How I Got Inspired to Start My Own Business

Hint: I got it from my momma (and father)

My inspiration for being a business owner stemmed from my parents who both ran entrepreneurial endeavours since immigrating from Guangzhou, China without speaking a word of English.

Guangzhou, China

I grew up without seeing them much since they were working all the time. Their relentless work ethic paid off and afforded my sister and I a secure and happy childhood, all the while teaching us hard work, independence and self-discipline.

Since birth, I’ve always had a knack for turning hobbies and interests into profitable business ventures, which I had the liberty of leaving behind once I got bored with it (I was a kid, after all).

When I was 12 years old, I started a weed pulling business, which I abandoned after getting SUPER tanned and tired.

While in high school, my friend was a novice fashion photographer (who went on to shoot for all the top agencies in NYC years later) and needed a stylist. I pulled together 3 outfits, borrowed from trendy boutiques downtown, earning $200 — $500 per photoshoot. That was probably my best entrepreneurial endeavour ever — I got paid to shop, style and not waste any clothing since I was returning it back to the boutique!

Both businesses were short-lived and profitable, but through it all, I learned that I enjoyed the highs and lows of being my own boss.

After a few hiccups since starting noodPR, I’ve also learned to only work with people and brands you truly believe in. When you are genuinely enthusiastic about a product or a person, it adds that magical element to anything project you’re working on for them.

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or you’ve recently made the leap to career freedom, let’s commiserate. I’m only one Zoom coffee chat away: www.calendly.com/noodpr