Read more about our Exclusive Chat with Mary!
Mary Yuan is a 23-year-old “authorpreneur” who provides one-on-one coaching to help people with multiple cultural identities build a sense of security, purpose, and fulfillment. What started as a side hustle has transformed into her full-time passion – her “thing” that she’s fully devoting her life to pursuing.
What was the problem you set out to solve with your side hustle?
I wanted to help people with multiple cultural identities or anyone else who feels like they don’t belong build a sense of security, purpose, and fulfillment.
What best prepared you to start your side hustle?
I think developing a curious mindset served me extremely well. I was always trying to learn from successful people. I took multiple online courses from Teachable and Udemy, along with Kim’s Side Hustle Accelerator. Rather than trying to copy someone else’s path, I tried to figure out what was best for me.
"I think what stands out about this program is it's self-paced and provides a very convenient and straightforward approach."
-Mary Yuan
What have been your biggest obstacles and how have you overcome them?
When I decided to start my business, I had no idea what I was doing. I felt like I was in total darkness – and when I pictured the future, I only saw more darkness. I didn’t have a plan, I couldn’t picture exactly where I was headed. All I knew was that I loved what I was doing and I was committed to seeing it through – even when I wasn’t 100% sure what “it” even was. Moving forward even when I wasn’t sure what to expect from the future was a big challenge, but I’m so happy I pushed through.
What has been your greatest accomplishment so far in your side hustle?
I think the accomplishments I’ve been proud of haven’t come from me, but rather from the clients I’ve worked with. Seeing a client go from “Mary, I need your help” on our first Zoom call to “Mary, I really see the transformation. I find myself not only thriving in a mental health aspect but also in my career. I finally believe it’s okay to embrace multiple cultural identities and be myself instead of trying to be someone else.” – that’s what means the most to me.
What advice would you give to other aspiring entrepreneurs?
You’ve got to follow your gut. So often, you have to make big decisions without knowing all the factors. There are so many uncertainties. But you’ve got to have the composure to do what you believe is right, regardless of what other people are telling you or of the reward. Starting a business is so hard, but as long as you’re doing something you love, you’ll go far.
To my fellow Gen-Z aspiring entrepreneurs – don’t let anyone tell you you need to wait until you’re older! You’re never too young to start something great. As long as you’re using your personal experience to help others, there’s no age limit.
Want to learn more about Mary's Side Hustles?
- Check out her book here on Amazon
- Also visit Mary's website at www.maryyuan.com
- Follow her on social media @maryyuan.culturist
We want to THANK Mary for sharing her journey with us! We can't wait to see where she goes from here. The sky's the limit!
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