I invited Tina back from episode 2, and we talk about how she took the leap to create her own brand of leather camera bags, called No More Ugly (nomoreuglycamerabags.com).

As first-gens, we may be more risk-averse for a variety of reasons — family, finances, or even expectations we put on ourselves. Tina and I reflect on how it’s easier to take risks if we reframe them — breaking them up into small, incremental steps and then thinking of the worst case scenario. Is it truly as risky as we assume it to be? As I listened to how Tina created the company, from the early days of Taobao sourcing and selling at outdoor markets to what is it today, it really solidified this concept for me.

Lastly, we talk about knowing when it’s okay to pause or move on from something, whether it be a job or something you’ve built from the ground up, because our lives are dynamic and our needs change as we grow.

Follow on Instagram: @firstgenerasianpod

Email: firstgenerasian@gmail.com

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00:00 - 02:20: Welcome!

02:20 - 07:10: The story behind No More Ugly, taking the first step, sourcing bags on Taobao to resell

07:10 - 14: 32: Testing the demand at outdoor street markets, talking to customers for feedback, doubts during the process

14:32 - 22:09: Designing her own camera bag, meeting manufacturers in China, and realizing it's so much easier than expected

22:09 - 29:20: Pausing No More Ugly to move to Hong Kong, reprioritizing things, enjoying life, and being over "hustle culture"

29:20 - 33:50: One thing to tell your younger self: be bold