What do you do and why do you do it?
I am the expert behind CL Designs and the Brand Party Podcast. As a graphic designer who's traded in climbing the corporate ladder for climbing mountains around the world, I help purpose-driven businesses create cohesive branding, web design, and social content to increase your impact and sales. As featured in Top 10 Canada Design, the Brand Party Podcast delivers fun, honest, to-the-point advice that you can implement RIGHT AWAY in your entrepreneurial journey.
Having earned my stripes in the fast-paced media world, and learned first-hand the challenges faced by startups through my own journey (sometimes the hard way!) I wanted to provide lean and efficient design and branding services that would free businesses to push on with what they’re best at.
Tell us about a time that life handed you lemons. Did you make lemonade?
OOF! Where do we begin?! The most guilt-wrenching, shame-inducing moment that was so sour was when I was making the decision to leave my corporate job as a graphic designer and digital associate producer. There were a lot of factors that society would perceive as the dream in your career to accomplish; to have a great salary, to be able to walk to work, health benefits for the first time ever... you name it. As a first generation Asian-Canadian, work ethic, dedication, and this drive has been embedded in me from a young age. I didn't want to let anyone down. And it's been a challenge to share this journey with people who may not understand or support what vision you have for your life. But learning that big companies didn't always mean the big impact that I wanted to create in this world. I packed my bags. Booked that flight. Sold off my stuff. And bon voyage! I travelled the world to start CL Designs full-time. It's been hands-down the best decision of my life!
What's the best piece of business advice you were given?
The best piece of business advice I've ever received was from a mentor. He had said to "double down on the things that work, and let go of the things that don't." It is quite freeing when we're able to release and detach from those moments, thoughts, ideas we've been so close to. It's really about prioritizing and honing in on that focus with 80% to what's working really well, in order to have the other 20% to experiment and have fun with the process in your business.
What does success look like, feel like, taste like, and mean to you? How do YOU measure success?
Success is ultimately how happy I am. Being able to spend my time doing what I love most, with who I love most is the key factor. It's being able to create my perfect day, every day. It definitely starts with a slow morning to ease into play. I'm very food-motivated so acknowledging my most productive times in the late mornings before lunch is the sweet spot to get as much focused work completed to then explore with some adventures in the afternoon and into the night, however that looks like; from home, or abroad.
Do you have a quote or saying that inspires you? What is it?
Never regret anything because at one point it made you happy.
Do you ever have moments of self-doubt? What do you do to overcome it?
It'd be a complete lie if I denied ever having a moment of self-doubt. When these moments come up, more likely than not, I'd love to ignore them to go away. But what I've found most effective over the years is to acknowledge it and bring a sense of gratitude for this moment of growth. Give yourself grace for how far you've come! Repeat after me: Thank you, I love you, but we're moving on now.
Do you have a mentor? What role have they played in your success?
I have had a variety of mentors in the past. Some for a period of time, and one on-going which I'm so grateful for. The role that a mentor can have in your success is tremendous. To have a person/group who allows you to show up as you are, who genuinely wants to support you and see you grow with nothing in return is the most incredible feeling in the world. That inspires me to also mentor others in the creative community, give back, and pave the way to show what's possible.
Do you have a book, movie, song or podcast that changed your life?
I feel like a broken record but I honestly ADORE "The Happiness Equation" by Neil Pasricha. I read this book (along with the others) when I was making the transition to entrepreneurship full-time and it really paved the way for how I approach life and business. It truly starts with being happy first in order to create great work and ultimately result in success. The style of his writing is fun, friendly, approachable and an easy read with actionable tips. Read it! You will not be disappointed.
How does community play a role in your success?
Community is everything. The people you choose to surround yourself with matter. It's the embodiment of your values, your thoughts, your fears, and your challenges. If you can find a community that is judgement-free to empower and cheer one another on just like Make Lemonade, sip it up! Those are the golden moments that will help you replicate success.
