Maker Manager Money - Entrepreneur & Business Owner Inspiration
Hello there. Welcome to the Maker Manager Money podcast with Kyle Ariel Knowles. This podcast is about entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, founders, business owners, and business partnerships, from startups to stayups, to inspire entrepreneurs to keep going and future entrepreneurs to just start.
Maker Manager Money - Entrepreneur & Business Owner Inspiration
Building a Business with Heart: Mei-Yung Lee's Vision for Ageless Zen and Community Impact
In this episode of the Maker-Manager Money Podcast, host Kyle Ariel Knowles welcomes Mei-Yung Lee, the president and CEO of Ageless Zen Incorporated. Mei shares her inspiring journey from her roots in Hong Kong, where she was influenced by her father's work as a herbal medicine doctor, to becoming an entrepreneur through acquisition.
Founded in 2016, Ageless Zen is a boutique manufacturer of premium natural skincare and supplement products. Mei discusses the company's unique business model, which integrates ancient wisdom with cutting-edge science to create effective health and beauty products. She also highlights the company's philanthropic efforts through the Ageless Zen Circle of Giving Foundation, which supports organizations like MetaViver, which are dedicated to funding research for metastatic breast cancer.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Integrating Ancient Wisdom with Modern Science
Mei's father inspired her to study herbal medicine, shaping her approach to creating natural skincare and supplement products. She emphasizes merging traditional knowledge with cutting-edge research to develop effective solutions. This integration benefits consumers and highlights the potential of combining different fields to innovate and create unique offerings. - Focus on Community and Philanthropy
One of the standout aspects of Ageless Zen is its commitment to giving back through the Ageless Zen Circle of Giving Foundation. Mei's vision is to create a self-funding model that supports schools and non-profits while providing consumers with high-quality products. This approach demonstrates that businesses can thrive while positively impacting their communities. It's a reminder that success is not just about profit; it's also about purpose. - Navigating Challenges in International Expansion
Mei candidly shared her experience expanding Ageless Zen internationally, highlighting the importance of establishing a strong domestic foundation before venturing abroad. Her advice to focus on what you do well before entering new markets is invaluable for entrepreneurs. It’s a lesson in patience and strategic growth that can help prevent common business scaling pitfalls.
Join us as Mei shares her insights on entrepreneurship, the challenges of expanding internationally, and the importance of community partnerships. Discover how Ageless Zen provides high-quality products and empowers consumers to support local charities and schools through purchases.
Key Topics:
- Mei's entrepreneurial journey and background
- The philosophy behind Ageless Zen's product development
- The importance of philanthropy in business
- Challenges and lessons learned in international expansion
- How consumers can support nonprofits through Ageless Zen
Links:
- Ageless Zen Website
- Ageless Zen Community Partnership
- Follow Mei Lee on LinkedIn
- Follow Kyle Ariel Knowles on LinkedIn
- Watch the Video Episode on YouTube
Kyle Ariel Knowles: Hello there. Welcome to the Maker-Manager Money Podcast. My name is Kyle Knowles and today's guest is Mei-Yung Lee, the president and CEO of Ageless Zen Incorporated. Mei leads a boutique manufacturer of premium natural skincare and supplement products. Established in 2016 with international distributor partners, Ageless Zen, under Mei's leadership, actively supports philanthropy through their Ageless Zen Circle of Giving Foundation and Community Partnership Program. A key focus is their support for Metavivor, funding research for metastatic breast cancer, a cause close to Mei's heart. Welcome to the show, Mei.
Mei-Yung Lee: Well, thank you. So nice to be on your show.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: I've been really looking forward to talking to you because you have such an interesting background of how you came into entrepreneurship through acquiring a company, so ETA, entrepreneurship through acquisition, and your journey from, you know, leaving corporate and, you know, buying a business and running the business. So why don't you talk about your background, where you're from, where, you know, your entrepreneurial journey through jobs in corporate and then ending up buying a business.
Mei-Yung Lee: Well, actually, I was born in Hong Kong and my father was a herbal medicine doctor. So I was raised and, you know, growing up with Chinese medicine, plants and herbs. And every time when I got a cold or got a flu, you know, my father would spring into action, you know, and then make up all this really you know, disgusting liquid that we're supposed to drink. But the good thing is that after we drink it, you know, we all feel better. So I'm a big believer in the power of plants and herbs. And I think really they are smarter and more gentle. And plant chemicals are more balanced. And in nature, I think it's better for wellness and healing as a holistic to treat the entire body. you know, that's part of my background. And you know that I'm inspired by my father's work. So I'm always thinking in terms of how I use natural products for myself and my family. And then fast forward, you know, I move over here. And I always loved tennis, so I played a lot of tennis on the court. You know, there's some crazy time I just played seven days a week, okay? Well, I was a lot younger then too. So anyway, I started to see myself and my friends on the tennis court. You know, we got a lot of sun damages, dark spots, you know, discoloration, you name it. It basically is a premature aging. So I come across, met my partner in 2016, and he was a director managing a group of research doctors. And they consulted with international and domestic cosmetic company to study the effectiveness of the toxicity of the natural ingredient. And they have over 30 years of their experience. You know, then I have an aha moment. I say, wait a minute, you know, a light bulb went on my head and it say, What if, you know, I have this opportunity, I can merge, you know, ancient wisdom of the power of the urban plan with the cutting edge science research and technology to create a line of natural product that will benefit all of us. And so that's how I make a decision to decide to acquire this research company and refocus itself, you know, to design that line of products, which now I'm using every day. So after seven years of research and development, not only that we have this line of amazing product that I use every day, But we also build a custom software platform for those who are entrepreneurs at heart and are interested in having their own natural health and beauty business. So now they can get into the business, you know, without picking the bank. So that's my journey, you know, from, you know, being retired and then getting it back into the business again. And as you know, Kyle, I'm very interested in non-profit involvement, and I involved in a lot of non-profit. So I decided, you know, if I can set up a foundation, which is HSN Circle of Giving Foundation, and use our line of unique product to help raise fund for school and non-profit, so I can help them to secure a perpetual funding stream within their communities. I believe it is a win-win business model for all concerned, you know, while consumer can use a natural and effective clean product to take care of their skin and take care of themselves. And they are also supporting school and non-profit, you know, serving them, you know, within their own community. And so in this it can call Circle of Giving. That's why we call it Circle of Giving Foundation. So we can generate fund for them, you know, so they can support their own programs in the school and also critical service in the, you know, that they provide to their own community. So that's, you know, how we started this whole thing.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: So Ageless Zen, there are beauty products and health products, supplements and things like that?
Mei-Yung Lee: Yes, yes. Now I can tell you how we actually can do that. Because as you know, corporation, you know, there's a lot of moving parts, and it's kind of hard to keep the cost down to be able to pay So many different vendors and so forth. So it's not so easy to be able to cut out a lot of chunks of money to give it to non-profit, right? So the way we designed our model is that we are basically vertically integrated skincare manufacturer. That means, you know, we had the expertise in-house to be able to handle the ingredients sourcing, manufacturing, packaging, and fulfillment, and all the design work as well as the practical work, making a product, testing, and so forth. So we're fortunate about that. So we cut out a lot of the expenses that we had to pay in the middleman, usually a company need to pay. So by doing that, all the saving, we can give a large portion of these sales proceeds, you know, to our foundation, to fund our foundation that way. So now our foundation can give them back to the school and charity that we are involved into this program. We're also able to hire staff to go out to train school and charities to join our movement to perpetuate this self-funding model by using AGSN natural products as a vehicle. So we have our product line, including from all natural baby to man health product, supplement, of course, women anti-aging. So we have a very what I say, a pretty large selection of the product. Basically, within the community, if they want to support their school or charities, they have a lot of choices. They don't necessarily have to get anti-aging product if they don't want to. But of course, our products are very effective, so I would advise them to do so.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: Okay. So you've successfully established a just Zen with distributed partners in Europe and Hong Kong. What were the key challenges and lessons that were learned when expanding internationally? And what advice would you offer to other entrepreneurs aspiring to take their businesses global?
Mei-Yung Lee: Well, I think the first thing comes first, and I think I personally jump into the business and make some errors. I will actually advise people to focus in domestically first. before they move out internationally. The reason why we move out internationally so quickly is because we have contacts in those places. And when they saw our product and they just can't wait to jump in, so we kind of forced into it. and open up those markets before we can even settle into the U.S. market. As you know, U.S. market is one of the largest markets for health supplements and skincare. But You know, it is what it is. And we are very happy with our partners and they doing a great job, but that's my advice. So be focusing domestically and do what you do well, and then expand as you, your company continue to grow.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: And so is one of your competitors, new skin.
Mei-Yung Lee: Okay.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: So you have a new skin model. So you allow others to become distributors of your products then, and that's how they could start their own business. Is that correct?
Mei-Yung Lee: Well, you know, we are very integrated in a different way. Number one, we have this non-profit, you know, food foundation. Okay. And that actually is closest to my heart, but we also want to help entrepreneur that you know, they can afford a business. So that's why we also have a model. But unlike NuScan, we are not multi-level, and we actually encourage them to build their own sales team. And when they bring in sales team member, they don't get commissions. You know, basically, you know, we want them to expand their business through selling product. It's not about recruiting people.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: That's awesome. So you, you had a background and a career before you came out of retirement and bought a business and started working again and running a business that's cut into your tennis time, I'm sure. So, so talk about your background and what kind of jobs did you work before you came out of retirement to buy Ageless Zen?
Mei-Yung Lee: Actually, you know, a little sad story. I moved to this country in 81 and met a really nice gentleman. And we got married and had two children. And together we started a company called the Stitzel Company, which is a real estate development company. And I'm more focusing on helping him in terms of building design. So our project, including the No. 1 and No. 2 Rodeo Drive, which is a pretty large project that we helped to develop. But unfortunately, he passed away after nine years we married. So I kind of end up finding a little bit in this country by myself. So I just focusing on helping the company to develop, finish those projects, and then I try to get my own personal time free so I can have time for my children and also for my in-laws. So I'm focusing on learning how to do investment so I can be a stay-at-home mom and work at the same time. Because at that time, it's more flexible with the investment business. So that's how I started. So while I'm doing the investment business, and I also get very involved in a lot of different nonprofits sitting on school board, like university, high school. in San Francisco and the Bay Area Discover Museum. And then another program is called Summer Bridge. And now actually it's called Breakthrough Collaborative, which is a mentor, younger kid that is in the middle school through the high school program in the independent school student. So it was a great program. It's nationalized now. So you know that my background is more about how to help others so they can help themselves. So that's why now when I got into this skincare business and I decided not only just for myself, yes, I want to look good, I want to be healthy, and I want people to look good and healthy, but I also want to focusing on helping other peoples and also helping the communities. So that's why all these programs spreading out, you know, it's like so many of them and I'm kind of like trying to keep up with it.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: Yeah, it's very fascinating. Like all your community partners, you have four listed. You have the Carranza Community Partnership, which is based out of Mozambique, Southern Mozambique. And then you have the Live Violence Free.
Mei-Yung Lee: Yes.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: You have Metavivor, and then Ross Valley Women's League. And all of these are to help others help themselves, really, just like what you said. Is that correct? Why don't you talk about each of these? Let's start with Kurandza Community Partnership.
Mei-Yung Lee: Yes. Kurandza is a very interesting program. My daughter is on the board of directors. You know, it basically is funding girls to go to school in Mozambique, Africa. And as you know, and many of your listeners also understand that girls in a developing country, it's very difficult for them to go to school. you know, particularly, you know, during when they have their periods, you know, they're not allowed to go to school, or their parents trying to marry them off early, you know, so it's a lot of those. But with this program, we actually help them. to fund, to provide them with the funding they need so they can buy uniform and they can, you know, buy school bags. And so all the girls can, you know, come to school and become more educated so they can hopefully, you know, be the captain of their own boat and determine their own fate. So that is one of these program that I absolutely love those girls. They send me picture all the times and, you know, so very gratifying. The second one is Live Violent Free. And as you also know that Live Violent Free is a program help battle women or in dangerous position if their life and their children's life being threatened, particularly by their partner. And this program help them. you know, to reestablish themselves or take legal action and protect them. So I think it's another amazing program and I dearly support. Then I'll come to the other one that we are right now very actively involved with them. is the MEGAvivor. And MEGAvivor is a metastatic stage four breast cancer research organization. I happen to went into a woman, Dr. Shanahan, Kelly Shanahan, and she living close to my neighborhood in Lake Tahoe. And we become friends through another friends that also has breast cancer. So we were talking about it and she tried our product. So she used our product for two years and she fully endorses, she read the label, know that we are clean and not interfere with any of her treatment. Because sometimes as you know, that they go to a lot of experimental treatment to try and to help themselves. So we are very proud now we are trying to collaborate with them. to help them to get more funding within their community to support this important cause. And hopefully, you know, one day we'll find a cure to help, you know, all the patients to get their life back and, you know, be happy about the world. And just, I mean, I'm sorry, I cry a lot. I mean, I got very emotional because, you know, my mom has breast cancer. and she has since passed away. So anyway, it's a very dear cause to me as well. And then the fourth one is Ross Woman Valley League, which is in Marin County. It's also through my friend, the chairwoman over there, C.C. McGraw from the McGraw Publishing Company. She's always very, very into nonprofit and trying to help others. So we talk about it. So together, we will also help them to use our product as a vehicle, you know, to raise a large amount of money, hopefully, for them. so they can help the local communities as well. They gave a lot of money and supporting homelessness. So that is one of their main cause. So I'm very proud. So right now I only have four organization. I'm hoping that I can, you know, if some of your listener listening to this, I hope that they will join us, you know, join this movement because this is totally have no cost. It's a free program for any non-profit. You know, they just want to have the will. They want to do it. And our non-profit, you know, hire, you know, specialists to help them. We will set up the free landing page for them and our designated website. And then all they need to do that to send that link out to their supporter as they shop. We tally up all of those and give them a report every month and then write out check every month from our foundation. So they don't really have to do a lot. All they need to do is just tell their supporter, This is the collaboration they involve, and hopefully they can jump on the bandwagon and using natural, healthy product for themselves and also supporting their community and charity that is so dear to their hearts.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: Yeah, that's great. So really, if you go to azcommunitypartnership.com, it shows you these four partners, including Carranza Community Partnership, Live Violence Free, Medivivre, and Ross Valley Women's League. And the way that you help donate to those organizations is you hit the shop now, for example, on Metavivor, and if you buy products, a percentage of those proceeds will go to Metavivor. Is that how it works?
Mei-Yung Lee: Yeah, we'll be able to give 30% of that proceed, you know, to Metavivor. And matter of fact, you know, for people, we, for the non-profits, so we can help them, And the person they're referring and helping to bridge this gap and help us, we also will receive, they will receive 10% of all the sales. And as long as the sale is going on, they're always going to get a 10% because they are putting us in touch of their non-profit and so we can help them. And the non-profit will get a 30% of the profit of all the sales. So, you know, it's a pretty substantial once when you add all the little number up. And don't forget, it's perpetual. you know, because after people finish a consumable product, like a face cream, and then they know that they love it, it's clean and wonderful, make them look good, feel good, then, you know, they'll come back for more. So we have people, of course, buy it every month. So you're talking about a monthly income stream for that particular nonprofit.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: Okay. So it works the same way if someone wants to set up their own business. And I know we talked about on an intro call that you have some influencers starting to make content about your products and they could set up their own business this way as well and have their own store in the same way that a nonprofit would set up something for donations as well. Is that correct?
Mei-Yung Lee: Well, actually for our influencer program, they are even easier because we know that they have to work to put content together and having a website for them, you know, it's just more work for them. So what we do is that we collaborate with them, they create content, you know, and then we set up whatever QR code or the code that they would like to For example, you know, Kyle's superhuman. So when your listener come to shop with us and using that quote, your listener will get a 10% off, you know, by coming into shop. And then we'll be able using that code to track now, you know, Kyle is making himself 30%, you know, for, for the hard work he put in creating content and all of that.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: I see. Okay. So the influencers, it's more of a affiliate marketing kind of situation. Exactly. The influencer has a code that you, you punch in and then you're tracking on the backend. Yes. How many sales are coming in and then they get 30% of the sales. That's correct. Okay.
Mei-Yung Lee: Yeah. So it's very simple. Yeah.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: Your main website is Ageless Zen.
Mei-Yung Lee: Yes.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: We'll put all these links in the show notes as well, but to make sure people can go check out their products. What are some of your favorite products that you sell?
Mei-Yung Lee: Okay. No, I have to say, you know, I try every single product except the men product. Because using the men product, you know, my husband did it. I mean, he loves that. But our product is about treating skin condition. So it really, there's no gender, you know, limit to it. But one of our most heavy lifting product we call is a must-have is our night cream. Our night cream is designed, it's very unique. It's just like a peptide matrix mask. You probably saw people that have their mask on, you know, and they look kind of funny. They scare their husband away while they're doing it. Actually, ours is invisible. And we actually have an eggshell membrane built in with all the nutrition and growth peptides. into this mask So, and it's like a cream once when you put it on, you know, within second, you feel the lifting of action. And so it helped to repair while you're sleeping at night. So you don't wash it off, you just put it on and let it, you know, let it does its magic while you're sleeping. So it coincide with your repair cycle of your body cell. So it was really, really, amazing product. So, you know, we have clients come in, they'll buy two, three bottles. So they use it day and night.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: What is the product called?
Mei-Yung Lee: It's called the Night Knee Cream. Very simple. Like AZ Night Knee Cream. It got a lot of science in it. and got different herbs in it, and got the seaberry extract in it. And the seaberry extract is another story. So each of our product actually has its own story. and how we decided to make that, why we're making that, and what is the result, because we have clinical trial and we make sure that all our product is backed by science. You know, the advantage for us is because we started as a research company to start it. And then the 30 years of experience of research and study all the different natural ingredient really give us a leg up you know, so we can develop our product like nobody can, because we already have this knowledge bank, you know, built in. And that's another reason why I acquired this company, you know, the research company and make it to become a product company.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: Yeah, that's awesome. That's awesome. Well, Mei, I wanted to ask you a few more questions, and then I've got a lightning round of questions. The first question I have for you is who has had the most impact on your life?
Mei-Yung Lee: Well, I think that is my father because, now I'm going to get emotional again, okay? Because when I grew up as a child, I saw how he actually heal people with his ability, understanding of the plants and the herbs. We have people walk in in very bad shape and in his clinic, and he'll be able to kind of get them going. you know, in a few days. And yeah, I told you a story when I, after I had my child have a birthday party in Chuck E. Cheese, you know, that was many years ago. My father happened to be visiting me and I must caught the flu of some kind or exhaustion or whatever it was. I actually, after the party, I came home and I collapsed. and they thought they have to send me to the hospital. So my dad checked me out and say, no, no, no, she'll be fine. So she have my helper took him to Chinatown and pick up all these herbs, and then sting up the whole house, cook it, and then make me drink it. And I had one dose of it. And I actually told my father the next day to pick up my second dose. So I have to say, you know, my father was my hero and I'm sorry he wasn't here to see me utilizing his idea and concept to be able to integrate into something that potentially can really, really help a lot of people and benefit a lot of people.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: I love that answer. So I know you've gotten emotional a couple of times, but I just want to ask you, when did you last cry the hardest?
Mei-Yung Lee: Oh, oh boy, last cry the hardest, I think was when my mother passed away. Hey, Kyle, you keep asking me all these emotional questions. My mother passed away during COVID time, even though she didn't get COVID, you know, but I really felt she died of loneliness because we couldn't visit her, my sibling couldn't visit her, and she was just heartbroken. And the saddest part is, as you know, Hong Kong at that time, you know, they would not allow people to come in to see anybody. So I couldn't even go to her funeral. So now that, that was tough.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: I'm sorry. Yeah.
Mei-Yung Lee: So that was probably what I remember the hardest time. Yeah. That I, yeah, I couldn't go back to see her.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: And she had breast cancer for how long then?
Mei-Yung Lee: And she had it for actually almost 10 years and they were controlling it and yeah, but But it was not easy, as you know. So she suffered quite a bit and she put up a very optimistic face and she was an amazing mother and gave me a lot of courage when I was so far from home.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: Yeah, she must be amazing. And your mom and dad must be proud of everything you've done.
Mei-Yung Lee: Oh, thank you. I hope they're looking down right now and saw me doing this interview crying along the way, you know, but I have to say, oh, mom, it's all his fault.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry about that.
Mei-Yung Lee: No, no, no, no, not at all. I mean, I think it's a very healthy thing for me to be able to express my feeling. Yeah.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: I think, yeah, I think it's very healthy for all of us to express the good and the bad of life. It's very healthy. So do you have a, is there a book that you recommend the most to people, especially a business book?
Mei-Yung Lee: No, actually, you know, I read a lot of self-help book and coming in and trying to learn about myself and about others. And one thing I learned is that whatever book you pick up to read, okay, the most important thing that, you know, the book to read is that communication with your friends. because that doesn't come as a book. I know you're asking me a name of the book, but the way I look at it is my friends in here in the US is really my family. And they gave me so much, so much encouragement and so much love and care. Every time when I talk to them, it seems like I'm reading a book, you know, they're so wise. And so I feel personally, we're lucky with that. And I think if you have a few really good friends and yes, you can read whatever book together or find a book to read to inspire you, but it's nothing like that. you know, just talking among friends and together. And that connection is so special.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: Right, learning from each other.
Mei-Yung Lee: Yeah. So sorry, I didn't really recommend a name of the book.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: That's okay. I like the answer. So here's a lightning round of questions for you. Do you have a favorite candy bar?
Mei-Yung Lee: Yeah, actually, I'm very bad on it. And I'm trying to quit, okay, because I know those thighs are not healthy for you. So I'm kind of limited in my intake. So I actually love the different color M&M with peanuts.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: I love that. Okay. So peanut M&Ms.
Mei-Yung Lee: Yeah.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: Yeah. Those are great. Who is your favorite music artist?
Mei-Yung Lee: I love, actually, I love Lady Gaga, particularly when she was singing with Tony Bennett, you know, in the album together, you know, for the more like American songbook. So I really, really enjoy it. She has such a range in terms of her voice, you know, up and down, high and low, you name it. I think she's such a talented, you know, artist.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: Favorite cereal?
Mei-Yung Lee: Okay, I don't eat cereal because they are not healthy for you. Okay, so I actually do not have a favorite cereal because I don't eat them.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: Mac or PC?
Mei-Yung Lee: I am a Mac person. I'm sorry to say I don't know when I'll be able to get myself together to learn about PC. Hopefully, I don't have to.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: Yeah, I don't think you need to. Google or Microsoft?
Mei-Yung Lee: Another office is using Microsoft and I'm more used to their platform now. So I will say I quite enjoy and I think it's, you know, quite easy for me to learn it. So I will go for Microsoft.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: Okay. Dogs or cats?
Mei-Yung Lee: You ask all these hard questions, you know that, right? I love both of them. But since my husband has allergies, so now I'm only going with the dogs now. So I have two of them. I love them. They're like my children.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: Phantom or Les Mis?
Mei-Yung Lee: Well, I think I'm a more romantic person. So I think I'll go with Phantom because Les Mis is too realistic for me.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: And the last question I have for you, Mei, what's the worst thing about being an entrepreneur and what's the best thing about being an entrepreneur?
Mei-Yung Lee: Well, okay, let me say the worst one first so I can save the sweet one at the end, right? So, I think the worst is that when you are so believing to the cause, and then when you meet obstacle, for example, you know, one key one is funding, right? How to fund your organization, and when is the time to say, hey, now I got enough of this, I shouldn't fund this anymore. You know, so that is the toughest part to make a decision, whether, you know, you're going to tell yourself, okay, I try and I did, I've tried to fulfill my dream, but it didn't work. Or you say, I'm going to go with it all the way. So no matter what. So I think that is a very, very difficult decision. But of course, I choose, I'm an optimistic in nature type of a person. So I choose to just push it full force ahead. And, you know, we need to get invested. We will. But so far, we're OK. So I think that persevering, you know, type of attitude, it really helped me, even though in the worst moment to trying to make decisions. So that is a tough one because you kind of like maybe you have to let go of your baby, right? It's like, oh my God. But then the most gratifying moment, which is similar, is that after you push through it, you are successful. And now you feel that I finally bring up my baby. Like right now, you know, I'm, you know, so happy, you know, people are enjoying the product and people is actually, I feel like I'm getting the, how say, finally a small fruit right now, but a fruit of my labor. Hopefully later on it will become a bigger fruit and more people get benefited, more organizations get benefited. You know, it's something that I feel that I can leave it behind. So just like a Newman-owned foundation, you know, after Mr. Newman is gone, you know, he left his organization behind and continued to do good things. I hope I can do the same.
Kyle Ariel Knowles: Well, I think you will. And I really appreciate you being so generous with your time today, Mei. It's been great talking about your entrepreneurial journey and the different organizations that you support through your philanthropy. And it's going to be fun to see what you can do in the future.
Mei-Yung Lee: Well, thank you. And same here. And thank you for, you know, doing this interview. And I appreciate it. And the more exposure we get, more people know about where we're from. And we can really make our impact bigger and help other people. As you know, particularly with this funding climate at the moment, you know, it's not so easy out there, but there is a way. And I hope that people will support this idea of mine and help the community to help themselves.
