Skip to content
Step out of your comfort zone: The first step to entrepreneurship
In a recent interview with the Mandarin Journal, Taelor Co-Founder and CEO Anya Cheng, shared her inspiring journey as a first-generation immigrant entrepreneur. Her story is a testament to determination, and the power of networking.
Turning Setbacks into Strength
Anya has faced significant challenges as an immigrant entrepreneur. She observed the disparity in startup funding, which often favored white male-led ventures. "In the beginning, it made me feel very depressed," Anya admitted. But she chose to see her immigrant status as a strength rather than a setback.
Building a Global Network
Anya discovered the power of her community of fellow immigrants—Indian, Taiwanese, Korean, Israeli—who shared her determination and vision. "America is a country of immigrants," she emphasizes. This realization fueled her drive. With support from diverse investors, including YouTube founder Steve Chen, Anya transformed her perceived disadvantage into an advantage. Her team and network now span the globe, connecting with talent and investors from Romania, India, Italy, and Nigeria.
Opening New Doors
Reflecting on her time in large corporations, Anya expressed regret over not building a broader network sooner. She observed that while minority groups often separate work from personal life, many successful individuals integrate the two, gaining valuable insights and growing faster. Anya realized the importance of stepping out of her comfort zone and engaging with diverse people. This approach accelerated her growth and opened doors to new opportunities.
For immigrant entrepreneurs, Anya's story is a beacon of hope. Her message to fellow startup founders: “Embrace your unique background, connect with others, and transform challenges into strengths.” The world of entrepreneurship is vast, and with the right mindset and community, success is within reach.
Want some help finding clothes that will make you the best possible version of you? Let Taelor help. Taelor is a menswear rental subscription service dedicated to helping men look their best when it matters most. Our styling service, powered by a human stylist and assisted by artificial intelligence, finds the clothes that help you win – at work, on a date, at a party, or wherever you spend your time.
Expert stylists assisted by AI to pick items that match your preferences and occasions.
Rent up to 10 items per month to get ready for the week and achieve your goals.
Easy return to get your next shipment or buy to keep your favorite items.
