The ALIA
Volume I. Issue VI. Sept. 8, 2020.
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the sixth issue of The ALIA, a weekly newsletter dedicated to the lives of Asian women in America, and beyond, where we bring you the latest news and insightful conversations with industry professionals. In this volume, we feature women in fashion, media and arts. Subscribe for free here.
Letter from the editor:
Hello! It’s so good to see you again, and a warm welcome to our new subscribers. I can’t believe it has already been over a month since I embarked on The ALIA’s journey with you all. Sharing these moments with you has been the highlight of every week.
In our sixth issue, I spoke with the beautiful and talented Kristy Wu. As a Chinese Australian blogger and content creator I have always admired, exploring her creative vision came nothing short of impressive. She shares how she overcame public speaking fears, realigning her career goals and adapting to life in lockdown.
The full version of our interview with Kristy below includes a look into her day-to-day life as a blogger and a brand new “Inside Scoop” with fun facts, fashion & beauty recommendations and the two things she can’t live without.
I hope you enjoy!
Sincerely,
Annie Lin
Founder of The ALIA
If you could like to learn more about this project, please contact us at contact@alia.news
Asian Creatives
Clockwise from top left: @marianna_hewitt, @lillehoang, @kristywho, @licheng_ling
Community News
Movie muddle • Disney’s live-action Mulan is entangled in a web of controversy. The Guardian calls it “a missed opportunity for Hollywood to explore Chinese history and identity.” Pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong are calling for #BoycottMulan. Let’s not forget Mulan’s trusty sidekick Mushu along with love interest and bisexual icon Captain Li Shang, was erased from the film. Read: The Guardian
Stand up • Nonprofit organizations launched a campaign calling on schools, students and parents to protect AAPI youth, offering free toolkits with lesson plans and resources to combat racism. Kamala Harris and Andrew Yang spoke at the virtual launch of Stand Up for AAPI Youth During COVID, among other prominent Asian Americans. Read: NBC News
Wear your mask • Refinery29’s Connie Wang delves into the political debate of mask-wearing from a fashion angle. From the criticism in Asia if you don’t wear a mask, the polarizing opinions around masks in America, to the slew of fashion companies raking in millions of revenue from selling masks. Read: Refinery29
Girl power • Actress Ally Maki’s trendy logo tees and dreamy sweatshirts are sending a message to “redefine the modern Asian American women through normalization and unity.” Her fashion brand, Asian American Girl Club, aims to create a sense of belonging and recognition for who you are – something Maki wanted for her younger self. Read: Elle
In Conversation with Kristy Wu
This week, we’re joined by Kristy Wu, @kristywho on Instagram, a Chinese Australian fashion and lifestyle content creator. Wu, 24, chatted with us from her Melbourne apartment, where she recently filmed the launch of her namesake Youtube channel. She talked to us about channeling creativity during the pandemic, how blogging helped her gain confidence and her Asian Australian identity.
This interview has been edited for clarity and conciseness.
How did you become a digital content creator, and what do you enjoy about your job?
As cliché as it sounds, I originally posted fashion content on Instagram and my blog because it was my creative outlet and something that I loved doing as a hobby. I have been sharing fashion and lifestyle content on my platform since early 2014. A combination of consistent content and a less saturated blogging platform back in the day has led me to where I am today.
I’ve always been a creative person ever since I could remember. Going down the typical career path of a doctor, accountant or lawyer was never an option as I knew I would hate it. My parents were definitely initially confused, but they’ve caught on over the years, and now they’re happy I’m doing something I love.
Being a digital creator is rewarding for me because I can set my own work schedule. I am constantly inspired by the content and trends I see online, which I recreate into my own style. The best part is the online community, where I’ve met so many amazing friends, some of whom I consider my best friends today. It’s so comforting to know that there is a community that always supports you.
How has what you’ve accomplished led you to where you are today?
Running my own blogging business has taught me life skills that the classroom couldn’t. I am a lot more confident now because of the work I do, and I realized the only way to grow was to push myself out of my comfort zone. I used to get really anxious about going to events because I’ve always been quite shy. Not knowing anyone at the time was extremely daunting.
As a kid, public speaking had always been something I struggled with. Last year, I spoke on a panel for Mercedes Me, and I felt comfortable speaking in front of an audience throughout the panel – that was when I truly realized how far I’d come.
After you graduated from university in 2018, you intended to go corporate after a year of full-time blogging. How has that goal changed for you now?
I can’t believe two years have passed since I graduated from university! Most of my friends were working 9-to-5 jobs, and they influenced the idea of going corporate to some extent. I felt like I was missing out on the work culture that comes with working for corporate companies. I thrive off having structure, so I thought that would be the best direction for me career-wise.
However, as time went by, I realized that I was enjoying the flexibility of being self-employed. I was financially able to do things I wanted, like traveling, while doing work I genuinely loved. I’ve realized that going corporate was no longer an option, at least in the near future.
You mentioned you enjoy having structure, what does a typical day look like for you?
A usual day before the pandemic was definitely more exciting. We’re currently in stage four of the lockdown in Melbourne. This is what my day looks like now.
Morning: I wake up between 9 a.m. to noon. I’m not a morning person. I start my day by writing daily goals and plans for the day in my journal. Then, I have breakfast while replying to emails. My go-to is an iced almond latte and oatmeal with cinnamon, banana and peanut butter.
Afternoon: If the weather’s sunny out, I’ll go for a walk while listening to a podcast – I’ve been listening to The GaryVee Audio Experience hosted by Gary Vaynerchuk, he’s very motivating. While I’m out, I’ll run some errands like grocery shopping or to the post office. On a typical day, I’ll make avocado toast for lunch. I prefer to shoot photo and video content in the early afternoon because the lighting is ideal. If the lighting isn’t great, I’ll edit content or plan future content and outfit ideas.
Night: I try to fit in a short strength workout a few times a week. Sometimes, I can’t find the motivation to do it, and that’s OK. For dinner, if I’m not having sushi, I’ll be eating salmon with veggies. After dinner, I reply to more emails and watch my latest Netflix obsession. Recently, I have been rewatching The Vampire Diaries and Selling Sunset.
How do you generate income through your Instagram platform?
My income primarily comes from sponsored brand campaigns on Instagram stories and posts. I also generate income by creating content for brands. Back when events were still being held, I would attend and do the occasional job of promoting the event.
The amount I make from each post varies. Most of the photos you see on my Instagram are not paid sponsorships but contra collaborations with brands I genuinely love. This means that I will post about a brand in exchange for a product or service.
How have you found ways to channel your creativity during the pandemic?
In the beginning of the lockdown, it was difficult to find ways to shoot content, but I’ve learned to adapt to the “new normal” and discovered new ways to photograph at home. I’ve picked up painting again, which I had previously put off because I always told myself I was too busy. With more time on my hands, I’ve had the chance to create content I personally enjoy.
I’m not motivated every day, but I don’t beat myself up about it, given the world’s unpredictable state. I’m grateful to be financially able to continue doing what I enjoy. I also just moved out of home for the first time with two of my good friends. I’m thankful to have their company during the lockdown.
Being Asian Australian, how has it influenced your identity growing up?
I’ve always embraced being Asian Australian, I identity with both cultures. I’m actually so glad my parents made me go to Chinese school throughout primary and secondary school. I’m able to speak Mandarin fluently, and I have basic reading and writing skills. I’m proud to be a part of an Asian community that is so tight-knit and supportive.
What advice would you share for other Asian women who want to pursue a career path in creative fields?
My first piece of advice is, take the time to get to know yourself. Find what you enjoy doing, have confidence in yourself, and know what you want from life. There’s an element of uncertainty that comes with the creative industry as opposed to traditional industries like medicine or law. It comes down to asking yourself whether you want to do something you truly enjoy or something for the stability and approval of your parents. I believe success will come naturally in any field as long as you put your mind to it, and you love what you do.
For anyone wanting to be an influencer on Instagram, go for it! It’s never too late as long as you’re willing to put in the time and effort to bring a fresh perspective to the table. I’m sure many people doubted me, maybe even thinking my job was laughable. I would never let it bother me because I knew it didn’t matter as long as I enjoyed it. Everyone had more of a negative than positive outlook on me being an influencer. People started taking me seriously as my credibility increased by working with bigger brands and gaining more recognition for my achievements.
Inside Scoop
Fun fact: I love to impulsively bake cookies in the middle of the night. I try to make them using natural ingredients and without refined sugars, butter or flour. This way, I don’t feel guilty about eating them all the time.
Can’t live without: Matcha lattes and lip balm.
Favorite blogger: Right now, I’m loving Sofia Coehlo. She has the coolest style, and her photos are effortless. I’m vicariously living through her summer travels.
Favorite skincare product: Face masks have been really therapeutic during the lockdown. A long time favorite of mine is the Eve Lom Rescue Mask for skin brightening.
Favorite makeup product: I’ve been obsessed with the laminated brow look, so I recently purchased the Benefit 24-hour Clear Brow Gel.
Must-have clothing item: Currently, high waisted baggy jeans.
Favorite Asian-owned brand and brands she’d love to work with: I’ve been loving the Korean brand, Low Classic. I’d love to work with designers Sandy Liang and Peter Do.
A quote she lives by: “Which do you want – the pain of staying where you are or the pain of growth?”
Asian-owned Brands
Weekly Thoughts
Last week: What is something you would tell your younger self?
Your responses:
Don’t think too much about what others think of you. People are busy worrying about the same thing. I tried to fit in, investing energy into other people. As I got older, I realized you’ll be accepted if you have the courage to be yourself. No one should make themselves feel less worthy to fit society’s expectations. – Josephine Kroeswagn, Linz, Austria
Don’t stress out about life. Nothing will guarantee your plans in the future. I always lived feeling like I need to have two or three options if my main plan doesn’t work out. It was so overwhelming. When COVID-19 took place, the turnover of jobs showed that no one is safe. All plans are adjustable, and I love the randomness. It’s rewarding living life one day at a time and making sure I enjoy the most out of each day. – Samantha Le, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This week: What sparks your creativity?
#ALIAtalks to join the conversation and we will feature the best submissions in next week’s newsletter. For email submissions, please email contact@alia.news
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