOTE OR MOTTO YOU LIVE BY

It changes, but lately I'm into Bruce Lee's quotes about honest expression like, "Research your own experience. Absorb what is useful, reject what is useless and add what is essentially your own."

MYERS BRIGGS/ENNEAGRAM (IF YOU KNOW IT!)

I can't remember exactly but I'm 50 /50 introvert and extrovert!

OCCUPATION & COMPANY

Founder and CEO of Omni Bev

WHAT WAS THE MOMENT THAT SET THE PATH FOR YOUR CAREER?

In my last semester of college, I went for a business opportunity hundreds of miles away from home. I dropped out, packed my suitcase, and left the Bay Area. As a first-generation college student at the time, it certainly did not make my mom happy, but I reminded myself, my mom brought my siblings and me to America to pursue bigger dreams. So, I went to Los Angeles, and after a few years, I sold the fragrance business to start my first company, Luxie Beauty. Being in the fragrance industry exposed me to many of the secrets behind the cosmetic world, which prompted me to want better for the consumer. I founded Luxie beauty to offer beauty brushes for sensitive skins, and most importantly, to be a cruelty-free beauty label. A few years ago, I stepped down as CEO to pursue my current venture, a passion I've had since childhood.

I was five years old, living in Vietnam, when my father secretly let me sip his coffee. Ever since, I've loved the taste of coffee, especially the intense and rich flavors in Vietnamese coffee. In 2017 during my travels in Vietnam, I discovered my uncle owned a coffee farm, and I saw an opportunity to bring Vietnam's coffee culture to new worlds. I spent a year creating what is now Omni Bev. Omni Bev is the world's first ready-to-drink Vietnamese cold brew coffee. Omni Bev now offers four unique flavors that bottle authentic Vietnamese coffee beans.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I love the excitement, the rush, the joy, and the fulfillment in getting to pursue my passions. Do what you love, love what you do is far more than just a tagline. It's a way of life. For both my ventures, Luxie Beauty and Omni Bev, it has always been less about me and more about the receiver of the message. We are incredibly lucky to be living in an era where many of us can do work we believe in and get to make a difference in the world. With Omni Bev, especially, my team and I are establishing a new marker, a new category in the food and beverage space. I am grateful to be able to shed light on hundreds of years of culture and traditions and untie worlds together. This opportunity is undoubtedly a reward in itself. The disruptive change, the path I'm paving, is the reason I love my job. I hope I can inspire more Asian Americans to start their own business.

HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED?

Running a business is no one-(wo)man-show. Owning a business is immensely satisfying with a good team, a passion for what you do, a commitment to follow your heart, and a willingness to explore, experience, and get help and guidance when you need it. Often work doesn't feel like a job, but more of a motivation to succeed. It's fun when you have your heart to it. Being an entrepreneur definitely has its share of highs and lows. But in reality, owning a business is an exciting experience. You feel valued and supported, and you are doing something you love.

HOW HAS YOUR ASIAN IDENTITY PLAYED A ROLE IN YOUR CAREER?

When my family immigrated to America, I was motivated to create my own path and build the better future my mother imagined for her children. However, I never want to be a doctor or an engineer; I wanted to push past boundaries and be an entrepreneur. I wanted to defy existing stereotypes, represent my community, and celebrate my heritage. I founded Omni Bev to highlight and cherish flavors identifying with my Vietnamese culture. I remember moving through the grocery aisles one day, frustrated that all the "ethnic" foods were confined to one aisle of the entire store. I wanted more- see more and be more. My passion for Omni Bev is raising awareness around Asian-inspired beverages while showing that truly anyone can find success with determination, resilience, and ingenuity. I hope my brand can inspire a rising generation of Asian leaders to follow their aspirations while continuing to bring diversity to the frontline.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR OTHERS WANTING TO PURSUE THE SAME CAREER?

Entrepreneurship is not about having an outgoing personality or having the best connections or having the funds. It's about having an unmatched passion and willpower for your project. It's following through and not quitting when times get tough. It's about pushing forward and being confident in your idea, yourself, and your team. Be unafraid to be proud of your vision. Accept that you will make mistakes. You learn from your mistakes to make better decisions. Don't worry if you aren't an expert in the field yet; in fact, there is a great advantage to not being an expert. Sometimes being an expert limits your creativity.

QUOTE OR MOTTO YOU LIVE BY

“There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than follow your passions – in a way that serves the world and you.”

SOCIAL HANDLES

Instagram: @OmniBev | YouTube: Omni Bev. | Facebook: Omni Bev | LinkedIn: Omni Bev

 OCCUPATION & COMPANY

Founder and CEO of Qi Alchemy

WHAT WAS THE MOMENT THAT SET THE PATH FOR YOUR CAREER?

A few years ago, I was walking through an herbal market in Korea and was reminded of a time when I had chronic health issues as a child and my grandmother, an Eastern medicine doctor, enabled my body to heal naturally through herbal remedies. This moment made me question why these sorts of herbal remedies were unavailable in America, where three in five people die from chronic inflammatory diseases. Rooted in ancient Korean herbalism, Qi Alchemy is dedicated to bringing the most effective and highest quality herbal blends in Korea to the modern world.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I love learning about new herbs and plants--they are truly like people. Healthy plants grow in an optimal environment with the right type of minerals in the soil, air quality, and the right amount of water and light.

HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED?

I have daily morning rituals that keep me grounded and motivated. One ritual is listing a couple things that I'm grateful for. I truly believe that when you're in a state of gratitude, your motivation for your life purpose will happen naturally and you don't have to remind yourself to stay motivated.

HOW HAS YOUR ASIAN IDENTITY PLAYED A ROLE IN YOUR CAREER?

My Asian identity has played a huge role in my career. As a Korean American, I understand the problems Americans face with our healthcare system and diet. As a Korean, I know the solutions that Americans can learn from Eastern culture.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR OTHERS WANTING TO PURSUE THE SAME CAREER?

Stay true to yourself and be curious.

QUOTE OR MOTTO YOU LIVE BY

“Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being. Patient with both friends and enemies, you accord with the way things are. Compassionate toward yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world.” - Lao Tzu

MYERS BRIGGS/ENNEAGRAM (IF YOU KNOW IT!)

ENFJ

SOCIAL HANDLES

Instagram: @qialchemy | YouTube: Qi Alchemy | Facebook: Qi Alchemy | Twitter: Qi Alchemy | Pinterest: Qi Alchemy