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November 23, 2022

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“Growing the future has only just started. This industry will continue to surprise people,” says Philip Ross, co-founder of MycoWorks, a mycelium material founder and producer.

As the innovator of high-quality mushroom “leather” for the luxurious Hermes bags, the business acquired $187 million from Natalie Portman, John Legend, and General Motors and will soon cover the latter’s electric car interiors.

Ross unintentionally discovered leather-like material in reishi mushrooms, a fungus he farmed for his cancer and AIDS more than four decades ago. He then became a mycelium artist and featured his fungus-based works at famous museums.

According to Sophia Wang, co-founder of MycoWorks whom Phil met six years before they founded the firm while working together on art ventures, Ross’s discovery marked the “leather’s” birth to the globe.

Wang and Ross continued to discover more about mycelium and later realized that the material is enticing to buyers who don’t like synthesized contaminants and materials which are produced from animals.

Alongside raising their funding source, the company also conducted a groundbreaking at South Carolina Factory with the aim of attaining a sufficient supply of their fancy product.

With about 200 employees, Matt Scullin, the company’s CEO, said that the “Brands are making very significant changes to address what is really a growing demographic of people who want to buy sustainable products that have provenance and traceability and a lower carbon footprint, lower water use—and mycelium does all of those things.”

Compared to animal leather, the mushroom leather-like material is far more environmentally friendly as the former adds up to about a million tons of carbon dioxide which is tantamount to 30 million cars’ yearly emissions.

Despite environmental and animal issues, people prefer biomaterials or “next-gen” materials over the past decade making it in-demand as multi-billion dollars are invested in the industry.

Nonetheless, Hermes’ firm in France is soon to release its $4,200-worth “Victoria” bag made from MycoWorks’ amber-hued exquisite mycelium.

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The turning point came when she embarked on her graduate school journey, where she felt the world open up before her, setting the stage for her entrepreneurial adventure. This pivotal moment led to the birth of Bristles, an innovative startup that has introduced a mobile app for DIY home projects.

Growing up, Tina found solace in expressing herself through art. Her parents spoke Cantonese at home, and when she started school, she didn’t know much English. Drawing helped her to express herself because it was easier for her than speaking.

Tina ended up with a career in engineering because she was good at math, but her creative side didn’t go away. Later on, when she worked with machine learning and computer vision, her artistic side came back.

Her background in IT Consulting equipped her with invaluable skills for her entrepreneurial journey. Tina’s proficiency in technical problem-solving was complemented by her newfound ability to understand clients’ pain points and devise tech-based solutions.

According to WRAL TechWire, Bristles came from Tina’s desire to bridge the gap between technology and creativity. She saw how AI could make art better, so she used machine learning and computer vision to help people express their creativity in home design.

Tina Tang’s journey from office worker to startup founder is an inspiring story about following your passions and trying something new. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs or anyone interested in the stories behind successful businesses.

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Baemin Introduces Skincare and Makeup Brand Lazy Bee in Vietnam

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Lazy Bee’s product lineup consists of 11 items, including facial masks, lipsticks, and toner pads. The brand’s core mission is to provide accessible and effective beauty solutions tailored to the specific needs of Vietnamese consumers. With Vietnam’s humid climate and environmental factors affecting skin, Lazy Bee focuses on creating products that address these challenges. The brand’s formulations are enriched with natural ingredients, such as calendula and red ginseng, sourced from Korea to cater to the local climate and skin types.

In its current phase, Lazy Bee products are exclusively available through the Baemin app, catering primarily to customers in Ho Chi Minh City. Baemin is actively working to enhance the user experience within the app. Additionally, the brand is organizing on-ground events in Ho Chi Minh City, offering customers the opportunity to personally experience their beauty products.

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Naomi Osaka Breaks Her Silence About Mental Health Struggles in Sports

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Osaka’s journey to becoming a vocal advocate began with her withdrawal from the 2021 French Open due to depression and anxiety. This incident had a significant impact on the discourse surrounding mental health in sports, prompting a much-needed conversation. During the panel discussion, which included luminaries like Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, and Dr. Brian Hainline, Osaka discussed various aspects of mental health, including the role of social media.

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During her hiatus from tennis, taken for her mental well-being and the birth of her daughter, Shai, Osaka gained a new perspective on her career. She emphasized the need to cherish every moment in the sport she loves and encouraged others to reach out for support when facing mental health challenges. She revealed to ESPN that she has plans to play again at the Australian Open next year in January.

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Expanding the Legacy of a Family-Owned Chinese Restaurant Chain

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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.

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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.

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