But for marginalized women, the climb is often more challenging than it should be.
I speak from experience; as an Asian American, Ive felt like the odds were stacked against me.
Those early years were tough.
I faced a lot of rejection; I was told that I was toothisand not enoughthat.
And the world is changing now, too.
But that doesnt mean making it in this country is easyfor anyone, but particularly for underrepresented groups.
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Here are four things Ive discovered that have helped get me where I cam today.
Because we knew we looked different, and some kids made sure we never forgot it.
My joy of being Japanese was almost destroyed by their cruelty and ignorant name-calling.
My joy of being Japanese was almost destroyed by their cruelty and ignorant name-calling.
Fortunately, Im now deeply proud of andin touch with my Japanese traditions.
But that early experience at school left a lasting imprint.
First, it taught me never to judge someone based on the way they look.
It also reminded me of the power ofgaman, a Japanese word meaning with great resilience.
It makes me think about the Japanese-Americans who were placed into internment camps during World War II.
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I also know, deep down, that being different is its own special strength.
Cooking was essential, so I enrolled myself into culinary school just after college at 22.
Whenever opportunity knocked, I felt confident answering the call because Id done the work.
And the more work I did, the more opportunities seemed to pop up.
What is The Missionary Sex Position?
And through that, I discovered that cooking on camera was a skill that came naturally to me.
Pivot, pivot, pivot
My career didnt take the path Id imagined it would.
Instead, it zigged and zagged, and Ive had to adapt to change over and over again.
Ive learned that there are infinite routes to success.
For instance, I never got my own food show, regardless of talent, experience, or skill.
I was constantly the last one theyd always saynoto.
Consistently close to the cut, yet never making the final spot.
Fifteen years of rejection!
And actually, thats okay.
Not getting a pre-written, cheesy food show allowed me to be gritty, creative, and legit.
I taught cooking classes at the Brooklyn Kitchen.
I wrote for every publication I could write for.
I made $100 here, $200 there.
Mastering the pivot made me resourceful, more creative, and more independent.
Sisterhood is powerful
Nobody, and I mean absolutely nobody, achieves success alone.
Im so grateful to them, so forgive me for shouting them out now!
When my business began to really grow, I knew I wanted to work with other ambitious women.
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