THE DOUBLE HUSTLE 💼

In partnership with

Greetings 👋 

Hi, how was your weekend?

Ever notice how so many founder stories begin with "I was still working full-time"?

That's because building something meaningful often starts before you can do it full-time.

This week's stories celebrate the founders who embraced the double hustle, balancing today's responsibilities while building tomorrow's opportunities.

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

⏳ Only 3 Days Left to Secure Your Spot at Diverse Perspectives Happy Hour!

Looking to expand your network and meet people shaping the future of tech? Join us for an evening of meaningful conversations with founders, investors, and executives from diverse backgrounds.

Event Details:

🗓️ Thursday, July 30, 2026
⏰ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PT
📍 Cooley LLP, Seattle, WA

Why You Should Attend:

🤝 Build meaningful connections with founders, investors, and executives
💡 Exchange ideas with leaders across the tech ecosystem
🚀 Discover new opportunities for collaboration and growth
🌏 Connect with a community committed to expanding access and opportunity

🎉 Celebrate leadership, connection, and community at HER Legacy: A Women's Leadership Luncheon!

Join women entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals in Las Vegas for an afternoon of meaningful conversations, inspiring stories, and valuable connections. Hear from accomplished women leaders as they share their journeys, the lessons they've learned, and how they're building legacies that last.

Event Details:

🗓️ Tuesday, August 11, 2026
⏰ 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM PT
📍 Ichiza Original, Las Vegas, NV

Why You Should Attend:

✨ Hear inspiring stories from accomplished women leaders
🤝 Connect with entrepreneurs, executives, and emerging leaders
💼 Grow your network through meaningful conversations
🌸 Learn how women are building businesses and creating lasting impact

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THIS WEEK: MEDIA/ENTERTAINMENT BRANDS

Building a brand or business?

Join the AHN Directory and get discovered by the community.

The Founders Who Wanted Better Representation in Grocery Stores

Growing up as daughters of Vietnamese refugees outside Boston, sisters Kim and Vanessa Pham loved the bold flavors they ate at home. But every trip to the grocery store's "ethnic aisle" reminded them that Asian cuisines were often reduced to stereotypes or watered down for mainstream audiences.

In 2020, they launched Omsom to celebrate the richness and diversity of Asian flavors through chef-crafted pantry starters inspired by regional cuisines. The brand has since reached major retailers across the U.S., bringing authentic Asian cooking to more home kitchens.

The takeaway is simple: Some of the best businesses aren't built by changing your culture to fit the market. They're built by sharing it with confidence.

Interested in supporting founders building impactful brands?

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

Nam Joo Hyuk Makes a Triumphant Comeback With 3 Major K-Drama Projects

After nearly three years away, Nam Joo Hyuk is making a major return to the spotlight. Following his military service and the resolution of false bullying allegations, the actor has been cleared through the legal process and is once again taking on leading roles.

His Netflix fantasy drama The East Palace has already climbed to No. 2 on Netflix's Global Top 10 for Non-English TV. He's also confirmed to star in Disney+'s Code and the romance mystery Heartbeat, marking one of the biggest K-drama comebacks of the year.

Read the full article here.

Two Filipino Stars Just Joined the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2027

Jo Koy and Nicole Scherzinger have been selected for the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2027, earning one of the entertainment industry's most prestigious public honors. The two Filipino American entertainers were recognized in the Live Theatre/Live Performance category alongside 30 other honorees.

Koy is known for bringing Filipino culture to global audiences through his stand-up comedy, while Scherzinger has built an award-winning career spanning music, television, and Broadway. Their star dedication ceremonies will take place within the next two years, with official dates yet to be announced.

Read the full article here.

Jackson Wang Named the First-Ever Global Ambassador of International Fencing

Jackson Wang has been appointed the first-ever Global Ambassador of the International Fencing Federation (FIE), marking another milestone in his journey back to the sport where he first made his name. Before becoming a global music star, he was a champion fencer for Hong Kong, winning the Asian Youth Fencing Championships and rising to No. 1 in Asia in the under-17 men's sabre rankings.

As the FIE's first Global Ambassador, Jackson will help promote fencing worldwide ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The role will see him represent the sport at major international events while inspiring a new generation of athletes by connecting fencing with culture, art, and global audiences.

Read the full article here.

The Difference Between Engagement and Business Growth

Strong engagement is a positive signal, but it isn't the final measure of success. Likes, comments, and shares show that people noticed your content, but they don't reveal whether it generated leads, conversions, or revenue.

The strongest brands look beyond social metrics and measure the actions that drive real business growth, from website visits and sign-ups to purchases and customer retention.

The takeaway is simple: Every marketing metric should point back to business growth.

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.

Try the AI that knows your customers. No commitment.

Most platform evaluations start with a demo request and end three weeks later in a conference room. This one takes 15 minutes and puts you directly inside Gladly's interface — navigating it on your own terms.

See how AI surfaces real-time customer context before a conversation starts. Watch how a single conversation thread pulls in purchase history, channel history, and account details without a handoff.

No installation. No commitment. Start the interactive demo and see the platform for yourself.

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