Eric Le Tai is not your typical product designer.

As the Founder of Collective Engram, an online design studio based in Nevada, Eric has carved out a niche for himself by blending creativity with purpose. With a background in art direction and a keen focus on user experience (UX) research, he is driven by research-based design that impacts the community and connects business brands with their customers.

But how did Eric get here?

Eric’s journey began in 2019 when he took a pivotal step by studying social impact in New York. There, he discovered how to craft digital solutions that address economic challenges. This ultimately inspired him to pursue entrepreneurship seriously. “My passion for entrepreneurship has always driven me, but transitioning from a traditional 9-5 mindset has been a journey,” Eric shared with AHN.

Despite all the hurdles that he’s encountered, Eric is proud of his willingness to take risks, embrace failure, and keep moving forward.

Through Collective Engram, Eric hopes to form a collaborative community of professionals—designers, researchers, and developers—working together to deliver innovative digital services to small businesses in need.

His mission is simple but profound: to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses by offering design and research services tailored to their needs, while also creating new opportunities for collaboration within the industry.

The Services of Collective Engram

Eric offers a wide range of services that cater to businesses and entrepreneurs at different stages of their digital journeys. His primary focus is on final design deliverables for web, applications, and print. Clients can opt for additional research services, but they are not always required.

Here’s a breakdown of the services offered through Collective Engram:

User Research (optional):

• UXR Research Report
• Competitive Analysis
• Personas

Final Designs (Figma, Photoshop, etc.):

• Visual Design Final
• Wireframe
• Interactive Prototype

Design Support:

• Design System/Components
• User Journey Flow/Site Map
• Product Strategy Workshopping
• Presentation Support
• Development Support (Hand-Off)

Any new business can benefit from creating an online website or blog for their product, but Collective Engram is especially beneficial for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups that need a professional and cohesive online presence.

For larger projects, such as application development or e-commerce platforms, Eric’s product design and research services become particularly valuable. He tailors his approach based on the client’s needs and the goals they wish to achieve with their product.

The Future of Collective Engram

Looking ahead, Eric sees exciting opportunities for Collective Engram. “My main focus is bringing in new clientele and optimizing the workflow process for different client needs,” Eric says. Currently, his primary focus is web design, but he plans to expand into larger-scale projects such as application and product design and large e-commerce platforms.

Eric is also exploring opportunities in industries like healthcare and education, where large-scale data analytics play a crucial role. In addition, he is learning the basics of front-end development to work more seamlessly with developers on future projects.

Connect with Eric

In his efforts to better understand potential clients and their needs, Eric offers free consultations for businesses interested in working with him. You may reach him at: collectiveengram.com

CEO of Pulse Events Luffy Huang made waves across New York City this past Labor Day weekend. Known as “the world’s wettest party,” the S2O event made a splash in the Brooklyn neighborhood, delivering euphoric EDM melodies with Thai-inspired traditions that stretch across borders to America. 

But as the CEO of Pulse Events, his vision yearns for unity and togetherness through the power of music. Throughout the years, Luffy has been a driving force behind the diversification of the EDM festival scene, condensing the beats into a spectacular celebration of culture and community. 

The Sounds of Luffy Huang’s Chinese Upbringing and American Dream 

Growing up in China, his early passion for music led him to a career as a singer and TV host between 15 to 20 years ago. Encouraged by the eclectic soundscape in the U.S., his American dream for a successful music career was granted by one of the artists he was touring along with, paving the way for his move to the States. 

“I grew up in China and following my passion for music, I became a singer and TV host 15 to 20 years ago. Since it was always my dream to break into the music industry in the U.S., I began touring with artists and finally came to America with one of them in 2020.”

When he arrived in the U.S., Luffy was bewildered yet determined. The hustle in a foreign land might have caught him off guard for a moment but it also helped him head towards a new direction. “I found the industry here to be very open-minded and felt inspired and encouraged to start my own entertainment company here,” he says. 

This geographic shift is a tableau of music inspirations, cultural shock and a deepening sense of identity, all of which prompted him to create Pulse Events, an event agency focused on bridging the Eastern and Western cultures through music and community. 

Cultural Harmony Through Music and Luffy Huang’s Pulse Events Journey

“What inspired me the most was seeing people of different cultures embrace shows produced in Asia and influenced by Eastern traditions,” he says. 

Such ethos were themselves echoed throughout his work, by introducing a global audience to the purpose he wanted to share more of, from highlighting notable Asian creatives and talents, to celebrating the vibrant culture of the Asian community. “I realized that this experience was missing in the U.S. and it became my mission to produce shows here that expose fans to the traditions and dance community culture in Asia,” he says. “I am proud that my shows include elements like Asian night markets, lion dances and spraying water that is the Songkran Thai New Year custom.”

One of the drawbacks of starting Pulse Events in a new country, however, is the balance and harmony among different communities, especially in the U.S. where multiculturalism has long been its celebrated trademark. Yet, despite this animated diversity, Luffy needs to traverse the tricky waters of inclusivity, representation and U.S. culture: 

“Turning my vision into a reality took a bit of time. But once we put on our first Pulse Events show, we learned from the process and got into a good rhythm where we put on multiple shows annually and continued to expand. One of the challenges I face on a daily basis is figuring out how to represent Asian culture in the most authentic way possible, while having our shows appeal to a diverse audience. Striking that balance takes a lot of thought and hard work, finding the right partners to bring that to life. Another challenge I face is that English is my second language, so I sometimes have to take the extra step of using translation tools or making a greater effort to make sure my ideas are communicated correctly.”

While those challenges might have vexed him in the beginning, every show, event and festival was an emblem of the connectivity that he always has in mind for Pulse Events. The 2023 Spring Festival that Pulse Events had orchestrated last year was an EDM-heavy event to honor Lunar New Year and pull together traditional elements, joyful moments and different communities. It was the first event to infuse electronic music and Asian culture that introduced the beauty of this cultural festival to more American youths:

“I am proud of every show Pulse Events has put on and the legacy we are slowly building by making them annual. We are gearing up for our second Winter Festival in November and our third Spring Festival next year, and planning to bring back S2O after debuting it to the U.S. this past Labor Day weekend. I feel fortunate that we have established a good working relationship with one of the most famous venues in New York City and the world, The Brooklyn Mirage. I am also proud to be the founder of the Krazy Super Concert elevating K-pop in America.”

When East Meets West in Luffy Huang’s Vision for Pulse Events 

As an organization that holds the same values as AHN to uplift and highlight the Asian community, AHN takes this interview as a special opportunity to explore how Asian talents are being showcased and represented in the industry. Luffy’s vision remains unchanged: 

“The mission and vision of Pulse Events is to bridge the East and the West through music events that unite people of all backgrounds and educate them. Through bringing fans of all kinds together through the common love of music, we are able to open their minds and hearts to understanding Asian culture and embracing the immense talent within our community, from music producers and DJs to entrepreneurs like myself and my colleagues.”

This determination and commitment has led Luffy on a road of success, producing annual mega shows like the Lunar New Year Spring Festival, the Winter Festival and most recently S2O New York, all to celebrate cultures and unite communities through EDM. Even just at the start, Pulse Events has landed performance deals with many prominent artists in the electronic music scene, from the enigmatic Marshmello to platinum record-selling DJ Afrojack. 

Connect With Luffy Huang

Much of Luffy’s current success comes less from pure luck and more from a consistent performance of hard work and innovation. Whether it be electric live festivals, or getting deep down into his heritage, Luffy knows better than ever that Pulse Events was a child of hustle and resilience, no matter where you came from and who you are:

“From my own journey, I believe that if you hustle hard enough and never give up on your dreams, you will succeed, even in a foreign country or place outside of your comfort zone.” 

Facebook: One Pulse Events 

Instagram: @1pulseevents

X: @onepulseevents

TikTok: @1pulseevents

You may know Twaydabae as the culinary sensation sweeping through social media with her unique dishes and infectious energy. But behind the digital persona is Tue Nguyen, a trailblazer whose journey from a young immigrant from Vietnam to a celebrated chef and restaurateur in Los Angeles, and her story of resilience, innovation, and culinary excellence.

Now, with millions following her every move on social media and her own Vietnamese restaurant, Đi Đi, Tue just launched her first cookbook, Ði Ăn, to a global audience on September 17th. In this exclusive conversation with Asian Hustle Network, Chef Tue reveals the inspiration behind her cookbook, a vibrant celebration of her life’s challenges and achievements.

Learn more about Tue Nguyen in our short Legends video here.

A Scrapbook of Flavors and Stories

We asked Tue what her inspiration for her cookbook was, to which she answered, “My cookbook is like a scrapbook of my journey as an immigrant in America.” The book encapsulates the highs and lows of her journey—finding success online, hosting pop-up events across various cities, and eventually opening her own restaurant, juggling everything at once, and we can expect to see that reflected in the recipes and stories.

“It’s a mix of flavors, stories, and a whole lot of hustle that I can’t wait to share with everyone!” she added.

Recipes Close to the Heart

Among the cherished recipes in her cookbook, traditional dishes like thit kho (braised pork belly) and canh chua (a sour soup) are particularly special to Tue.

These dishes not only connect Tue to her roots but also to the broader canvas of Vietnamese cuisine that she loves to share. She also introduces innovative dishes in her cookbook like Bun Bo Hue soup dumplings and Bo Kho Birria Tacos, which marry Vietnamese flavors with international cuisines she has explored in America. “These recipes bridge my connection to Vietnamese cuisine while also exploring other cuisines I’ve discovered while living in America,” she said.

A Love for Authentic Ingredients and Techniques

Tue is passionate about using traditional ingredients such as tamarind and pandan, which are staples in Vietnamese cuisine and reflect her commitment to authenticity. She also favors the Vietnamese braising technique, kho, for its ability to evoke deep, nostalgic flavors that resonate with her and her diners’ memories of Vietnam.

Beyond the Kitchen

Reflecting on her culinary path, Tue sees her journey as one that has shaped her both personally and professionally. She transitioned from traditional kitchen roles to content creation, leading to pop-up events and meaningful collaborations with culinary icons like Roy Choi and Alvin Cailan. She discovered new avenues for creativity and connection.

“Through owning a restaurant and writing a cookbook, I have learned to trust my instincts, prioritize joy, and embrace challenges outside my comfort zone,” she reflected.

Ultimately, her journey has nurtured her to become fearless and determined, and empowered her to forge a unique and fulfilling path in her culinary career.

We asked Tue what advice she could give to others, and she answered, “Stay focused and be consistent on your own journey.”

Looking to the Future

With the recent release of her cookbook, Tue is enthusiastic about her upcoming book tour and a return trip to Vietnam.

“I’m excited to go on a book tour because it means I get to meet people I’ve only interacted with online. I’m also looking forward to my trip to Vietnam, where I get to take people back to my roots and share the experience with them,” she said.

As Tue Nguyen shares her culinary narrative with the world through her cookbook, she invites us all to partake in the flavors and stories that have shaped her journey from a hopeful young immigrant to a formidable force in the culinary world.

Connect with Tue Nguyen

Order the book here: Di An – The Salty, Sour, Sweet and Spicy Flavors of Vietnamese Cooking with TwayDaBae (A Cookbook)

Website: twaydabae.com

IG: @twaydabae

TikTok: @twaydabaeX: @twaydabae

Featured Image Source: S&S/Simon Element