A while ago, I was invited by Interstride to give a talk for international students. I didn’t want to talk about my career journey again—going from film to data science—so after some brainstorming, I landed on the title "Redefining Success: From Job-Seeker to Builder." I wanted students to break free from the employee mindset and recognize how they could build success in their everyday lives.
By conventional standards, my life looks “successful” on paper. I have a stable, mostly remote job that allows me to travel, freedive, and take generous PTO. Alongside my job, I’ve built hobbies—freediving, training for triathlons, traveling, coding personal projects, going to festivals. I never put 100% of my effort into climbing the corporate ladder; instead, I put my energy into living.
And yet, I still didn’t feel as successful as I wanted to be. While I was preparing for this talk about redefining success, I realized—I hadn’t actually redefined it for myself.
Since my last journal in February, so much has happened, and I haven’t taken the time to summarize it. So here it is.
Growth & Connections
Work & Self-Discovery
I went to Dallas for work and received validation from my boss, who called me one of the most talented people he’s ever met. I opened up about wanting to do more for the team and feeling more connected. With the reorg, things seemed to be moving in the right direction, and he even asked if I wanted to relocate to Dallas. I didn’t give a firm answer, but after the trip, I realized I definitely didn’t want to move to corporate Dallas for this job.
Talking to my coworker helped reaffirm this—I have so much more I want to do beyond this job. And with the life I'm trying to build, Austin is the right place for me, at least for now. But soon after that trip, 30% of the marketing team was laid off. A lot of people I knew were gone—including the leader I had admired for so long. I felt really sad and angry at my company, watching so many talented people disappear overnight.
Pushing Physical Limits
I started attending masters swim classes with an elite Ironman training coach. It’s become a highlight of my Mondays and Wednesdays. I get to use the sauna, cold plunge, and find calm in the water. I learned to swim freestyle properly, and though I’m still out of breath, my endurance has improved. During an open-water class, I swam 1,700 meters with a wetsuit—something I don’t think I could have done before training.
Oh, and I got married! 🎉
SXSW & Expanding My Network
I knew this year’s SXSW would be crucial as I build my business, so I made the most of it.
- I went to free events, met incredible people, got tipsy, and saw Lili Reinhart at a founders' house event.
- Attended a yoga event hosted by an instructor I had been following—she and her husband are building a massive social wellness club in Austin. When I told them about my tea events, they were so open to collaborating.
- Went to a Sofar showcase, rediscovering my love for music and meeting two new friends.
- Talked to people at almost every event, had great conversations—some stayed as connections, some didn’t, but most importantly, I showed up.
Most of the people I did stay connected with live in Austin and are genuinely interested in my tea events—or are just fun to be around.
A Small But Meaningful Etsy Moment
A customer messaged me saying she loved a hat she bought from my Etsy shop but that her dog destroyed it. She wanted to repurchase it and asked when my shop would reopen.
I reopened it just for her, and the fact that someone genuinely enjoyed my designs (even if it was just one person) made me feel great.
This also pushed me to finalize a new logo and branding for my store. And I finally reached out to my Chinese friend who does design work on the side—she gave me her artwork to put on a mug, and we’ll be collaborating on more designs together.
More Music & Social Energy
The second weekend of SXSW, I went out with a new friend, attended an event with free food, and stumbled upon a performance by XAMIYA—a high-energy Japanese duo that lit up the entire bar, especially the girl who was dancing and jumping around during the whole performance. I also met a British-Filipina woman who traveled from London, and we had an amazing time together.
Finding a Business Coach & Meaningful Connections
At a conscious leadership event where people skipped small talk in favor of deep, intentional conversations, I met incredible people—including people who I could collaborate with, and someone who would become my business coach.
Taking Initiative
I finally stopped being afraid of reaching out. I made a list of people I wanted to learn from or collaborate with and started messaging them. Most of them responded.
- I reached out to Jacoby about serving tea at his events, and he connected me with three more people.
- I met a Chinese woman who had done similar tea events last year. Within a day of following her, she invited me for tea.
- That same evening, she asked if I wanted to drive 40 minutes to a ranch in Lockhart to meet a spiritual teacher and the owners of a successful cacao lounge. I had no plans, so I said yes.
We had an amazing homemade dinner, deep discussions, and ended the night with tea. I came home feeling full—not just from the food, but from the adventure, the connection, and the openness I had allowed myself.
Hosting My Tea Event in the Park
Not everyone who signed up showed up, but we still had a solid group. My tea friend helped me serve, and I learned so much from watching her.
From my last tea event, I realized I needed to prepare better the night before to avoid stress—which I did this time. But at this event, I learned something new:
I need to genuinely welcome each guest so that no one feels left out.
I also learned a great strategy from the mindful yoga instructor—having everyone introduce themselves to create a sense of community.
Breaking Social Barriers
In just a month, I’ve talked to more new people—20 to 30 strangers (probably more) than I have in years.
Run clubs, cycling clubs, SXSW, business gatherings—I’ve opened up more than ever before.
Oh, and I finally became a 10-timer at the Austin Coffee Ride! 🚴♂️
What Does Success Mean to Me?
I haven’t created a side hustle that replaces my corporate job yet. My teahouse is not there yet. My tea events don’t sell out every time.
But it hasn’t failed either.
More importantly, I’ve brought people together. That alone is already a success.
Many of my guests at my tea events were new friends—connections I wouldn’t have made if I hadn’t started this.
I used to be afraid of talking to strangers, but now, if I’m waiting in line somewhere, I feel like I could start a conversation without hesitation.
I’m healing. I’m learning.
That’s success.
Looking back, I realize how much I’ve accomplished in just a month and a half. And I’m grateful.
For a while, I defined success by how many people showed up, how much money I made—but that only created unnecessary pressure.
Now, I am choosing to define it differently:
Have I opened my heart to connect?
Have I been a loving force?
Have I been present and enjoyed the here and now?
If you remember, these are the core values I set for samar—and for the first time, I am truly living by them.
That is success.