Dear Asian Americans

Founder of The ALIA - Asian Lives in America Annie Lin joins us on Episode 094 to share her journey and why she is passionate about creating spaces to amplify the voices of Asian women. Learn more at www.ALIA.newsMeet Annie!Annie Lin is a journalist and writer, with a focus on lifestyle magazines. At 23, she has amassed over three years of experience across print, digital and broadcast journalism. Her work has appeared in Time Out, Seventeen Magazine, Business of Fashion, Beauticate, CNBC, South China Morning Post, theBeijinger, Yahoo! News and more. She holds a Masters of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School (MSJ’20) and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Northeastern’s College of Arts, Media & Design (BA’19).  Most recently she was a fellow at the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation and she is currently a fellow at the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.// Connect with Annie!!https://www.annielin.work/https://www.linkedin.com/in/annielin97/https://www.instagram.com/annieelin/http://alia.news/https://www.instagram.com/alia.news/// Join the Dear Asian Americans Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dearasianamericans// Listen to Dear Asian Americans on all major platforms: Transistor.fm: http://www.dearasianamericans.com Apple: https://apple.dearasianamericans.com Spotify: https://spotify.dearasianamericans.com Stitcher: https://stitcher.dearasianamericans.com Google: https://google.dearasianamericans.com  Follow us on Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/dearasianamericans  Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dearasianamericans  Subscribe to our YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/dearasianamericans  Learn more about DAA Producer and Host Jerry Won:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrywon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryjwon/// Support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon at http:www.patreon.com/dearasianamericans// Join the Asian Podcast Network:Web: https://asianpodcastnetwork.com/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/asianpodcastnetwork/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianpodcastnetwork/Dear Asian Americans is produced by Just Like Media:Web: http://www.justlikemedia.comInstagram.com: http://www.instagram.com/justlikemedia

Innovation strategist, author, and speaker Coonoor Behal joins Jerry on Dear Asian Americans to share about her experience growing up in rural Ohio, her passion for performance, and why she decided to chart her own patch. Check out her work and her upcoming book I QUIT! at www.mindhatchllc.comMeet Coonoor!Coonoor honed her creative problem-solving skills during her years as a strategy and innovation consultant at Deloitte Consulting LLP. For part of her time there, she worked in the firm’s Global Innovation Network, spearheading and managing open innovation challenges across more than 100 member firms.With years of experience as an improv comedian and teacher, Coonoor brings levity, adaptability, and composure to every experience and is an expert in using improv techniques to enhance collaboration and ideation. Prior to her creative business career, Coonoor worked in nonprofit international development.// Connect with Coonoor!Web: https://www.mindhatchllc.com/about/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindhatch_llc/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coonoorbehal/// Join the Dear Asian Americans Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dearasianamericans// Listen to Dear Asian Americans on all major platforms: Transistor.fm: http://www.dearasianamericans.com Apple: https://apple.dearasianamericans.com Spotify: https://spotify.dearasianamericans.com Stitcher: https://stitcher.dearasianamericans.com Google: https://google.dearasianamericans.com  Follow us on Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/dearasianamericans  Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dearasianamericans  Subscribe to our YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/dearasianamericans  Learn more about DAA Producer and Host Jerry Won:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrywon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryjwon/// Support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon at http:www.patreon.com/dearasianamericans// Join the Asian Podcast Network:Web: https://asianpodcastnetwork.com/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/asianpodcastnetwork/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianpodcastnetwork/Dear Asian Americans is produced by Just Like Media:Web: http://www.justlikemedia.comInstagram.com: http://www.instagram.com/justlikemedia

Mayly Tao, Owner of DK's Donuts & Bakery + Donut Princess LA, joins Jerry to chat about her childhood growing up the daughter of Cambodian immigrants in the donut business, how she found her way back into that business, and what she has done to improve and expand upon the legacy started by her Uncle Ted. Check out The Donut King Movie at www.DonutKingMovie.comWe celebrate Mayly's success in taking her parent's business and improving and expanding well on its way to a new empire.We support her work of helping those around her expand their own brands and businesses through her firm.We are inspired by her using her voice to share the story of Uncle Ted, The Donut King himself.Meet Mayly!While many kids may have been watching Saturday morning cartoons or sleeping soundly, Mayly at the age of seven was already awake by 5 a.m. accompanying her parents to their shop and assisting them in any way should could. Both Mayly and her brother helped around the shop and became a common fixture of the DK’s Donuts and Bakery experience. Whether it was her brother helping his father bake or Mayly standing on a milk crate to reach the top of the donut showcase to give out change to customers, this was truly a family run business. Mayly’s parents were immigrants, survivors of the Khmer Rouge, and found the American Dream through donuts. Her great uncle, Ted Ngoy, is known as the “Donut King” for opening hundreds of donut shops in Southern California as an opportunity for survival in the 70s and 80s. Donuts have always ran in Mayly’s bloodline.After attending UC San Diego with a degree in Communications, she came back to the family business with the initial idea to improve upon the branding, documentation and overall marketing strategy for DK’s Donuts and Bakery. Mayly wanted to capture all the beautiful and unique aspects of DK’s Donuts that often went overlooked or only seen by the handfuls of loyal westsiders. But what she soon discovered that beyond using her communication skills to update the outward facing look and feel of her family’s 30 year old establishment, her real talent was in the introduction of new experimental flavors that were a completely new interpretation of the classic donut catalog. She relished in the investigation of these new culinary concoctions and truly attempted to mash up a cross section of flavors on the human palette. It was Mayly’s unique combination of social media acumen and culinary creativity that made DK’s Donuts the Westside’s best kept favorite secret. Donut Princess LA is her newest concept, with a focus on donut bouquets and mini donuts. Donut Princess LA focuses on the experience of a unique gift, a delicious product, displayed beautifully at an event, baby shower, office party, birthday… You name it.(Source: https://www.donutprincessla.com/about/)Watch The Donut King: https://www.donutkingmovie.com/// Connect with Mayly!Web: https://www.dksdonuts.com/about/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maylytao// Join the Dear Asian Americans Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dearasianamericans// Listen to Dear Asian Americans on all major platforms: Transistor.fm: http://www.dearasianamericans.com Apple: https://apple.dearasianamericans.com Spotify: https://spotify.dearasianamericans.com Stitcher: https://stitcher.dearasianamericans.com Google: https://google.dearasianamericans.com  Follow us on Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/dearasianamericans  Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dearasianamericans  Subscribe to our YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/dearasianamericans  Learn more about DAA Producer and Host Jerry Won:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrywon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryjwon/// Support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon at http:www.patreon.com/dearasianamericans// Join the Asian Podcast Network:Web: https://asianpodcastnetwork.com/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/asianpodcastnetwork/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianpodcastnetwork/Dear Asian Americans is produced by Just Like Media:Web: http://www.justlikemedia.comInstagram.com: http://www.instagram.com/justlikemedia

Connie J. Lee, global producer and reporter, shares her journey of growing up Korean American, finding her passion in storytelling, and having the unique experience of both telling our stories in Asia and in the US for Asian media companies. She is also the host of Asian & American, a interview series in which Connie interviews prominent Asian Americans.We celebrate Connies successes in storytelling globally.We support her mission to share our unique Asian American stories in ways only we can given our personal experiences. We are inspired by her using her platform to further elevate and celebrate Asian Americans in all walks of life.Meet Connie!Connie Lee is a Reporter/Producer for CGTN America based in Washington D.C.She joined CGTN in 2016 after a few years working as a Reporter/Producer in Seoul, South Korea, covering global headlines and producing special features.Connie is a proud Korean American, who enjoyed living in the motherland, but is also glad to be back in the Washington region where she is from.At CGTN, Connie launched an original series ‘Asian & American’—which creatively profiles Asian American individuals making a social impact in their respective industries. You can also see her covering what’s trending on social media.She started her career in journalism working at the ABC affiliate channel based in the Washington region.Connie is fluent in Korean, conversational in Spanish, and is currently working on her Mandarin!(Source: https://america.cgtn.com/anchors-corresp/connie-lee)Watch Asian & American: http://www.conniejlee.com/asianamericanseries// Connect with Connie!Web: http://www.conniejlee.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connstar/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conniejlee/Twitter: https://twitter.com/connieleetv// Join the Dear Asian Americans Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dearasianamericans// Listen to Dear Asian Americans on all major platforms: Transistor.fm: http://www.dearasianamericans.com Apple: https://apple.dearasianamericans.com Spotify: https://spotify.dearasianamericans.com Stitcher: https://stitcher.dearasianamericans.com Google: https://google.dearasianamericans.com  Follow us on Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/dearasianamericans  Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dearasianamericans  Subscribe to our YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/dearasianamericans  Learn more about DAA Producer and Host Jerry Won:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrywon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryjwon/// Support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon at http:www.patreon.com/dearasianamericans// Join the Asian Podcast Network:Web: https://asianpodcastnetwork.com/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/asianpodcastnetwork/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianpodcastnetwork/Dear Asian Americans is produced by Just Like Media:Web: http://www.justlikemedia.comInstagram.com: http://www.instagram.com/justlikemedia

Marshall Cho, Boys Basketball Head Coach of Lake Oswego HS, joins Jerry on Episode 090 to share his journey of growing up in Springfield, Oregon, finding his passion for teaching and basketball in The Bronx, using basketball to teach kids life skills in Mozambique, and how he ended up back in his home state to be the head coach of one of the country's most prominent programs. This one is for all the basketball fans and athletes who often wonder if we'll ever see Asian Americans at the highest levels of excellence both on and off the court.We celebrate Marshall's successes in reaching the highest levels of coaching basketball through his work at Lake Oswego, DeMatha, and USA Basketball.We support his mission to inspire young Asian Americans to pursue careers in sports and coaching.We are inspired by his story of using his love of basketball and teaching to leave his impact and legacy all over the world.Meet Marshall!Marshall Cho was hired on May 1st, 2015 as the Head Boys Basketball Coach for Lake Oswego High School. Cho served as the director of basketball operations at University of Portland from 2012 to the 2014 season. His primary responsibilities include coordinating the team’s travel plans, office management, overseeing the programs community outreach efforts and managing the Pilot Basketball camps. Cho joined the Pilots after spending the previous three seasons on the coaching staff at renowned DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland. Cho began his career as an educator through the Teach For America program and taught in the South Bronx and Harlem for six years. He served as the boy’s basketball coach from 2004-06 at Future Leaders Institute, leading them to a New York City Charter School Championship. From 2006-09, while living in Mozambique, Cho spent three years as a volunteer coach and instructor with the Mozambican National Basketball Federation. Cho worked to assist the under-20 and under-16 national team and for Desportivo do Maputo, one of the top senior men’s club teams in Mozambique. He also trained under-16 basketball coaches using the NBA/Nike Africa Coaches Guide for six consecutive weekends leading up to the under-16 national championship. In August of 2008 Cho was the varsity boys’ basketball coach at the American International School of Mozambique, where he started and developed that program. During his time in Africa, Cho served as a coach for the NBA-sponsored Basketball Without Borders Africa. He also led a variety of volunteer efforts, including rehabilitating basketball courts by partnering with Hoops 4 Hope and the U.S. Embassy and conducting basketball clinics with local basketball clubs. Cho has served as clinician for USA Basketball Youth Division, and worked as court coach and support staff member for the junior national team program. He has worked with USA Basketball for the Nike Hoop Summit game since 2012 as well as working the junior national team’s U16/U17 trials. Cho graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 2000. He also received a Master’s Degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from Columbia University in 2003. Cho was born in Seoul, South Korea and grew up in Springfield, Ore. Cho and his wife, Connie, have a son, Nathaniel and daughter, Emma.(Source: https://empower.councilka.org/program-speakers/)// Connect with Marshall!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachmarshallcho/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshall-cho-a757176/Twitter: https://twitter.com/coachcho// Join the Dear Asian Americans Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dearasianamericans// Listen to Dear Asian Americans on all major platforms: Transistor.fm: http://www.dearasianamericans.com Apple: https://apple.dearasianamericans.com Spotify: https://spotify.dearasianamericans.com Stitcher: https://stitcher.dearasianamericans.com Google: https://google.dearasianamericans.com  Follow us on Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/dearasianamericans  Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dearasianamericans  Subscribe to our YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/dearasianamericans  Learn more about DAA Producer and Host Jerry Won:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrywon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryjwon/// Support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon at http:www.patreon.com/dearasianamericans// Join the Asian Podcast Network:Web: https://asianpodcastnetwork.com/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/asianpodcastnetwork/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianpodcastnetwork/Dear Asian Americans is produced by Just Like Media:Web: http://www.justlikemedia.comInstagram.com: http://www.instagram.com/justlikemedia

Speaker, Consultant, and Host of The Tao of Self Confidence Podcast Sheena Yap Chan joins Jerry to share her origin story, how an event changed her life perspective, and how she has been able to create her show into a million+ download podcast, positively impacting Asian women all over the world. Learn more about Sheena at www.SheenaYapChan.comWe celebrate Sheena's successful podcast, The Tao of Self Confidence, surpassing the one million download mark.We support her mission to empower Asian women globally through the power of authentic storytelling.We are inspired by her tenacity and drive to adapt and innovate in her mission to uplift Asian women.Meet Sheena!Sheena Yap Chan is a keynote speaker, coach, podcaster, consultant, and author on building self-confidence. She currently inspires women through her highly successful podcast called The Tao of Self Confidence where she interviews Asian women about their inner journey to self-confidence. Her mission is to help Asian Women boost their confidence to live their authentic selves, help Asian Women create a voice in the world, and create a stronger representation for Asian women. Sheena has been featured on MindValley, slice.ca, Marketing in Asia, Manila Times and more. She is also the TOP 100 Filipinos to follow on LinkedIn for inspiration and learning in 2020. You can learn more about Sheena and connect with her on her website​​​​​​​, iTunes​​​​​​​, Spotify​​​​​​​ , and Stitcher​​​​​​​.// Connect with Sheena!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheena.yap.chan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheenayapchan/Web: https://sheenayapchan.com/The Tao of Self Confidence: https://taplink.cc/thetaoofselfconfidence// Join the Dear Asian Americans Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dearasianamericans// Listen to Dear Asian Americans on all major platforms: Transistor.fm: http://www.dearasianamericans.com Apple: https://apple.dearasianamericans.com Spotify: https://spotify.dearasianamericans.com Stitcher: https://stitcher.dearasianamericans.com Google: https://google.dearasianamericans.com  Follow us on Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/dearasianamericans  Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dearasianamericans  Subscribe to our YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/dearasianamericans  Learn more about DAA Producer and Host Jerry Won:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrywon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryjwon/// Support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon at http:www.patreon.com/dearasianamericans// Join the Asian Podcast Network:Web: https://asianpodcastnetwork.com/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/asianpodcastnetwork/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianpodcastnetwork/Dear Asian Americans is produced by Just Like Media:Web: http://www.justlikemedia.comInstagram.com: http://www.instagram.com/justlikemedia

Former collegiate golfer, investment banker, and Uber leader turned women's apparel co-founder Jane Dong joins Jerry on Episode 088 to share her journey of overcoming odds and obstacles on her way to finding in Frankly what she had sought all her life: a company and product worth building in her own authentic vision. Learn more at www.FranklyApparel.comWe celebrate Jane's success in academics, athletics, and career and all that she has achieved.We support her business Frankly Apparel and her fellow Asian American entrepreneurs building companies our way.We are inspired by her taking her experience and gifts and putting them to make the world a better place.Meet Jane in her own words!"I grew up in Fremont, CA, and I achieved in the way that my Chinese immigrant parents have wanted. I'm now moving away from this, starting a women's apparel company focused on eliminating bras (Frankly) after graduating from Stanford GSB. Before Stanford, I was a DI golfer at Columbia and worked in more risk-averse industries like Investment Banking at Goldman and in operations at Uber. I've spent a lot of my life trying to collect gold stars, and though my stress is different now bootstrapping my own company, I feel more free than I did chasing brand names. I know how important representation and access is, and I will continue to be proud of my Asian-American heritage in circles where I'm the minority as well as speak up for those who aren't present."// Connect with Jane!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janedingdong/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janedong1/Frankly Apparel: https://franklyapparel.com/// Join the Dear Asian Americans Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dearasianamericans// Listen to Dear Asian Americans on all major platforms: Transistor.fm: http://www.dearasianamericans.com Apple: https://apple.dearasianamericans.com Spotify: https://spotify.dearasianamericans.com Stitcher: https://stitcher.dearasianamericans.com Google: https://google.dearasianamericans.com  Follow us on Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/dearasianamericans  Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dearasianamericans  Subscribe to our YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/dearasianamericans  Learn more about DAA Producer and Host Jerry Won:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrywon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryjwon/// Support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon at http:www.patreon.com/dearasianamericans// Join the Asian Podcast Network:Web: https://asianpodcastnetwork.com/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/asianpodcastnetwork/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianpodcastnetwork/Dear Asian Americans is produced by Just Like Media:Web: http://www.justlikemedia.comInstagram.com: http://www.instagram.com/justlikemedia

Actor and content creator Ryan Alexander Holmes joins Jerry on the show to share his unique Asian American story of growing up the child of a Chinese mother and African American father as he navigated private schools, corporate life, and acting. Follow him on Instagram and TikTok at @ryanalexhWe celebrate Ryan's decision to leverage social media platforms to share his own story and his unique Asian American experience.We support his career in his chosen field of acting and all those who are chasing their true dreams.We are inspired by his authentic storytelling to provide understanding and healing in bringing cultures together.Meet Ryan, in his own words..."Born and raised in Los Angeles. I am an Afro-Asian American. My mother is from Taiwan, my father is from the South (Jacksonville, Florida). I consider myself 100% Chinese and 100% African American. Although I was raised and acculturated  in Chinese culture (my Chinese extended family was always accepting and loving) , at early age it was very apparent that I was not accepted in the Asian community . When I began to find my own identity without having to prove it to my own people, I began to flourish as an artist. My story is an Asian American story, even if other Asians do not/cannot or refuse to see the "me" in them, I will always see the "them" in me. Currently I am an Actor in Hollywood and have been on "For the People" on ABC and "Dear White People" on Netflix."// Connect with Ryan!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalexh/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanalexhLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alexander-holmes-a8bb101b/IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7974993/Medium: https://medium.com/@ryanalexanderholmes/blasian-perspective-anti-blackness-in-the-asian-community-61e0be9578a6// Join the Dear Asian Americans Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dearasianamericans// Listen to Dear Asian Americans on all major platforms: Transistor.fm: http://www.dearasianamericans.com Apple: https://apple.dearasianamericans.com Spotify: https://spotify.dearasianamericans.com Stitcher: https://stitcher.dearasianamericans.com Google: https://google.dearasianamericans.com  Follow us on Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/dearasianamericans  Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dearasianamericans  Subscribe to our YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/dearasianamericans  Learn more about DAA Producer and Host Jerry Won:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrywon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryjwon/// Support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon at http:www.patreon.com/dearasianamericans// Join the Asian Podcast Network:Web: https://asianpodcastnetwork.com/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/asianpodcastnetwork/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianpodcastnetwork/Dear Asian Americans is produced by Just Like Media:Web: http://www.justlikemedia.comInstagram.com: http://www.instagram.com/justlikemedia

Professional Ballet Dancer Daniel Jae Cho joins Jerry on Episode 086 to share his journey through academics and dance, something he discovered as an adult in college. Tune is to hear what life has been for an Asian American male ballet dancer pre and now during COVID. We celebrate Daniel's journey into finding and thriving at something he loves amidst all the challenges he faced along the way.We support his vision of pursuing something that broke stereotypes and what truly made him happy and fulfilled.We are inspired by his dedication to follow through on his passion.Meet DanielDaniel Cho is first generation Korean American and holds a Bachelor of Arts Special Major in Dance and Education from Swarthmore College. He is a proud graduate of the Alonzo King LINES Ballet Training Program, where he had the pleasure of performing works by Alonzo King, Sidra Bell, Shannon Gillen, Alex Ketley, Maurya Kerr, and Gregory Dawson. Currently a dancer with Verb Ballets, some of his favorite roles have included Tarantella, Adam Hougland's K281, and Stephanie Martinez's Wandering On. A recent career highlight was having the opportunity to perform as Mercutio in Alonso's Romeo and Juliet at the National Theater in Havana, Cuba (Source: DanceMagazine.com)// Connect with Daniel!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danierjaeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-cho-57b3461b4Dance Magazine: https://www.dancemagazine.com/u/danielcho// Join the Dear Asian Americans Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dearasianamericans// Listen to Dear Asian Americans on all major platforms: Transistor.fm: http://www.dearasianamericans.com Apple: https://apple.dearasianamericans.com Spotify: https://spotify.dearasianamericans.com Stitcher: https://stitcher.dearasianamericans.com Google: https://google.dearasianamericans.com  Follow us on Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/dearasianamericans  Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dearasianamericans  Subscribe to our YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/dearasianamericans  Learn more about DAA Producer and Host Jerry Won:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrywon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryjwon/// Support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon at http:www.patreon.com/dearasianamericans// Join the Asian Podcast Network:Web: https://asianpodcastnetwork.com/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/asianpodcastnetwork/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianpodcastnetwork/Dear Asian Americans is produced by Just Like Media:Web: http://www.justlikemedia.comInstagram.com: http://www.instagram.com/justlikemedia

Peter Lee, Founder of COBA Coffee, joins Jerry on Episode 085 to share his story of reinventing himself through grit and ingenuity to rebuild his life after a series of events led him off his chosen path. Tune in for great lessons in life and business and check out www.coba.coffee today!We celebrate the successful launch and rebranding of COBA Coffee!We support his work and all our Asian American entrepreneurs who are living life on our own terms.We are inspired by his story of resilience, git, and ingenuity in finding the silver linings and turning his life around. Meet Peter and learn of COBA's origin story!My coffee story starts as a high school dropout at 17 years old with an itch to grind and a huge ego. I always felt that school was a waste of time, despite the negative resentment from my friends and family. Wanting to prove everybody wrong, I wanted to start a business. I wanted to "take on" Starbucks to prove myself to the world that I'm not a failure.My vision to create the next Starbucks died quickly. I was way in over my head. Opening a cafe is not easy; it requires upstart funds, regulations, licenses, and coffee knowledge that I lacked. Instead, I decided to start learning about the basics of coffee. The first step in that journey was learning how to roast green coffee beans. In the beginning, I started off using pans or ovens to roast coffee that I got from some local green coffee suppliers. It took a lot of time for not enough reward but I wasn’t able to afford a commercial roaster at the time which could cost over $10,000. So instead, I built my own.It was crude and janky, but it worked. I started to sell coffee locally around my neighborhood and was even able to secure my most prominent client, Glendale Unified School District. But unfortunately, I still couldn’t compete with the larger industrial coffee suppliers. So I figured, if I can’t beat them, I’ll try sourcing coffee to sell to them.I spontaneously went on a 2 month journey to South America, visiting coffee plantations and immersing myself in the coffee trade. I was surprised to learn many things about the coffee trade that I had never even thought about:Shipping coffee is more expensive than the coffee beans themselves because beans take up a lot of space, so volume drives up shipping costsSome coffee trees take more than 10 years to matureCoffee ripens unevenly, meaning that harvesting is a year-long processAll these factors were something I never considered when I bought a $4 coffee at Starbucks. As my coffee obsession grew, I began to question why coffee is consumed as a drink but not in any other form. Why are we so formulaic and precise with our measurements to output a liquid without seeing all the alternatives that coffee can offer? That was when the idea of the solid coffee bar was born.COBA is the result of years of experimentation and education. The first version of COBA was pretty disgusting, but after learning more about the grinding, roasting, and sourcing processes we were able to create better and better versions of COBA. It took three years and 200+ iterations to finally create a coffee bar that everyone enjoyed. That final iteration is COBA, The Coffee Bar. (Source: Coba.coffee)// Connect with Peter!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterlee.coba/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-h-s-lee-83152045/// Check out COBA CoffeeWebsite: https://coba.coffee/// Join the Dear Asian Americans Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dearasianamericans// Listen to Dear Asian Americans on all major platforms: Transistor.fm: http://www.dearasianamericans.com Apple: https://apple.dearasianamericans.com Spotify: https://spotify.dearasianamericans.com Stitcher: https://stitcher.dearasianamericans.com Google: https://google.dearasianamericans.com  Follow us on Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/dearasianamericans  Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dearasianamericans  Subscribe to our YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/dearasianamericans  Learn more about DAA Producer and Host Jerry Won:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrywon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryjwon/// Support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon at http:www.patreon.com/dearasianamericans// Join the Asian Podcast Network:Web: https://asianpodcastnetwork.com/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/asianpodcastnetwork/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianpodcastnetwork/Dear Asian Americans is produced by Just Like Media:Web: http://www.justlikemedia.comInstagram.com: http://www.instagram.com/justlikemedia