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Advancing Equity
Welcome to the Uplifters Newsletter, a series by Asian Hustle Network dedicated to uncovering inspiring entrepreneur stories, recent news, and exciting updates about our community. Stay tuned for weekly doses of engaging content to keep you informed and uplifted!

Have you ever wondered what kind of company culture you’re part of?
We often hear the phrase 'company culture' especially when talking to our clients, but not many people seem to define it clearly for their business.
Company culture is about how things are done in the workplace. It includes the experiences of both employees and customers, influenced by a lot of factors like procedures, attitudes, and beliefs.
This edition features an insightful guide to help you identify and understand various types of company cultures. Scroll through to find out which culture your team practices at work!

UPLIFTING STORIES 📚
This AAPI Female-Run Startup Pioneers Accessible and Affordable Photography
Photography is not just about capturing images. For some, it can be about preserving memories, telling stories, and expressing emotions.
In today’s visually-driven world, high-quality photography has become more important than ever, yet it often remains out of reach for many due to its high costs.
Enter Shoott, an AAPI female-run startup co-founded by Jennifer Tsay and Jennifer Yeh, redefining photography with an innovative, affordable approach. Their pay-per-photo model offers free 30-minute sessions, allowing clients to pay only for the photos they love, creating a win-win situation for both photographers and clients.
UPLIFTING LEGENDS 📺
Chris Xu rose from a modest background in China to revolutionize fast fashion. Starting as ZZKKO, the company was transformed into Shein, a top women's clothing platform with a strong focus on digital convenience and Gen Z appeal. | Lisa Su, the Chair and CEO of AMD, is a leader in high-performance computing. Recognized with awards like the IEEE Robert Noyce Medal, she holds degrees in electrical engineering from MIT and serves on industry boards. |
Want to be highlighted in the AHN Legends series? Apply now!
UPLIFTING VOICES 🎧
Creators Podcast | Ryan Alexander Holmes | AHN x Meta Prosper
Venture into the fifth episode of Creators Podcast for an insightful exchange with Ryan Alexander Holmes, a Los Angeles-based actor and content creator. With his multicultural background of Chinese and African influences, Ryan shares his thoughts on content creation, the creative process, and his journey to embrace his mixed heritage through comedy and storytelling.
🎧 Listen now and follow AHN for more inspiring stories of founders and entrepreneurs.

A Balinese woman in traditional attire walking in the oldest village in Bali, Penglipuran Village (L), and a beach filled with plastic waste and rubbish in Bali (R), highlights the contrast of tourism between the quest for spiritual healing and the damaging impact on local life.
The Boom and Gloom of Bali 🌺
The story of Bali seems beguiling enough for anyone, who first hears about it, to book a flight ticket there at once: ceaseless green shades, scenic beaches, urban escapism, and those rage-filled therapeutic screaming videos that we saw on TikTok.
But amidst the cathartic screaming of visitors lies the long static howling of the locals, which is feared to burst into protest anytime in Bali.
Sandiaga Uno, Indonesia's Minister of Tourism, warned of possible anti-tourist demonstrations akin to those in Barcelona. Proposed measures include higher taxes to attract respectful tourists, improved infrastructure, and stricter law enforcement.
In the past two years, indecent tourist behaviors, like wearing inappropriate clothing at religious sites, have surged.
Overtourism has been a rising concern in many locations worldwide, from Tokyo to Barcelona. This poses a question for modern tourism: How can one balance their desire for adventure with the need to respect and preserve local cultures and environments?
Kim Young-hoon broke the record as the person with the highest IQ in history (Image Source: SBS)
Kim-credible! South Korean Prodigy Sets New IQ Benchmark at 276 🧠
Kim Young-hoon on July 18 was announced by the World Mind Sports Council as the person with the highest IQ in history at 276.
A 35-year-old Yonsei University graduate, he is the only Korean member of both the exclusive communities for those with extraordinarily high IQs, Mega Society and the Giga Society. With the mission to use his talents to improve global brainpower, he is also the founder of the United Sigma Intelligence Association, a non-profit organization of more than 100 intelligent individuals from prestigious universities including Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.
Previously, Terence Tao, a Chinese Australian professor, held the record at 230.
“Shōgun" has received major critical acclaim and is now on its way to developing the following seasons. (Image Source: FX)
“Shōgun” is the Second Non-English TV Series Nominated in the Top Drama Category 🏯
The period drama “Shōgun” is this year’s top show gun at the Emmys, with 25 nominations including “Outstanding Drama Series.”
The show, set in feudal Japan, marked the second time a non-English TV series was nominated in the top drama category. Based on the 1975 novel by James Clavell, the movie was published to widespread critical acclaim for its production values and adherence to the original material. Following its success, development for a second and third season is underway.
Recent years have witnessed a resurgence in period drama, with the popularity of “Bridgerton” and “The Crown.” This is a wonderful opportunity for many Asian talents to introduce Asian cultures and histories to the world.

Shoott 📷
Phone pics are cool and all, but have you ever had a free 5-star rated professional photo session where you only pay for the photos you love?
If you haven’t heard of Shoott, we’re a small business by creatives for creatives. Our mission? To get more people to book a talented professional photographer by making our service accessible and affordable while still delivering beautiful quality photos. How do we do this? Our unique business model helps take care of all those annoying business activities so our talented photographers can focus on doing more of what they love: photography. It’s the ultimate win-win: our photographers make easy supplemental income and our clients receive beautiful, high-quality photographs.
Great for family photos, holiday cards, engagements, maternity, birthdays, and so much more, Shoott’s mini outdoor sessions are perfect for capturing all of life’s moments. We also offer an affordable team headshot solution for businesses, organizations, and conferences.
For newsletter sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to [email protected]

White House Initiative AA and NHPI Community Engagement Event - Houston, TX
We are inviting you to join the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) for a special community engagement event. WHIAANHPI has been driving a whole-of-government agenda to advance equity and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities.
This event will introduce WHIAANHPI to the guests, providing convening space for AA and NHPI community and business leaders, federal officials, intergovernmental partners, and private sector and philanthropic organizations to learn more about the work that is being done to support AA and NHPI communities in the Houston area, together with various federal programs and resources available to them.
📅 July 26, 2024 | 10:30 am - 1:30 pm CDT
📍 The HOPE Clinic, 13930 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77083
This event is in-person only and will not be livestreamed; individual registration is required.
White House Initiative AA and NHPI Economic Summit - Irvine, CA
Join us at the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, federal agencies, and local leaders for the eighth in a series of summits to connect AA and NHPI community members directly with federal leaders and resources.
Built on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to empowering underserved communities, we believe this summit is a national-wide important strategy to advance equity and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities.
📅 August 8, 2024 | 10:30 am - 2:15 pm PDT
📍 The Cove @ University of California, 5270 California Avenue, Irvine, CA 92617
Last Call: Asian Hustle Network x Zen Coast Oahu Retreat 8/22 - 8/25
Join us on a 4-day immersive retreat hosted by Asian Hustle Network founder Bryan Pham and Zen Coast University founders Jennie Lok and Calvin Chin! 🌟
This retreat is designed specifically for AAPI entrepreneurs and business leaders, promising to be a transformative experience where innovation meets introspection, and dreams come to life.
📅 August 22-25, 2024
📍 Lotus Rising Retreats in Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii
Only 15 spots available! Secure your place at our immersive retreat where each moment is carefully curated to elevate your entrepreneurial journey. We can't wait to see you there!
AHN x Asians at Amazon: Call for Media Partners and Vendors for Sydney Celebration
Asian Hustle Network and Asians at Amazon are teaming up for the first time for a collaborative networking event in Sydney, Australia, to celebrate and elevate the Australian Asian community.
We're seeking sponsors, vendors, and media partners to collaborate and showcase their products to 150-200 guests, offering a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and leaders.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to [email protected]
This cannabis startup pioneered “rapid onset” gummies
Most people prefer to smoke cannabis but that isn’t an option if you’re at work or in public.
That’s why we were so excited when we found out about Mood’s new Rapid Onset THC Gummies. They can take effect in as little as 5 minutes without the need for a lighter, lingering smells or any coughing.
Nobody will ever know you’re enjoying some THC.
We recommend you try them out because they offer a 100% money-back guarantee. And for a limited time, you can receive 20% off with code FIRST20.

Fill out this form if you have any deals or perks you would like to share with the community!
Amplify AAPI: Bringing AANHPI Voices to the Forefront
The voices of Asian American and Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities are often unheard in the United States, perpetuating stereotypes, health disparities, and racial inequality.
Amplify AAPI is the first and only public opinion panel representing these communities.
Inclusivity: We conduct interviews in multiple languages, including English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, and Vietnamese.
Scientific Excellence: Our experts produce reliable, rigorous research.
Speed: Survey turnaround in as little as five weeks.
The diverse needs and stories of AANHPI communities deserve accurate representation. Here's how you can help raise awareness for Amplify AAPI:
If selected to join our panel, kindly participate.
If you know organizations seeking AANHPI market research, contact us at [email protected].
For organizations looking to support our efforts, visit our funders page or contact [email protected].
If you know of promotional opportunities (presentations, newsletters) contact us at [email protected].

💼 Understanding your company culture is crucial for your professional development and overall job satisfaction. Knowing whether your workplace is collaborative, creative, market-driven, or control-oriented can help you navigate your career more effectively. Here’s a quick guide:

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