And no, I am not a model. I do, however, enjoy challenges…the challenge in not smiling and not trying to tell awkward jokes while posing awkwardly for the camera. I broke it from time to time, but shhhhhh.

First of all, I am not the “model-type” and second of all, I am already surrounded by the societal standards of mainstream (aka “White”) beauty. I’ve had to endure comments working on commercials where they’ve wanted me to wear lower cut tops or boost my cup size to be more “Britney Spears” or more “exotic” like (Yes, these were actual terms used to describe to me what they wanted). I’ve had to endure comments in which every male I interview…apparently “we banged” afterwards. I’ve also had to endure moments when I produce events by myself and the organization is shocked when I, a female, am powering the equipment and calling the shots–to which my reward at succeeding is seeing their shocked faces as if I just slapped them across the Fo’ Head.

I know in sharing my thoughts, I put myself in a very vulnerable position. I do not mean to make you feel like I’m being political or taking all of my sociology classes and throwing it in your face either. Let me also be clear that I am not a “man-hater”. However, I feel that there are far too many women in this world afraid of sticking up for themselves or staying true to themselves for the fear of being called a bitch, stupid, or useless. And this is why I’m standing my ground and sharing my experiences with you. This is the reason why I started my own channel–so NO ONE can tell me who to be or how to do it. Thanks to social media and YouTube, I am able to share my videos with anyone I want without a gatekeeper telling me “it won’t sell” or “it’s not trashy” enough. I can choose stories I WANT to do, or highlight GOOD in our community, and not just because I was assigned to do it. I created this channel because I LOVE personally connecting with people and I CARE to put their stories and important causes out there–it’s not about the hits. It’s not about “I got the story, so now I’m done with you”. I truly care about each person I’ve ever interviewed or collaborated with, so that’s why most of the time the people I interview end up becoming amazing friends.

Media can eat you alive, and I’m just trying to hold onto my values as much as I can so I never lose myself. Since the first day trying to pursue a career as a host, my #1 goal has been to never sell out. Many of you might be thinking that I’m in the wrong field, but I’m here to show other young women that you don’t have to be a “reply girl” or put other women down to get ahead (Thanks to NewMediaRockstars and David So for bringing those videos to my attention).

You can be positive, uplifting, and truly empower your viewers.

I should tell you that I felt compelled to write this article because I’ve been truly inspired and empowered lately.

On April 11th, Michelle Phan launched the first beauty, fashion, and lifestyle NETWORK on YouTube and joined with six other strong, diverse women (and man!) to create FAWN, a forward-thinking and inspirational channel for women. I was asked to be FAWN‘s (For All Women Network, inspired and founded by Michelle Phan and Richard Frias) official red carpet correspondent for their launch and I was just extremely in awe of how much Michelle has inspired an online generation of women empowering women. It’s everything I stand for as a woman and I was humbled to be at their launch.

Michelle, the Birthday girl, and I at the FAWN Launch party.

On the red carpet with the beautiful ladies of FAWN

I also have been involved with Kollaboration SF (with fearless Director Minji Chang) and I get to witness what they have been doing to empower the Asian American community from hosting one open mic to supporting ANOTHER organization’s event. It is ALL volunteer run–truly amazing.

Kollaboration SF staff at Open Mic Berkeley

My friend, Jennifer Allison Tran, continues to produce events which raise money for music therapy programs in children’s hospitals nationwide with her non-profit she founded called Project Red Balloon…while she’s still in SCHOOL!

Filming a documentary on Jen and Project Red Balloon at the UC Davis Children's Hospital

The list goes on!

I just really wanted to share my thoughts with you since many of you have asked me “what’s it like” or “how does it feel being a woman in media”. There are pressures, stereotypes, and trying times for sure. But when you have inspirational women to look up to as beautiful examples, your “hard days” become “better days” and that’s what keeps me going.

So to all my wonderful, strong, and talented women out there…

This post is for you–stay empowered!

I bring to you a very exciting and exclusive interview with singer, songwriter, and actor Jin Akanishi! I had the pleasure of interviewing the multitalented entertainer at his last stop on Akanishi’s “Japonicana” Tour in San Francisco.

I want to thank all my lovely Sunshines (you) for submitting fan questions to Jin Akanishi and voting for your favorite question! I couldn’t ask many questions due to time limits and question restrictions, but I hope you at least enjoy some BAY flavor in this interview

To learn more about Jin Akanishi, visit http://jinakanishiusa.com/tour/

Special thanks to Plan C Agency for granting me this interview!

Also, if you want to send a personal message to Jin, you’re in luck! ‏@JA_BEPIntlFP is collecting videos from all around the world to support Jin! Click the cute tweet to go to their page

Click the cute tweet to go to their page

Here’s the announcement I made before interviewing Jin with your AWESOME help!

Feel free to comment below and if you have a question, I’d be happy to answer them!