Last week, I was on a call with a cohort of venture capital fund managers — and I was surprised at what they shared.

These are people who've helped launch unicorns (companies with valuations of $1B) and zebras (companies driving profitability while focused on social and environmental impact), and who have $10Ms to $100Ms of assets under management.

As entrepreneurs, especially women of color, we often find ourselves working harder than ever—putting in hours, grinding away, and yet, the results don’t always reflect the effort. If you've ever wondered, “Why isn’t my bank account showing the progress I deserve?”—you're not alone.

The truth is, systemic barriers still exist for women of color in business. From limited access to funding and networks to fewer mentorship opportunities, these challenges can leave you feeling like you're running on a treadmill, expending energy but not moving forward. On top of that, the emotional labor of constantly fighting for recognition and equity can drain your focus and hold you back from building the business you truly deserve.

That’s why I believe the time has come to shift the narrative—and do it on your own terms. By aligning your business with your unique strengths and experiences, you can break free from the traditional paths and create a strategy that amplifies your voice and showcases your true worth.

In my latest offering, I’ve created the Profitable Rolling Marketing Plan Template—a guide that helps you stay consistent with marketing without burning out. This isn’t a cookie-cutter plan. It’s designed to adapt to your business, grow with you, and provide the clarity and consistency you need to scale confidently.

in this post, Judy Tsuei reflects on the unexpected moments that shape our lives.

Have you ever had someone say something so simple, yet it sticks with you long after? Judy shares a powerful moment from her Thanksgiving when a casual remark—“This isn’t the vibe I was hoping would end the day”—struck a chord with her. That one sentence, though said in passing, opened up a deeper truth about the pressure she’d been carrying to be perfect, something many of us can relate to.

Judy dives into the complexities of perfectionism, especially within marginalized communities, where there’s an underlying belief that perfect = safe. She reveals how this drive to fix what’s wrong can often lead us to miss out on everything that’s going right in our lives.

In this post, Judy reflects on a powerful conversation with a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses partner that delved into insecurities and past experiences shaping their self-worth and ambitions. She recalls both the successes and hesitations from her Spain trip, realizing she’d settled for "second best" due to lingering doubts. Judy draws inspiration from her daughter's reminder that connection, not accomplishment, truly matters. Embracing her namesake, Parvati — symbolizing creative life force — Judy sets out to peel back layers of self-limiting beliefs, inviting others on a journey toward worthiness and self-discovery through Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) coaching.

In this blog, Judy shares a touching encounter with a grieving stranger on a flight to Spain, where her young daughter, Wilder, offered empathy and connection, leaving them both changed. Later, at the Guggenheim, Judy guided Wilder through her own fears, reinforcing the importance of safe spaces for healing and growth. These moments reminded Judy of the power of compassion in both personal and professional realms, as she’s experienced in her coaching and through supportive communities like Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.

In this blog, I share a powerful experience connecting with my grandmother’s spirit through a psychic medium. During the reading, my grandmother gave me incredibly specific messages—she mentioned the exact colors of the folders on my desk, commented on pages of my book proposal, and even hinted at my daughter’s spiritual gifts. Days later, my daughter sensed my grandmother’s presence herself, relaying a heartfelt message about her pride in my work. This encounter reminded me of the deep connections we share with loved ones, both seen and unseen, and the comforting sense that they are still by our side, guiding us forward.

In the past week, Judy has celebrated multiple successes: signing $35K in new clients, reaching 108 backers on her Kickstarter, publishing 123 podcast episodes, and having a TikTok video go viral. Amid these accomplishments, she reflects on the number two—symbolizing her relationship with her daughter and the tender realization of wanting a family. Through personal growth, grief, and bravery, Judy acknowledges the importance of daring to want and ask for what matters most. As she strengthens herself physically and emotionally, she's beginning to believe her deepest dreams—both professional and personal—are possible.

In this post, Judy reflects on being labeled "too much" from a young age and how societal expectations, particularly from her mother and peers, shaped her self-perception. Over time, these labels made her doubt her authentic self, creating a narrative that held her back. Now, Judy emphasizes the importance of understanding the stories we tell ourselves, others, and the world. She encourages readers to assess their mindset, relationships, and personal brand to ensure they align with their true selves. Judy also promotes her upcoming podcast episode featuring emotional intelligence expert Nicole F. Smith, who champions the idea of being unapologetically yourself.

In a heartfelt plea for support, Judy announces the launch of their Kickstarter campaign for How to Disappoint Your Parents in 10 Shameless Steps: A Modern Asian-American Guide. As the black sheep of their family, this book has been a long-time dream, and they emphasize the importance of community backing in the initial 24 hours to enhance its visibility. Despite feelings of vulnerability and fear of rejection, the author shares their commitment to this project and hopes their journey inspires others to pursue their own aspirations. They are actively reaching out to friends and community members to rally support and emphasize their investment in the project.

In this blog post, Judy shares her emotional journey after launching her passion project, How to Disappoint Your Parents in 10 Shameless Steps: A Modern Asian-American Guide, and receiving a hurtful message from an online hater. Encouraged by a former client, Judy reframed the negativity as a sign of being on the right path. She celebrates the early success of her Kickstarter campaign, which reached its first goal within 24 hours and became a "Project We Love." Now, with 80 backers and 57 days remaining, Judy outlines her ambitious stretch goals, emphasizing the importance of community support and rallying for diversity and inclusion. She closes with encouragement for others pursuing unconventional paths, reminding them to stay true to themselves.

Judy shares the emotional moment of hearing their daughter call her stepmom "Mom" during a FaceTime call, prompting feelings of grief and reflection. They discuss the varied responses from their online community and emphasize the importance of focusing on their child's well-being and the love she receives. The post highlights the value of open communication with their ex-husband and navigating complex family dynamics with understanding and grace.

Judy shares an emotional moment as her daughter reads lines from her childhood journals, marking the culmination of her journey to publish a book. After struggling with traditional, self, and hybrid publishing, Judy realized that none of those paths felt right. Her purpose was to make an impact, help others through tough times, and give a voice to those who feel like outcasts. This led to the creation of her Kickstarter campaign, not just for herself but for everyone who has ever felt silenced or pressured to conform. She invites followers to support her project and share it with others.

Judy reflects on a restless night of anxiety and overthinking, exploring how we often give too much power to our thoughts. She reminds readers that feeling off is natural and that alignment with purpose brings clarity. Judy shares how her team encouraged her to build her personal brand, which led to a transformative moment of self-realization. She highlights recent achievements, including being selected for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Cohort and launching her Kickstarter. Judy encourages readers to embrace life's lulls and seek support when needed.

Judy shares a heartwarming story about her daughter, Wilder, hosting a pop-up shop to sell her own canvas bags, showcasing her budding entrepreneurial spirit. Wilder's creativity in sales and marketing led to a successful day, sparking discussions about expanding her business online and even hiring help. Judy reflects on the challenges of parenting a 9-year-old, likening it to the ups and downs of running a business. She emphasizes the importance of commitment, meaningful connections, and having support through life's uncertainties, drawing parallels between business growth and personal growth.

Judy recently led a personal branding workshop for The Authentic Asian community, receiving great feedback from 20+ women. She emphasizes that building a personal brand helps you stand out, increase influence, and build credibility by being authentic. Judy invites readers to her free upcoming personal branding workshop and also offers an opportunity to become a case study client for her company's rebrand. Ideal clients are those looking to rebrand or launch a service, seeking marketing strategy, design, and content support with a 3-6 month turnaround. She encourages those interested to book a call and potentially receive a bonus consulting package.

Judy shares a personal story about dealing with her landlord's frustration over a rent check mishap, which brought up feelings of fear and control rooted in her childhood. Despite doing everything to fix the situation, she realized on a hike that she can’t control external circumstances or people. Instead of striving for perfection, she’s embracing the unpredictability of life, choosing to focus on unexpected blessings. She also emphasizes the importance of mindset in shaping experiences and invites women entrepreneurs of color to a workshop on Visionary Visibility.

I celebrated my 46th birthday in Glacier National Park, embarking on an adventurous trip that included a 21-hour car ride, three hikes, and unexpected hitchhiking experiences. I received hiking poles as a gift, which helped with my knees and ankles, and even got a speeding ticket in Montana. Throughout the journey, I experienced moments of awe in nature, shifted my perspective on old stories, and found a sense of calm. As I reflect on this milestone, I'm excited about the truths I'm ready to embrace.

I'm passionate about supporting women entrepreneurs in achieving their goals. This week, I address those hesitant to commit or make decisions, reflecting on my own indirect communication style that can hinder service. We've faced resistance from potential clients due to budget and time concerns, often rooted in deeper fears. I emphasize the importance of making quick decisions—whether "yes" or "no"—to avoid stagnation and encourage you to ask key questions to overcome internal blocks. Remember, your commitment to your goals is what truly matters.

Greetings from Mexico! I'm on a surf trip with a large group, but I'm also interviewing junior copywriters to expand our team. During one interview, a candidate quoted Zen Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, emphasizing that understanding someone's suffering is the best gift you can give, and that understanding is the essence of love. This resonated with me, reflecting my commitment to authentically understand our clients and their journeys. Our focus on creating human-powered content fosters deep connections with our clients, leading to loyal advocates. If you haven't worked with us yet, check out our free resource on budgeting for agency services to ensure you maximize your investment. Off to catch some waves!

This year’s blue whale watching season in San Diego has been extraordinary, prompting me to take my daughter on a boat tour after seeing a captivating video from Gone Whale Watching. This experience highlighted the effectiveness of social media marketing, as I quickly booked tickets for my family. However, the true revelation came during the trip when I witnessed my daughter embrace the moment, closing her eyes to soak in the beauty of the sea and expressing her happiness to me. This powerful affirmation of my purpose as a business owner reminded me why I work hard and prioritize these special moments. As summer plans unfold, I encourage you to reflect on your own "why" and seek out joy in everyday life.