For many Asian children, the road to success is often paved with expectations – excel academically, land a stable corporate job, and climb the ladder. But what happens when someone dares to veer off this well-trodden path? Lisa Wei is one of the rule-breakers charting their own paths. A trendsetter and visionary, Lisa turned the tables on conventional Asian expectations by carving out a niche and succeeding in the digital sphere.
A creative to the core, Lisa knows how pressure to conform can stifle creativity and personal passion. She also understands how overwhelming it can be when you’re trying to break away. From establishing a footing in your chosen field to the loneliness of doing it alone to money problems, Lisa has faced it all.
“My biggest priority and challenge on my journey to becoming a full-time influencer was being able to do this completely on my own financially without any financial help from my family,” she recalls. Although she knew what she wanted to do with her life, Lisa had to be patient before diving in. “I worked a corporate job at one of the biggest telecommunications companies in Canada for 2 years. I wanted to have a “rainy day fund” that equate to the same as my full-time salary in case I didn’t make a cent during my first year taking it full-time.”
This wisdom served her well. “I completed an entire year of Ryerson’s fashion program in one summer and went off to business school,” Lisa explains. “During my business program, I started my blog, and what had initially started off as story sharing via writing, my platforms grew as the demand for photos and videos grew.”
Lisa’s approach was organic and relatable. Her love for shopping, a hobby sustained by working at the mall, transformed into a platform for sharing her favorite finds. But she didn’t stop there. She recognized a gap in the market: while many fashion creators focused solely on style, few shared their lives authentically, including the less glamorous moments.
“I believe my mission has always been to help people or make a difference,” Lisa reflects. Her visual platforms do more than showcase beauty and fashion; they instill confidence in her audience. Her podcast, focusing on inner work through discussions about therapy and self-improvement, offers a deeper layer to her content creation.
Her commitment to the Asian community shines through in her platforms. Because of her special focus on East Asians, particularly those with monolids or low nose bridges, Lisa has become a go-to source for makeup techniques tailored to these features. Her impact extends beyond personal aesthetics, addressing a need for representation in the beauty industry. She is a fierce champion for East Asian models and often partners with brands seeking their services.
Lisa’s portfolio of collaborations is a testament to her influence and success. Working with major brands like Meta, Ray-Ban, Burberry, and many others, she has not only driven impressive revenues but also represented these brands at high-profile events like Art Basel in Miami.
As her brand grows, Lisa is excited to relaunch her podcast in 2024, promising to delve deeper into spirituality, therapy, and nutrition. In a world where following the norm is often the easiest path, Lisa Wei hopes to encourage her audience to show up authentically and find their own success.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
