All my life I’ve been surrounded by entrepreneurs. After I finished graduate school at NYU, I got lost for about a year. I was applying for Ph.D. as well as trying to work for international corporate. However, I felt neither really excited me. After exploring my possibilities, I still think starting my own company in media, marketing and fashion was the best option. I had my formal corporate training at both prestigious European and American luxury brands including Bottega Veneta and Michael Kors. I was once a nationally awarded model in China with a height of 5’9” or 175 cm. My online media company theNuWa.com is all about putting a spotlight on diversity in fashion and the creative minds dedicated to bridging cultures. Nüwa (nỳ wá; Chinese: 女媧), also known as Nügua, is a goddess in ancient Chinese mythology best known for creating mankind and repairing the pillar of heaven. Nuwa is a beautiful female goddess with snake-like tail. Nüwa is a goddess who created mankind, and who believes the world is rich with diverse cultures. By being as niche as my site can be, we try to bring the identity to the over - saturated market. Our marketing agency NuWaMarketing.com focuses on helping millennial brands with diverse cultural backgrounds. NuWa was originally created as a personal website in Feb. 2015 in NYC, and quickly evolved into an online media outlet, officially launched in June 2017. Since it was launched, it has attracted an audience from 33 countries, with 31 different languages spoken and featured on Marie Clare China, People China, etc.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
Haha, I think I have hurdles every day. The biggest initial hurdles were business development and hiring talents, and they are the challenges I'm still facing today.
What books are you currently reading? And your recommendation for entrepreneurs to read?
I'm currently reading Ray Dalio's Principles. I'd also recommend Built to Sell and Venture Deals. Sorry for recommending all the business books. I'm actually a reader of literature books as well.
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits? How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
I'm lucky. Since my family and most of my friends are very entrepreneurial, I have always been very supported in every aspect. But for me, being supported by them sometimes could mean overly supported, therefore, I feel I didn't try as hard as I was supported to. I don't have financial concerns and the lifestyle I grew up with made me feel I'm risk-free.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
I don't necessarily say that I'm successful. But I have learned something by starting my own business. I think everyone can have some fantastic ideas, so having good ideas won't make you successful. Executing ideas can!
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
Having clear goals.
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
Having clear goals and execute towards them.
