Hona's Mission to Improve Speech Therapy Access and Quality

Stories

July 28, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare technology, few startups have captured the imagination and promise of Hona. With a mission to empower speech pathologists through innovative AI solutions, Hona stands at the forefront of a transformative wave in healthcare.

We had the privilege of sitting down with Adam Steinle, CEO of Hona, to delve into the inspiration, challenges, and achievements that have shaped their journey.

The Trio Behind Hona

For Adam Steinle, the entrepreneurial spirit runs in the family. “My parents met by building a software company together. I quite literally wouldn’t be here without tech entrepreneurship and it’s always something I aspired to do myself.” he shared. This early exposure to the power of technology and entrepreneurship set the stage for Adam’s own career, which has seen him move from biomedical engineering to roles at Goldman Sachs and Facebook before founding Hona.

As for Danielle Yoesep, Hona’s COO, she found her entrepreneurial path through a passion for building. She fell into entrepreneurship in her last venture within research and wanted to get back to the building. In her last role, she realized that she’s super energized by the early stages of company building.

Shuying Zhang, the CTO, brought a unique blend of technical expertise and a desire to make a real-world impact. As a former big tech SWE and biomedical engineer, she wanted to find a way to apply her skills to improve healthcare. Further, entrepreneurship allowed her to work in a faster-paced environment with more ownership.

Overcoming Challenges

The journey to success is rarely smooth, and Hona has faced its share of challenges. One of the most significant hurdles was pivoting from their original AI-automated patient intake product. “Despite initial success, we realized it wasn’t effectively addressing provider burnout. We improved one workflow aspect but added complexity with another portal to manage,” Adam explains.

The team made the tough decision to end existing customer relationships and explore more fundamental problems. After a month of interviews and brainstorming, they identified a significant issue in speech pathology that resonated with them. This led to a full pivot into developing vertical software for speech pathologists, aiming to support every aspect of their work. This experience underscored the importance of user feedback and adaptability in product development.

Proud Achievements

One of Adam’s proudest achievements is the ability to consistently surround himself with inspiring and talented individuals. “I’ve consistently invested in my network – from my Facebook RPM program to B-School to YC – and this has paid great dividends. I’ve been able to use this network for resources, advice, and sourcing great teammates.”

As a team, Hona takes pride in the difficult decision to leave comfortable jobs to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. Their dedication to improving the lives of speech pathologists and their patients is a testament to their commitment and vision.

A Vision for the Future

Hona’s mission is clear: to empower speech pathologists to operate independently without the burden of administrative overhead. “We aim to create a dynamic marketplace that efficiently connects speech pathologists with various opportunities, including cash-based services, school contracts, and insurance-covered treatments,” Adam explains.

Their vision extends to developing a platform where speech pathologists can easily build their own client base and manage their practice with minimal administrative work. This approach will allow therapists to focus on providing care while maintaining control over their income and work-life balance. By streamlining the connection between patients and therapists, Hona aims to reduce waitlists and ensure that more people can receive the care they need in a timely manner.

Empowering the Asian Community

While Hona’s primary goal is to support speech pathologists and improve access to speech therapy for all, they recognize the potential benefits for the Asian community. Their initiatives provide flexible work opportunities for Asian speech pathologists and increase access to culturally competent care for Asian patients. By reducing language and cultural barriers to accessing speech therapy, Hona is making it easier to match patients with therapists who understand their specific needs.

Connect with Hona

Instagram: @hona_care

Linkedin: Hona

Facebook: Hona Care

For more information about Hona and its innovative solutions, visit honacare.com.

News

The Price of Perception: What You’re Paying for in Luxury Goods

What makes a luxury product cost so much? The short answer is perceived value. But perception is a fragile thing: it shifts, it evolves, and when it does, things begin to get complicated.

Take a luxury handbag, for example. Whether it’s Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, or Hérmes, many of us are willing to spend thousands for that one beautifully crafted accessory. Why? Because we associate these brands with European sophistication, centuries of artisanal craftsmanship, and impeccable quality. We buy more than a bag; we buy into a story.

Now, imagine buying a bag labeled Made in China. If it’s affordable, you might not care. But if it has a luxury price tag? You might pause. The label alone could influence how you value the item.

The kicker is: Remember the bag you treasure from your favorite luxury brand? Based on the claims of factory workers and viral TikTokers, many high-end luxury products are manufactured in China, then shipped to Europe, to be relabeled and sold as European-made.

This controversial debate has sent the internet into a tailspin, asking: Are we paying for craftsmanship or the illusion of origin?

This is where soft power comes into play. It shapes how we see the world. We look at Hollywood movies and see the U.S. as a place filled with great dreams. We see the beautiful K-pop stars and K-drama idols, and we want Korean beauty products to fulfill our desire to be pretty like them. Customers don’t crave an expensive handbag because it’s objectively better; they buy it because of what luxury products emotionally and symbolically mean to them.

But in the wake of trade wars and rising consumer awareness, people are beginning to question the true value behind the price tag. Is it about where the product is made, or where we believe it’s made?

Whether this TikTok trend is a fleeting controversy or a wake-up call, one thing is certain: when perception changes, so do buying habits. And that could reshape the entire future of an industry.

https://www.tiktok.com/@sen.bags_/video/7494196205917097262?q=made%20in%20china&t=1745296877126

Apr 18, 2025
2 min read

Stories

How Deena Kong Is Rewriting Representation in Children’s Literature

Growing up Cambodian in North America, Deena Kong often felt invisible—a feeling that followed her from Canada to the U.S. and ultimately inspired her to write Grateful Being Me, a book to help children understand representation matters.

Deena Kong with her book Grateful Being Me (Photographed By: Jamie Sutera) — Deena Kong with her book Grateful Being Me *(Photographed By: Jamie Sutera)*

Seeing Herself in Stories

Growing up Cambodian in North America, Deena often felt invisible.

“I truly believed as a child that no one else could relate to these feelings I was experiencing,” she shares. “That’s why I wanted to share my story with others.”

Raised by supportive parents, Deena became a passionate reader, ultimately leading her to create a book that would help children from similar backgrounds see themselves represented.

“Representation matters,” Deena explains. “When a child wanders through a library or bookstore, they should be able to find themselves in the stories and pictures. I hope Grateful Being Me encourages self-acceptance, celebrates diversity, and promotes inclusion by empowering children to connect with one another.”

*Grateful Being Me (Photographed By: Jamie Sutera)*

The Making of Grateful Being Me

Finding time to write proved challenging while working full-time as a Government Contractor in Ethics & Compliance and raising a family. Yet Deena’s determination to promote diversity and inclusion kept her going until her book was ready for publication.

“Modeled after my real-life experiences, this book follows a young girl named Rosila on her adventure in an unfamiliar place,” Deena says proudly.

The story chronicles Rosila’s first day at a new school in a new country, where she discovers what makes her unique and learns the power of self-love.

“Rosila’s first language isn’t English, so her vocabulary stands out,” Deena notes. “She brings ethnic foods that seem unusual compared to typical American cafeteria lunches. The story captures her nervousness about how classmates will react as she navigates this new environment and makes friends.”

Through Grateful Being Me, Deena offers a powerful tool to help children understand they belong anywhere. The book thoughtfully explores the complex emotions children face when encountering unfamiliar situations, ultimately showing them that their uniqueness is something to be celebrated.

Connect

Instagram: @bydeenakong

Website: Deena Kong

Purchase your copy of Grateful Being Me on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, or Books-A-Million.

Apr 18, 2025
2 min read

News

‘This Moment Doesn’t Happen for Vietnamese American Girls Like Me’: Thuy’s Words Hit Home for Generations of Asians

Thuy has always been a proud Vietnamese at heart. In April 2024, Vietnamese American R&B artist Thuy made history at Coachella as the first official solo Vietnamese American artist to grace the well-known music festival. This year, a video clip of her Coachella speech has become widespread, sending out a powerful message to young Asian girls out there.

Thuy, a Vietnamese American R&B artist, shares empowering words for Vietnamese American girls. (Image source: PAPER Magazine)

Originally from the Bay Area, Thuy revealed that she grew up in a traditional family, hence, shaping her as a former optometric technician. However, weekend karaoke sessions with her family have brought her musicianship to life, sparking an interest that soon flourished. Taking a leap of faith and moving to Los Angeles (LA) for a music career, Thuy has proven to herself that the leap was a must, especially with the well-liked hit “girls like me don’t cry.”

Beyond her musical talent and captivating stage presence, Thuy’s performance at Coachella stands for something way greater—the well-deserved representation of Vietnamese Americans and Asian Americans in general. Her success challenges traditional expectations within Asian American households, where creative careers are discouraged due to the fear of instability associated with the jobs. Moreover, this is also a significant step forward in diversifying the music industry and amplifying underrepresented voices.

‘This moment doesn’t happen for Vietnamese American girls like me,” Thuy reflected during her Coachella performance. “I am so honored to be here today to be the first official solo Vietnamese American.”

https://www.tiktok.com/@thuyuniverse/video/7492153731891399978

Apr 17, 2025
2 min read

Blogs, Development

Is Your Homepage Welcoming or Driving Visitors Away?

Your homepage is like a party host—it either welcomes guests with open arms or sends them running for the exit. So, how can you ensure your homepage draws in visitors? Here are some tips:

Prioritize Essential Information

Modern users have short attention spans, so your homepage must prioritize essential information. Clearly state what you do, why visitors should care, and how you solve their pain points. The more straightforward this is, the less likely users will leave confused or frustrated.

Keep It Simple

Simplicity is key in navigation, layout, and messaging. While visitors may not convert immediately, an intuitive and engaging experience encourages them to explore further and return later. Avoid clutter, streamline choices, and guide users effortlessly to what matters most.

Build Confidence

Most importantly, your homepage must build confidence. People dislike feeling lost or unsure, so eliminate complexity. Use clear descriptions, trusted testimonials, and logical organization to make visitors feel comfortable and informed from the first click. A confident user is far more likely to stay, engage, and eventually convert.

Create Your Irresistible Homepage!

Why AHN Solutions?

A homepage carries a lot of significance and can make or break your website. Let AHN Solutions be your ultimate wingman, transforming your digital front door into an experience visitors will love to stay for.

Book a FREE call with us

If you want to learn more about our services, visit the AHN Solutions website at asianhustlenetwork.com/services/

Apr 17, 2025
2 min read