SUNNY SIDE ☀️

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Greetings 👋 

Hi, how was your weekend?

Summer has a funny way of making everyone a little more optimistic.

It's the season of ambitious travel plans, abandoned New Year's resolutions making a surprise comeback, and convincing ourselves we'll spend more time outdoors.

After all, a goal delayed is never a goal denied.

If you find this newsletter interesting, refer it to your friends by sharing this link and receive amazing gifts from AHN!

Las Vegas, we're doing it again!

Coffee Rave is back for another afternoon of great conversations, new connections, and good vibes. Whether you're a founder, creative, investor, professional, or someone looking to expand your circle, we'd love to see you there.

Event Details:

🗓️ June 26, 2026
⏰ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PDT
📍 4090 W Hacienda Ave, Las Vegas, NV

What's waiting for you:

🎧 Live DJ
☕ Fresh coffee
🍩 Donuts
🤝 Genuine connections
🚀 Conversations that go beyond small talk

The best part of any community is the people. Come meet yours.

Hosting something for the community?

Add AHN as a collaborator on Luma so we can help amplify it.

THIS WEEK: COLLECTIBLE AND TOY BRANDS

Building a brand or business?

Join the AHN Directory and get discovered by the community.

The Founder Who Turned Her Biggest Insecurity Into an Advantage

When Jane Lu launched Showpo, she focused on building the business behind the scenes. Like many founders, she worried about putting herself in the spotlight and was hesitant to become closely associated with the brand.

Over time, she realized that customers connected with more than just products. They connected with stories, personalities, and people. By sharing her entrepreneurial journey more openly, Lu strengthened Showpo's relationship with its audience and helped differentiate the brand in a crowded market.

The lesson for founders is simple: authenticity can be a competitive advantage. In a world where products and services are often similar, the story, values, and personality behind a business can be what people remember most.

Interested in supporting founders building impactful brands?

Join our private investor network and stay connected to future opportunities across the AHN ecosystem.

More Than a Marketplace: How Stephanie Jensen Built CULTR to Bring Culture Into Everyday Life

Growing up between California and Hawaii, Stephanie Jensen often found herself navigating the space between cultures. Like many Asian Americans, she learned how to blend in, but over time, she realized that connection to culture is not something that should be left behind, but rather it is something that should be lived every day.

Years later, a conversation at a birthday gathering sparked a realization that would change her path. That realization became even more personal when she became a mother. As she searched for books, toys, and products that reflected her family's heritage, she discovered countless incredible cultural brands hidden across small websites and social media pages. The products existed, but there was no central place for families to find them.

Drawing on her commercial real estate investing background, Stephanie saw an opportunity to create what she wished had existed all along. She founded CULTR (Created for Culture), a curated marketplace that brings together founder-led cultural brands from around the world, making it easier for families to celebrate identity, heritage, and belonging through everyday moments.

Today, CULTR is more than a marketplace—it's a bridge between generations, stories, and communities. Through CULTR and her other ventures, Stephanie continues working toward a simple but powerful vision: creating a world where culture isn't something people rediscover later in life, but something they experience every day.

Learn more about CULTR here:

📍Website

Controversial Netflix Series 'Teach You A Lesson' Tops Global Streaming Charts

Netflix's Teach You A Lesson has quickly become one of the biggest Korean dramas of the year, climbing to the top of Netflix's global non-English TV rankings. The series follows a special government task force that steps into schools to deal with bullying, violence, and corruption.

The show's mix of over-the-top action and real-world school issues has struck a chord with viewers around the world. At the same time, it has sparked debate, with critics arguing that its use of violence raises difficult questions about how far authority should go in the name of justice.

Read the full article here.

California Lawmakers Vote 38-0 to Approve Annual Bruce Lee Day Bill

California is one step closer to officially recognizing Bruce Lee with an annual day of commemoration after state lawmakers unanimously approved a new bill. The measure now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom, whose signature would make Lee the first Chinese American to receive a dedicated commemorative day under California law.

If signed, Bruce Lee Day will be observed every May 17, marking the day the martial arts icon returned to San Francisco as an 18-year-old in 1959. The designation would encourage schools, museums, and community groups to host educational programs and cultural events celebrating Lee's impact on film, culture, and Asian American history.

Read the full article here.

Olivia Rodrigo Makes History With Third No. 1 Album on Billboard 200

Olivia Rodrigo has earned her third No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 with You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love. The album debuted at No. 1 with 485,000 equivalent album units earned in the United States.

It has also received strong reviews from critics, who praised Rodrigo's songwriting and ability to capture the highs and lows of relationships. Its lead single, "drop dead," is also making history, making Rodrigo the first artist to have the lead singles from her first three albums debut at No. 1.

Read the full article here.

The Best Growth Strategy Starts With Changing Consumer Behavior

When Shopee launched in 2015, focusing on mobile wasn't the obvious choice. Many businesses were still prioritizing desktop experiences because that's where most online activity had traditionally happened.

Shopee saw something different. More people across Southeast Asia were spending time on their phones, and their habits were changing. Instead of waiting for the shift to happen, Shopee built for it early.

The takeaway is simple: successful businesses pay close attention to changing customer behavior. The companies that adapt early are often the ones best positioned to capture future opportunities.

A $10,000 Grant Opportunity for Eligible Small Businesses

AHN and National ACE are proud to share a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to invest in the growth of their businesses. 

Through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, eligible small business owners can apply for a $10,000 grant after completing two Digital Ready learning resources and submitting an application.

The program is designed to help businesses strengthen their digital capabilities while providing access to funding that can support future growth. If your business meets the eligibility requirements, we encourage you to explore this opportunity and apply.

Unlock Payroll Tax Benefits and Savings With ADP’s SMB Solutions

Managing payroll, HR, and tax compliance requires time, accuracy, and constant attention to changing regulations. For many small and mid-sized businesses, these responsibilities can take focus away from strategic growth.

Through our partnership with ADP, SMB leaders gain access to reliable, cloud-based payroll and human capital management solutions designed to simplify operations while maximizing cash flow. 

How ADP supports your growth:

• AI-Enhanced Payroll: Reduce errors and late penalties with automated filings and AI-powered error detection that flags discrepancies before you pay.

• Maximum Tax Credit Recovery: ADP’s specialists use your payroll data to uncover valuable incentives—including R&D credits (now with expanded eligibility) and Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC).

• Built-In Compliance: Stay ahead of 2026 regulatory shifts, including new retirement plan mandates and updated wage bases, with automated system updates.

• Scalable HR Infrastructure: From your first hire to your 500th, access integrated tools for recruitment, benefits administration, and 24/7 HR advisory support.

Strategic payroll management is a reinvestment in your business. Fill out our form to connect with an ADP specialist for a personalized review of your current payroll process or review of potential payroll tax savings.

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