What’s your “elevator pitch” and very briefly share what your company or organization does?
Teapresso Bar is a locally owned beverage brand offering customizable teas, smoothies, and coffees made with organic ingredients and lactose-free options bringing healthier, handcrafted drinks to Hawai‘i communities. Gourmet Solutions is a restaurant consulting firm that helps aspiring entrepreneurs launch, manage, and scale their food and beverage concepts from idea to execution. Anime Currency fuses pop culture and collectibles by transforming beloved anime characters into gold-plated currency and exclusive merchandise, featured at conventions and retail events across Hawai‘i. HypnoVivi is a wellness practice specializing in HypnoBirthing®, hypnotherapy, and doula services, empowering families through calm, confident births and mental wellness techniques.
What’s your go-to local coffee or smoothie order?
My go-to local smoothie order is from Teapresso Bar—not because I own it, but because I truly believe in the quality of our ingredients and the care put into every drink. I always order the Avocado Smoothie with soy milk and crystal boba as it’s refreshing, perfectly balanced, and made with real fruit and lactose-free alternatives. The ability to customize without compromising on taste or quality is what keeps me coming back.
For those looking to try something off the menu which I really enjoy, we also offer a fan-favorite secret menu item—the Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie. It’s rich, creamy, and tastes just like a dessert in a cup. You can find it exclusively at our Teapresso Bar locations in Keeaumoku, Ewa Beach, and Kāneʻohe.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
Something people might be surprised to learn about me is that I’m also a social media influencer with over 30,000 followers. I use my platform to spotlight and promote local businesses often through lighthearted, comedic clips that make marketing engaging, fun, and relatable. It’s been an incredibly rewarding way to connect with the community, support fellow entrepreneurs, and creatively showcase the unique spirit of Hawaii‘s small businesses.
Outside of work, I’m a passionate pickleball player who competes in tournaments year-round. I love the competitive energy, the camaraderie, and how the sport challenges me both mentally and physically, very much like entrepreneurship.
What’s one thing you’re working on right now that excites you?
One thing I’m currently working on that truly excites me is my upcoming book, “One Step Closer: A Glimpse of the Entrepreneurial Grind in Paradise”, which I plan to launch soon. It’s an autobiographical novel that documents my journey as an American-born Chinese entrepreneur growing up and building businesses in Hawai‘i, portraying an honest and often insightful look at what it really takes to chase dreams while staying connected to one’s roots.
The book explores everything from childhood struggles and cultural expectations to the behind-the-scenes grind of launching ventures like Teapresso Bar, Anime Currency, and HypnoVivi. Through setbacks, breakthroughs, and unexpected life lessons, “One Step Closer” shares how I grappled with self-doubt, financial hurdles, and the challenge of finding my place in the world, all while trying to make an impact in my community. It’s not just a story of success, but also it’s about perseverance, grit, and the reality of entrepreneurship in paradise.
Blending real-life experiences with creative storytelling, the book is written with a novel-like tone, inspired by pop culture and anime references that shaped my perspective growing up. My hope is that readers, especially young professionals, dreamers, and fellow minorities will find something relatable, motivating, and uplifting in these pages.
What legacy do you hope to build as a young professional?
As a young professional, I hope to build a legacy rooted in empowerment, community, and purpose. I want to be known not just for building successful businesses, but for uplifting others by mentoring new entrepreneurs, creating opportunities for local talent, and giving back to the community that raised me. I currently serve as the Executive Vice President of the Honolulu Chinese Jaycees, a leadership development non-profit focused on empowering young adults through civic engagement, professional growth, and community service. My goal is to inspire the next generation to dream big, take action, and know that it’s possible to create generational impact while staying true to who you are.
I believe leadership is not about titles or accolades, but about service or in a way, just showing up, listening, and using your platform to open doors for others. Every business I’ve built, from Teapresso Bar to Anime Currency and beyond, has been an extension of that mission: To create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow. Whether it’s mentoring a first-time business owner, guiding a student intern, or helping a friend navigate their entrepreneurial path, I find deep fulfillment in paying forward the wisdom others once shared with me.
Looking ahead, I hope to expand my impact by continuing to foster a culture of collaboration and authenticity in Hawai‘i and beyond. Whether through storytelling, entrepreneurship, or service, my mission remains the same: To help others take one step closer to the future they envision for themselves, their families, and their communities.
