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September 6, 2023

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In the heart of Los Angeles is a vibrant embodiment of the American dream—a dream realized through the culinary journey of a family-owned Chinese restaurant chain.

In the early 1960s, Kai Tai Chang and his wife, May, left Hong Kong for Los Angeles, seeking a better future. Kai Tai, driven by his unwavering work ethic, found opportunities in Chinatown’s food industry. He worked tirelessly, holding multiple jobs to support his family.

Kai Tai’s dedication led him to become a chef at the Phoenix Inn, a restaurant at Ord and New High streets. Over time, a strong friendship with the retiring owner paved the way for him to purchase the restaurant.

May Chang played a pivotal role as the welcoming face of the Phoenix Inn, forging personal connections with customers. For two decades, the Chang family thrived by prioritizing personalized service, valuing their staff, and offering delicious cuisine.

In 1997, the family expanded to Alhambra, introducing a unique addition to their menu—desserts, including classic Asian treats and fresh fruit options. Their commitment to culinary excellence, even sending Elaina to Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena to hone her pastry skills, was rewarded with success.

Image Source: KTLA

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Phoenix persevered with take-out and delivery services, expanding to its 13th location in San Diego in 2023. Nick Chang, the next generation, took the reins as president in 2021, committed to maintaining their high standards of quality and exceptional customer service as they continue to grow.

The Chang family takes pride in their legacy, built on a foundation of culinary excellence and heartfelt service, reflected in the glowing Phoenix signs that now shine beyond the Southland.

Featured Image Source: KTLA

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News

‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Actress and Director Unveils New Production Company To Uplift Marginalized Community’s Emerging Filmmakers

Kelly Marie Tran and Carlos López Estrada, the lead character and co-director of the latest Walt Disney film Raya and the Last Dragon, have created a new production company, Antigravity Academy (AGA) dedicated to developing and producing movies, television, theater, and short-form material from and about individuals from traditionally marginalized communities.

AGA appointed Jared Stern’s “A Stern Talking To” former vice president of cinema and television Winsor Yuan to lead its film and television section.

As for the short form, such as music videos, advertisements, and branded content, Doug Klinger, co-founder of Internet Music Video Database and Reprobates agent and executive producer, will be in charge.

The Antigravity Academy will also serve as a training ground for new filmmakers entering the production industry.

The novice filmmakers’ movies will be chosen, produced, and packaged under the direction of former Sundance Institute head of Artist Community and AGA founding partner Abiram Brizuela.

Tran and Estrada were quoted in the Hollywood Reporter as saying, “We couldn’t be happier about providing a creative home for emerging filmmakers looking for a window into this often insular industry.” 

The two also stated they had learned from their experiences how crucial it is to establish a network that can assist with starting up.

“We are looking forward to partnering up with the most inspiring independent voices coming from communities that have been historically overlooked and helping them usher their stories into the world,” the two added.

Image Source: Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong

Blogs, Development, Ideas

Son of Restaurant Owners Now CEO of Multi-Million Dollar Company Casetify Imparts Tips To Successful Entrepreneurship

With a feeling of discontent towards the smartphone case designs available in the market, Hongkong native Wesley Ng co-founded Casetify, a multi-million dollar company that manufactures and produces cool smartphone cases.

The 41-year-old CEO takes his business-mindedness from his parents who own a restaurant in their region.

Ng established the business in 2011 together with his friend Ronald Yeung which has now reached over 15 million phone case sales around the world.

As an entrepreneur-grown man, Ng’s mindset is to make profits. According to him, it’s the most important thing to survive, as quoted in CNBC Make It.

“It comes down to one thing — being profitable. Being profitable was super underrated until recently,” he said in a virtual interview. 

Ng proudly shared that Casetify will be attaining $300 million in returns for this year alone.

Furthermore, he advised others to venture into businesses that make fortune and are cost-effective and to learn from other entrepreneurs just like how he learned from his mom and dad.

With his success in the chosen industry, Ng imparts hints to be a self-made millionaire in business:

1.Bootstrapping. Starting with $200,000 capital, Ng shared that he and Ronald always did things and operated out of the interests of the company and not of the stakeholders.

2. Overshare your problems. Business is a give-and-take process, it’s surprising how we can learn from others. Although it may seem a weakness for others to know your struggles as an entrepreneur, it is still fundamental to share and learn from them.

3. Entrepreneurship ‘not for everyone.’ Ng shared that knowing if “it’s for you” is important and to discover if it really is, you should “work closely with a founder” or link with beginners to know how hard it will be.

The successful CEO said that being a producer of a product he is really fond of is what keeps him on the move.

Image Source: Jonathan Sanchez

Uncategorized

Learning From His Single Mom, Parent Portfolio Co-Founder Jonathan Sanchez Realizes Financial Independence at 37

Now living a financially-stable life, the couple founders of Parent Portfolio, a website that serves families to make progress with their money and helps the younger generations become financially wise, teaches their kids lessons towards a successful life.

Born to a financially precarious environment, Jonathan Sanchez was reared with a thrifty outlook by his single mom, which made him yearn for financial stability.

Sharing the same financial sentiments, or even more, with his mother made him believe that if he would be able to get a degree and land a well-paid career, he would be freed from all his money issues.

However, he then realized that his mindset was not as easy as it seemed as, despite achieving a profession together with his wife, Jacqueline Sanchez, their incomes were just enough for their family’s essential needs. 

The Sanchez couple’s life turned 360 degrees after realizing a $1 million net asset by being economical, able to save, doing part-time jobs, and venturing into real estate.

At 37, Jonathan realized his long-dreamed financial independence and stability. In 2020, he decided to share this with other people by co-founding the Parent Portfolio with his wife.

Aside from helping other people, the couple is also bound in educating their kids with the following five valuable tips they shared on CNBC: 

  1. Always rethink one-time purchases. Living within the means and spending efficiently only on what is needed; 
  2. Budgeting gives you more freedom. Planning your budget is financial freedom which benefits you over and over again; 
  3. Don’t let social media influence your spending. Do not be pressured by what you see in the public network and discipline yourself in using gadgets; 
  4. Know where the money comes in, and where it goes out. The couple exposes their children to their income resources, introduces them to the “real world” and even shows diagrams on how to deal with the people and offices they transact with; and, 
  5. Start saving early, and don’t expect to get rich overnight. Learning from the fable of The Tortoise and The Hare, the couple teaches their children of being wise and patient.

“For now, your mother and I are responsible for providing for your needs and wants. A bank is a safe place to put your money because it allows the funds to grow over time. And when you’re old enough, you can use that money for your own goals,” Jonathan tells his children.

Image Source: Las Vegas Review Journal

Uncategorized

Patricia Lee Sculpts History as First Black Asian American To Succeed Seat F In Nevada Supreme Court

Following her victory over the other two candidates, Patricia Lee made history by becoming the first Black and Asian American attorney to hold the vacant Department F seat on the Nevada Supreme Court.

Lee was chosen by Gov. Sisolak from among the candidates put out by the state Judicial Selection Committee to take the place of Justice Abbi Silver, who resigned from her position due to “unexpected circumstances” and a desire to spend enough time with her family.

Being an attorney in Las Vegas, Lee contended with Washoe County District Judge Scott Freeman and Clark County District Judge Tierra Jones.

The Reno Gazette-Journal cited Sisolak saying, “I am thrilled and honored to appoint Patricia to serve on the Nevada Supreme Court. The breadth and depth of her skill set, as well as her personal and professional experience, make her an excellent addition to the State’s highest court.”

Lee will begin serving her term in January 2025 and must run for reelection in two years in order to preserve her position.

Lee’s mother, a native South Korean, and father, an African-American soldier, brought her up in South Korea. She majored in psychology and communications at the University of Southern California, where she also participated in the Black Students’ Union and had her first political experience.

She started working at Hutchison & Steffan in 2003, concentrating on family law, trademark law, medical claims billing, and business and commercial disputes. She later joined the firm as a partner.

Lee is a skilled attorney with a history of being chosen as the chair of the Nevada Crime Commission by the then-Gov. Jim Gibbons, a volunteer with the Children’s Attorney Project in Las Vegas who advocates for abused and abandoned children, has handled pro bono cases at the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada.

Nonetheless, Lee is not just a dedicated lawyer but also a devoted family woman being a mother to Brianna and Devin, and a wife to Ronnie.