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  • A Mom’s Struggle Led to MIKO Eyewear: Finally Glasses for Low-Bridge Kids

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September 4, 2024

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Have you ever struggled to find glasses that fit just right? If you have a low-bridge nose, this challenge might be all too familiar.

For many people, especially in the Asian community, finding eyewear that stays comfortably in place without constant adjustment is a common struggle.

Megan Miyamoto, founder of MIKO Eyewear, knows this experience all too well, and it’s what inspired her to create a brand that finally addresses this issue head-on.

The Inspiration Behind MIKO

Growing up, Megan often faced difficulties in finding glasses that fit well. She felt frustrated by the lack of options that accommodated her facial features.

“I was often told to ‘just shop the rack,’ which left me feeling like I needed to fit in or that there was something wrong with my facial features,” Megan shared with AHN.

When she became a mother, she was determined to give the best for her daughter, including the right eyewear. She didn’t want her daughter to go through the same difficulties that she did.

Through her research, Megan discovered that up to 80% of lifetime UV exposure occurs before the age of 18, leading to serious eye health concerns like cataracts and eyelid cancer. Yet, when she went searching for suitable eyewear for her daughter, she found the options disappointingly limited, especially for children with low bridges.

After trying countless samples, including private label options that didn’t meet her standards, Megan decided to give it a go and design a product using high-quality materials that she could feel good about. And that’s how MIKO was born.

Overcoming Challenges with Community Support

One of the toughest challenges that Megan faced as an entrepreneur is the sense of isolation that can come with building something from the ground up. 

“There were moments when doubt would creep in, and it was easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work and decisions needing to be made,” she said.

Megan found strength in the community that rallied around her. She pushed herself out of her comfort zone, connecting with mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, and communities like Authentic Asian.

“If you took the time to connect with me, spread the word about MIKO, or made a purchase, sincerely thank you for being a part of our MIKO journey.”

The Creative Process

Seeing her idea turn into a tangible product that her daughter and neighborhood kids genuinely love is one of the milestones that Megan is most proud of. What started as a quest to fill a gap in the market for low-bridge kids’ eyewear has evolved into a brand that brings confidence and joy to its young wearers.

The design process was particularly special for Megan, as it was a collaborative effort involving her daughter and the neighborhood kids, and turning her kitchen island into a mini design studio.

During these sessions, Megan paid close attention to the kids’ feedback, particularly when it came to the fit of the glasses. They tried on various prototypes, providing insights into what felt comfortable and what didn’t. They also got to select the colors for the frames, giving a fresh perspective and opening Megan’s eyes to combinations she probably wouldn’t have considered on her own.

Seeing the kids’ faces light up when they tried on glasses that fit perfectly was incredibly rewarding for Megan. Their creative process reinforced the idea that MIKO isn’t just eyewear made for kids—it’s made with them.

MIKO’s Mission and Vision

MIKO Eyewear is dedicated to empowering the next generation by providing inclusive, stylish, and functional eyewear specifically designed for children with low bridges.

Megan’s vision is to redefine what it means to wear glasses, turning them from a mere necessity into a source of pride and confidence for kids. By addressing the unique needs of low-bridge children, MIKO not only fills a gap in the market but also celebrates the diversity of facial features, empowering the Asian community and beyond.

Connect with MIKO

Instagram: @miko_eyewear

Website: mikoeyewear.com

Get a complimentary eyeglass strap with your MIKO Eyewear sunglasses purchase! It will be automatically added to your cart. Available for the first 100 customers only!

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Building Tomorrow: How Nan Lin Redefines Homebuilding with 3D Printing 

For Nan Lin, entrepreneurship isn’t just business; it’s freedom. A freedom earned through sacrifice, relentless execution, and a refusal to accept the limits of a broken system. As the founder of Kaizen Capital and 4DIFY, Lin is reimagining the housing industry, tackling its inefficiencies with cutting-edge technology and a bold vision. His mission? To build stronger homes faster, at lower costs, empowering communities and challenging the status quo.

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Lin’s journey began at age 10, when he immigrated to America with his mother. While adapting to a new country, he was inspired by his loving parents’ sacrifices, which shaped his relentless drive. “I saw the lengths they went to give me a better life,” Lin says. “Their love and dedication became my compass.” Years later, that resolve led to the creation of Kaizen Capital, where he transforms underutilized properties into vibrant housing solutions: ADUs, subdivisions, condo conversions, and luxury short-term rentals. By unlocking hidden value in land, he delivers market-rate and affordable housing that strengthens neighborhoods.

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Nan Lin | Founder and Principal of Kaizen Capital and 4DIFY

3D Printing: The Future of Housing, Today

Lin’s vision for 4DIFY was sparked by a frustrating reality: “Wildfires destroy neighborhoods every year, yet we keep building stick-frame homes that burn like kindling,” he says.

After visiting several 3D printer manufacturers, Lin partnered with New York–based SQ4D. It took nearly a year to secure exclusive licensing rights, navigate regulatory hurdles, and obtain building permits, but he got it done.

Now, 4DIFY is building California’s first community of 3D-printed concrete homes. As this article goes live, their first printed home is nearing completion, despite heavy regulations and a steep learning curve. The team is already outperforming traditional timelines and cost benchmarks. The second and third homes will soon print simultaneously, targeting completion in two months, effectively one home per month at under $200 per square foot.

Despite challenges as an Asian immigrant, Lin managed to transform them into motivation and success. 

“We’re aiming to build at half the cost and in a quarter of the time,” Lin says. “That’s not a dream. It’s the direction we’re heading.”

Built with concrete, reinforced with rebar, and topped with metal roofs, these homes are resilient against fire, wind, earthquakes, mold, and pests. They’re also designed for long-term savings, with lower maintenance, less waste, and reduced energy and insurance costs.

“Critics doubted it would work,” Lin reflects. “But seeing is believing. This is the future.”

A Philosophy of Purpose and Resilience

Lin’s journey has been marked by relentless challenges, some seemingly insurmountable. “Obstacles never stop,” he admits. Yet he transforms adversity into opportunity, fueled by a positive mindset, solution-driven focus, and disciplined execution. His trusted team is his backbone. “No one succeeds alone,” he says. “My team turns the impossible into reality.” This resilience shapes his leadership, blending bold vision with purposeful action to create opportunities, particularly for communities long excluded from wealth-building. “Housing isn’t just a product,” Lin says. “It’s a platform for empowerment.”

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Lin’s impact is gaining notice. The Sacramento Bee named him one of the Top 20 AAPI Change Makers, and he was honored in the Business Elite Awards’ 40 Under 40. But for Lin, the real reward is inspiring others. “I want to show the next generation of Asian entrepreneurs what’s possible when we claim our seat at the table,” he says.

Lin wants to create opportunities for those marginalized by elevating the future of construction, making it more accessible for his community.

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Nan Lin isn’t just building homes, he’s redefining what’s possible. Through Kaizen Capital and 4DIFY, he’s creating a future where housing is affordable, resilient, and sustainable. Follow his journey and see the revolution unfold.

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