Children’s Gift Guide Best Sellers

The $50 or Less Holiday Gift Guide

The Women’s Holiday Gift Guide

Black Friday Sales Worth Shopping

The Men’s Holiday Gift Guide

Men’s and Women’s Holiday Style Guide

The Low Down: Featuring Hayden Lasher, Handbag Designer

I’m delighted to be bringing back The Low Down just in time for the Holidays and to kick it off by introducing the designer behind my number one pick on this year's Women’s Gift Guide, Hayden Lasher. Hayden is the great-grandniece of fashion icon Henri Bendel and is one of the chicest people I have ever met. Hayden embodies everything in the Fashion realm and exudes style in everything that she does. Her couture brand of handbags are designed in collaboration with Belgian shoes and feature the same Italian leather, structured silhouette and signature bow detailing. I, for one, was immediately taken by their beauty and have been enamored ever since. I first met Hayden at the University of Southern California where we were sorority sisters in the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Now as a busy mother of three and living in Houston, Texas, Hayden does an impeccable job of balancing work/home life and I am beyond delighted to have her share her incredible and timeless pearls of wisdom with us today. Please welcome, Hayden Lasher!

 1.    Please tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, where did you go to college and what did you see yourself becoming when you were younger.I am a proud fifth generation Texan.

  I went to USC for undergrad and Parson’s New School in New York and Paris for graduate school.  I always wanted to be in fashion; fashion and art were always a big part of the landscape of conversation in our house, but I really began to focus and invest in pursuing it as a career when I was in high school.

2.    I would love for you to share your road to becoming a handbag designer and producing some of the most coveted bags.

I started out interning at Michael Kors HQ at sixteen and then at Marc by Marc Jacobs in my early twenties.  When I moved to New York for school, I began interning at Oscar de la Renta and they hired me two weeks before graduation.  I worked in sales and design for shoes and handbags and was able to design my wedding shoes while I was there.  I went on to launch my own company ten years ago. 

3.    Do you plan to go beyond handbags and if so, what would be some of your dream pieces to produce?

I LOVE the handbag business and don’t have any plans at this point to expand beyond, but I never say never…I am very interested in interior decorating and design and may be interested in designing a few home products so maybe I can manifest that for 2024. 

4.    Where do you see your business in another 5 years?

Thriving!  My company is amid a glow up and I see my business expanding significantly in the next five years. 

5.    Who has inspired you most along the way?

My family has always been a huge inspiration to me.  I come from a long line of entrepreneurs and creatives.  My great grand uncle was Henri Bendel, whose designs I have studied since I was a little girl.  He designed my great grandmother’s wedding dress.  My grandmother was the epitome of chic and I have her voice echoing in my brain – “make it so that it lasts forever.”  The first bag that I made was named the “Elene” in her honor. My mother has an incredible sense of style and color, and she has always inspired me to take risks with color combinations and dare to be bold.

6.    What is the best piece of advice you were given? Regarding anything from business to parenting to personal development, etc.?

The work/life balance is always a constant juggling act, and it doesn’t mean you will keep all the balls in the air at the same time- you just have to identify which ball you can let go of to keep the rhythm.

Also, blondes should wear red. – Henri Bendel

7.     What advice would you give to other women who are running a business and raising children?

Trust your instincts…they have gotten you this far.  You will always be surrounded by people who have an opinion of how things “should” be done whether it pertains to your business or your children…only you know what works for your business and your family.

8.    Is there anything you wish someone had told you along the way?

There are plenty of things I wish I knew along the way, but my honest opinion is that it’s a blessing to start off unknowing because it’s tough to start anything if you know how hard it is going to be.

9.    What does work/life balance look like for you?

I started my business even long before I had children with the idea that I would want flexibility once we started a family.  I typically drop my kids off at school and begin the grind but when carpool rolls around, I become less available until they have gone to bed.  Of course, there are times that the schedule can be more demanding and that when I enlist the help of my kids.  Their involvement in the task at hand, I hope, will leave a lasting imprint about what it takes to run a business and inspire in them a love of entrepreneurship.  My husband is only mildly disappointed that my four-year-old son has changed his dream job from doctor to “selling purses with mom.”

10. What are some of your favorite traditions and do you place a priority on certain things?

My favorite family tradition is every year on our anniversary, my husband and I take a photo of him dipping me like he did for our wedding dance.  It always gives a glimpse of the stage of life we are in from our first years of traveling to our more recent years of kids hanging onto our legs.  I love to see how we are growing together through the years. 

11.  How, if ever, do you prioritize your well-being? What are some things that you try to squeeze in on a normal busy day that you feel has impacted your day-to-day life?

I regret to inform you that exercising in the morning before my children wake is the best way to get my day going.  It gives me mental clarity and lets me catch my breath before I am everyone’s everything for the rest of the day.

12.  What adversity has challenged you the most, yet made you a stronger person?

I have faced plenty of adversity and I think a lot of people, because of social media, only see people’s blessings.  The challenges that I have faced have all taught me one thing – we persevere, time heals, and most troubles are temporary.

13.  I know you meet so many inspiring women every day, how do you feel we can better support the motto of “Women helping Women?”

I think it is in the dailyness of life that women can support women.  Be a part of someone’s “village” whether it is supporting their work or their family life.  If you are are able, buy from a local woman owned business, help spread the word about a product or company you love, carpool, drop off dinner just because.  Women can do anything and everything, but we shouldn’t always have to.

14.  How would you describe your sense of style?

Classic, feminine, and timeless.

15.  What is your favorite splurge or investment “High Bar” piece in your wardrobe?

An Hermes scarf: all you need to look chic anywhere you go is a great bag (i.e. Hayden Lasher handbag) great shoes, and a great scarf.

16.  What is your favorite trendy yet affordable “Side Bar” piece in your wardrobe?

A pave cuff earring

17.  What is one thing on your wish list for the Holidays?

Do I have to choose just one?

 DTLA Custom painting on one of my handbags

 Khaite Leather Shearling Jacket

Petra Palumbo handpainted water carafe

Thank you, Hayden! I am truly thankful to learn from you and am so grateful that you have shared your journey thus far in the Fashion World! I will never forget the Henri Bendel quote you shared “Blondes should wear red!” I wish you the best as your Fashion empire continues to grow and I have no doubt that the Hayden Lasher brand will be a household name in no time. Cheers!

The Children’s Holiday Style Guide

Children’s Gift Guide Edition

Children 10 and Under

Children 10 and Over

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! This week brings the Children’s Gift Guide for all of the special Littles in your life. Shopping for toddlers, children and tweens just got a little bit easier regardless if they are on the naughty or nice list! Make December a month to remember and jump on the shopping now so you can enjoy all that the Holiday Season has to offer!

Dad’s and Lad’s

The Low Down: Featuring Linda, Mother of Brittany Anna Rose

Well, today is my birthday and it didn’t take long to decide who to invite to join me for the sixth edition of The Low Down. Who more significant to interview today than the woman who brought me into this world and has served me nothing but unconditional love since?! I am truly so grateful for her very powerful words of wisdom. I remember being quite young when my mother would tell me to extract one pearl of wisdom from everyone you speak with. She has always been a proponent of having high self esteem and focusing only on positive things. Her analogy of life resembling a heart beat has resonated with so many people and can always turn someones frown upside down. She is unapologetically authentic and has always had the best advice. I am beyond grateful that she taught me how to entertain and that life is short so throw the party and take the trip! I am beyond grateful to welcome my mother, Linda.

1.Please tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, where did you go to college and what did you see yourself becoming when you were younger.

I was born and raised in Southern California and upon graduation from Western High School, I went to Cypress College and majored in business.  I was asked to join a new program that they were offering called the Stewardess Hostess Program.  I always knew I wanted to travel the world and thought this would be a good add on to my business degree.  We actually wore uniforms to school and we studied every aspect of travel from weather, to time zones, tourism, first aid and emergency procedures.  Upon graduation they actually brought in 12 major airlines to interview us.  I thought it would be a good experience and I actually was offered a job from 11 of the 12. That started my 17 year career as a flight attendant with Continental Airlines.

2. You have always said, just try to take away one pearl of wisdom from everyone you meet. What are some of the best pearls you have received?

I love the term “people reading,” which I learned from a brilliant Self Esteem Coach. He said you should always ask people questions, because “people don’t really care how much you know until they know how much you care.” You can learn so much from people from all walks of life.

I also always say that “in life there are two kinds of people: the givers and the takers and the givers are the winners.” This coach recommended that I read you the book The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.  In addition he recommended at least ten affirmations a day.  I always made you repeat after me: I am smart, I am happy, I am kind, I believe in myself, I practice patience, I choose to smile and enjoy life to the fullest etc etc..

3. Can you please share your analogy of life and a heart beat?

After you were born I decided to stop flying.  I decided to join your father in a new business venture that required (as I would say most start up business require) blood, sweat and tears.  We had four very difficult years of start up type growth. I was talking to a friend that was a pastor of a church and he asked how things were going. I told him that it had been a difficult four years of ups and downs.  He said “Your life should resemble a heartbeat, full of constant highs and lows. If you have a straight line, you have a problem.”

4. You have always had a few unofficial “rules of being a lady.” Do you mind sharing what some of those are?

Many of these I learned from my Flight Attendant training.

1) You must always be punctual

2) If you make a commitment, you always follow through

3) Be gracious  and always say please and thank you

4) Always look your best for the situation

5) Always have your nails manicured, with nail polish on your toes

5. You are an amazing world traveler! What are some of your best tips and what is one thing you never leave home without? What do you wear on the airplane? Where does your effort to dress up stem from?’

To this day I love traveling and seeing the world. I will always be able to watch movies and say I have been there.  We set our bucket list early on in life and there are very few places we have not been.  It will say it is always best to have fun and easy going traveling companions.

In the early days when I started flying it was a privilege to fly and Flight Attendants as well as passengers dressed in their Sunday best. Sadly not anymore. Black is my color of choice. Slacks and a nice jacket are my travel uniform and I always have a black cashmere wrap in my bag for those flights that they just cannot get the temperature right.  Today the important item to always have on hand is the correct chargers for your devices. 

6. Who has inspired you most along the way?'

It would definitely be my mother that was born in Germany and fell in love with an American soldier while he was serving in the Air Force in Germany. They were married in Germany and she came through Ellis Island in December and I was born in February in California.  She learned English after she arrived she immediately got her US citizenship.  She instilled so many qualities in me as well as my younger sister and brother.  The one thing she always prioritized was to start your day with goals and your first goal is to wake up and make your bed which I still do to this day. We lost my mother this last year at the age of 98 and I am looking forward to celebrating her life in her home town with all of our family this summer.

7. What is the best piece of advice you were given? Regarding anything from business to parenting to personal development, etc.?

This would also come from my mother.  She always said “You can do and become whatever you want.  Just never quit.”

8. What advice would you give to other women who are working and raising children?

It takes a village.  Never hesitate to bring other people into your life to help with keeping your family safe and sane.  There are many single moms that are working to support their family, but also are very hands on moms.  I heard a message on Mother’s day about a job that requires 24/7, it is being a Mom. I was blessed to have strong women in my life with my grandmother and my mother.  They instilled a strong character in me at a young age.

9. Is there anything you wish someone had told you along the way?

Always take the trip! You will not regret it!

10. What did work/life balance look like for you?

My favorite word is BALANCE  I always say work hard play hard.  I love the quote:

“Work while you work, Play while you Play

One thing at a time that is the way.

All that you do, do with your might

Things done in halves are not done right.”

Your family should always come first and try to surround yourself with positive minded, encouraging and supportive people.  Do they energize and inspire you?  Are they there for you through thick and thin?  IF you want to be healthy and remain healthy, surround yourself with happy positive people. 

10. What are some of your favorite traditions and do you place a priority on certain things?

Traditions are all about family and making memories.  Ours include: vacations to various parts of the world, USC Football games, Christmas card photos and Christmas morning matching pajamas. Also celebrating milestone birthdays with family and friends. 

11. How do you prioritize your wellbeing?

My day starts with a cup of my Bio Coffee and playing my Wordle and then doing my Duo Lingo to learn Spanish.  I love to go to Yoga and Pilates classes.  I love golf and pickle ball, or as I say we do more “Giggle Ball.”  I love walking with friends or as we call it “walking and talking.”  I highly recommend walking with friends as great therapy! 

12. How do you think we can best support the motto of “women helping women?”

Women truly should and quietly do run the world. As they say “behind every successful man there is a strong woman.” There is no doubt about this. The best part of my life was raising a beautiful, smart and loving daughter that has only brought me happiness. A mother/daughter bond is so special. It is someone to laugh with, dream with and love with all your heart for the rest of your life.  I love that we talk daily, and I learn from you daily.

13. How would you describe your sense of style?

I would say my style is very classic: a little black dress, cute designer shoes, a fabulous purse and never forget your pearls. 

14. What is your favorite splurge or investment “High Bar” piece in your wardrobe? 

I love my black J McLaughlin  Becca pants, a designer belt and Valentino Garavani Rockstud pumps for winter and sandals for summer My golf favorite is Louis Castel. 

15. What is your favorite trendy yet affordable “Side Bar” piece in your wardrobe?

My casual wardrobe is always going to be Lululemon. We love traveling to our new home in Cabo San Lucas, and I have several happy places, but first place goes to either my yoga mat or the golf course. My happiest place though is being a grandma to our six grandchildren, and my grandma name is Lulu, so it all feels very appropriate .     

Mom, I can’t thank you enough for joining me on The Low Down to share some of your pearls of wisdom. There is a reason so many of my friends have always loved being around you and getting advice from you! You have always been wise beyond your years and I am so grateful for everything you have instilled in me. I’m also forever grateful for your unconditional love and that you showed me what a magical childhood should entail. I hope to continue to emulate that for my children. XOXO

Mommy and Me

It MAY be a Busy Week, But Don’t Forget About Mama

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

The Low Down: Featuring Mindy Weiss, Event Planner Extraordinaire

Today I am so unbelievably overjoyed to welcome Mindy Weiss to the fifth edition of The Low Down! Mindy is one of the most sought-after event planners in the world. She is also the author of three best-selling books: “The Wedding Book,” “The Wedding Planner,” and “The Baby Keepsake Book and Planner.” It feels so appropriate to have her as my guest today as it is Matt’s and my fourteenth wedding anniversary and Mindy made our dream wedding come to life. My husband’s tag line whenever we talk about her is “You don’t roll the dice with Mindy Weiss.” And it is so true! Her attention to detail and beyond creative mind inspires me to this day. What I will truly never forget is her cool as a cucumber demeanor even when it was 98 degrees outside. I remember starting to feel faint as I stepped out of the antique car with no air conditioning just down the road from where Coachella takes place and without having to say anything, Mindy calmly held a straw up to my lips and told me to take a few sips of water. I instantly felt better, and I think about how calm she remained whenever I start to feel overwhelmed with anything in life. Mindy is one of the kindest. human beings you will ever meet with an innate classic style that transcends generations. I will forever be grateful to her for everything she did to create our dream wedding, but also all the fun we had with her in the year leading up to our wedding. From her genius concept of the “Glamelia” bouquet to complement our Camellia theme, to the incredibly clever “iDo” iPod party favors, and everything in between. Mindy never ceases to amaze with the things she can dream about, but most impressively bring to life. I feel most fortunate that I continue to see Mindy from time to time at the weddings of other friends that she has so beautifully orchestrated and despite the years in between, she always makes it feel like no time has passed. I am so excited for you to get to know a little bit more about the incredible woman who always brings the magic! Please welcome, Mindy Weiss!

1. Please tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from and what did you see yourself becoming when you were younger.

   Hi! Im born and raised in Los Angeles and I still love my city to this day!. I always thought I’d be in TV production or the fashion world…Kinda a bit of both that i'm experiencing in my job today! 

2. I would love for you to share your road to becoming the world’s most sought-after event planner and dream creator.

   This all happen by chance… after I graduated I walked into a darling stationery store and realized my love for personalized stationery. I asked if they had any job openings and at that moment i realized I was a paper-holic and I met my best friend Janis who was the manager and who to this day is like my sister. We eventually started our own invitation/ stationery business and then the clients started asking me to do the parties ….janis stuck with just our invite company called JAM and I went on to the party/wedding world

3. You have an innate ability to remain calm in the most stressful of situations. I remember on my wedding day that you were always the face and voice of calm. You are truly incredible! What is your secret?

   Thank you! Well I found early on that the more uptight or nervous I would be that energy spread like wildfire! And…you realize what is truly the important moments I respect the fact that i’m responsible for the memories but I introduce a sense of humor and calm and love….

4. You have so many memorable moments, I’m sure! Could you describe one experience where you overcame the impossible to make something happen? 

   One wedding the officiant did not show up. I was lucky enough that in another ballroom there was another wedding. It happened to be Jewish as was ours and that Rabbi was kind enough to marry my couple! From that moment on I became ordained and never worried again!

5. Everyone is inspired by you, but is there anyone who has inspired you along the way?

   Thank you! …oh so many people but most of all my mother who passed away young. She gave the most creative wonderful parties throughout her life and I can remember all of them! They had every ingredient: beautiful, heartfelt, memorable, a bit of a sense of humor and boy I admit a bit over the top!

6. What is the best piece of advice you were given? Regarding anything from business to parenting to personal development, etc.?

   Don’t miss important family life memories for someone else's life memories. I missed alot and I regret it. Now I’’m upfront and honest and let my clients know if I cannot miss a family event. Charge what you are worth. It makes you feel appreciated, respected and excited to make those dreams come true! 

7. What advice would you give to other women who are running a business and who have a family of their own?

   My kids adore and respect me. They watched me work hard and they all too work hard. I worried for years about the late nights and missing some sport games…and now they talk about all their memories and my stories.

8. What does work/life balance look like for you?

   I’d like to give you a formula but I take it day to day….

9. What are some of your favorite traditions and do you place a priority on certain things?

   Sunday night family dinner. I wait all week for it.

10. How, if ever, do you prioritize your well-being? What are some things that you try to squeeze in on a normal busy day that you feel has impacted your day-to-day life?

    A manicure once a week, I feel great after a weekly blowdry, pilates twice a week and grandkid fix twice a week! Sleepovers are the best!

11. What adversity has challenged you the most, yet made you a stronger person?

    Some clients are quite aggressive… and learning to tell them that “I don’t think our personalities are working” and walk away from a dreadful situation has been the best move. Something that keeps you up all night is not worth any amount of money.

12. I know you meet so many inspiring women every day, how do you feel we can better support the motto of “Women helping Women?”

    Sharing solutions to interesting situations. How to…… 

13. How would you describe your sense of style?

    I love fashion and I do partake in shopping a little too much…I’d say my style is classic with really beautiful shoes!!!!!

14. What is your favorite splurge or investment “High Bar” piece in your wardrobe? 

    A new beautiful winter coat every year…I shop seasonally and remember I have to get dressed up for my job on the weekends! Great excuse!

15. What is your favorite trendy yet affordable “Side Bar” piece in your wardrobe? 

    Mixing Zara with a pair of Gucci Slides 

16. What is one thing on your wish list for 2023? 

    Good Health!!!!!!!!!

I am beyond honored for your time, Mindy! I highly recommend everyone look into Mindy’s new “Plan Your Dream Wedding” session on Master Class and if you haven’t already read one of her three amazing and helpful books, it’s a must do! In honor of our anniversary I thought I would share some of my favorite memories that Mindy created for my husband and me! I truly will be forever grateful for my dream wedding! xoxo

The Best of Spring

A Tradition Unlike Any Other

The Best of Saks Friends and Family

The Low Down: Featuring Kathy Fang, Chef and Restaurateur

When it comes to brains and beauty, Kathy Fang takes the cake! I am beyond thrilled to introduce the woman behind the fourth ediiton of The Low Down and the star of “Chef Dynasty: House of Fang.” Kat is not only a critically acclaimed San Francisco-based chef and restaurateur, but also a mom to two little ones under the age of five. Her incredible work ethic is visible if you step foot into her highly sought after Fang Restaurant and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree! Her father, Peter Fang, opened the traditional Chinese mainstay, House of Nanking, in 1988 which has a cult-following and always sports long lines to get in. Kat is also a two-time “Chopped” champion and has appeared on multiple cooking competitions/series throughout her career including: Beat Bobby Flay, Guy’s Grocery Games, and Alex vs. America. I can tell you first hand after weathering out a hurricane together in the British Virgin Islands many years ago that Kat can take a look at random ingredients in a refrigerator and put together a delicious meal like no one else! She is a visionary, an entrepreneur, an incredibly hard worker, a fellow University of Southern California graduate and someone I’m grateful to call my friend! Please welcome, Kat Fang!

1. Please tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, where did you go to college and what did you see yourself becoming when you were younger.  

   I’m a San Francisco native, born and raised in the city. I was 7 yrs old when my parents opened House of Nanking. I grew up in their restaurant and watched them work day and night. I saw our business grow from a small mom and pop shop into the iconic place it is today. At a very young age I got to experience a chef’s life, from accompanying my Dad on trips to the market to finding produce for his dishes, to staying out late and eating at all the best restaurants in the city. While these perks were fun for a kid, I also found it to be frustrating at times as well. There were times I wanted a normal life, one where I would go home with my parents after school and get to sit around a dinner table and have dinner in the early evening. Perhaps an evening where we could play board games and watch tv together. That never happened for me and thus I grew up convinced that the restaurant life was not for me. My parents also never pushed me to take over the business. In fact they wanted me to be a doctor or a lawyer. For most of my youth, I thought I was going to be a pediatrician. When I moved down to LA to attend USC, I went with the intention of becoming a Science major. And within months, I switched majors and went into business. I realized quickly the medical field was not my passion,

2. When did you know you wanted to be a part of the family business? Did you always dream of starting Fang from the beginning? What did that process look like?

   I didn’t realize I wanted to get into the family business until I worked in corporate America. I worked in wealth management at Merrill Lynch and then moved into operations at Neutrogena. I was incredibly bored at both these companies and found myself uninspired and stifled. As soon as I would get home from work, I would cook for my room-mates or plot out all the new restaurant openings and hit the town with my friends. When I started to think about a career change, I couldn’t help but think about getting into the family business. Food was the only thing that excited me and so I made the decision to quit my job at Neutrogena and move back to SF, move back to my parents place, back to where it all began for me, House of Nanking.

3. Congratulations on your fabulous new Food Network Show! Please tell me a little bit about how Chef Dynasty came to be and what it was like filming the show? The world is ready for more episodes! Are you willing to do more?

   Within the first year of opening Fang, I started to get approached by people from the TV world, telling me I should consider being on TV or on the Food Network. And when I explored that idea, I came up with the dream of having my own cooking show, where I teach people how to make Easy Asian Recipes. After multiple pitches and meetings in a span of 5-7 years, nothing stuck. I was rejected and turned away. Cooking competitions were becoming the “it shows” and thus I decided to go that route and started to compete and ended up winning Chopped twice . It wasn’t until 2020, deep into the pandemic when a producer emailed me about wanting to do a reality show, with me being the star of the show. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I could do a reality show. I did not think my life was interesting enough for one. I hopped on zoom and it ended up being one of the best 1 hour conversations I’ve ever had with a stranger.  I don’t know if it was because I was stuck at home for so long but I opened up to him and shared my life story and something just clicked. He took that footage and my past footage from the internet, pieced it together into a 2 minute sizzle and sold the show! I couldn’t believe it. 

   We filmed the show over a span of 6 weeks with additional weeks thrown in afterwards. Those 6 weeks were intense, I was basically working two jobs while balancing mom life. Restaurant life is tough, let’s just throw production life in there too. I would have to be in 4-6 different locations throughout the day and then come back to work a dinner shift. When I look back at it now, I miss it. We spent so much time with the crew that they all felt like family to me. There was this emptiness when we wrapped the show and everyone had left. Those six weeks were some of the most incredible and most memorable weeks of my life. 

4. Who inspired you to be a leader and why? 

   I grew up with the dream of becoming somebody that my parents can be proud of. I always wanted to do something notable and for the longest time my parents were my inspiration. My dad always pushed me to be better, to grow and when I realized I could do something great with my passion for food, I honed in on that. I have always pushed myself to do more. It’s not enough to just run a successful restaurant, you have to get yourself out there. I would write for various publications, create a blog, and compete on television. I’ve been doing that for over a decade now, and it’s finally paid off. What’s interesting is, now that I have kids of my own, my inspiration has actually shifted. I look at my daughter and she drives me to do more.  I want to set a good example for her and other younger girls who can see themselves in me and hopefully I can spark their desire to dream big. 

5. What is the best piece of advice you were given? Regarding anything from business to parenting to personal development, etc.? 

   The best of advice I’ve had so far is from my Dad. When we opened Fang, he taught me to be flexible. In life, things don’t always pan out the way you want them to. You can do everything perfect and the end result may not be what you expected. And that’s ok, you treat it as a lesson or an opportunity to learn and pivot so that you can continue to move forward towards your goals. This applies to work life, personal life, parenting…This is a piece of advice that has really helped me get through the last 14 years of running Fang and I now apply it to how I raise my kids. 

6. What advice would you give to other women who are running a business and raising children?

   Don’t give up on your dreams and don’t be so hard on yourself! Running your own business is essentially raising another baby. When you have two priorities in life that cannot be sidelined, you have to find a way to do both. It does not have to be one or the other. As I mentioned before, my kids motivate me to do more because I realized the importance of setting a good example for them. And while there are nights I feel guilty for not being able to stay home to have dinner with my kids or say goodnight, I always make it a point to make the time we do spend together, one of quality. And for those nights I’m not there, I plan for the days I will be there and make the most of it. 

7. Is there anything you wish someone had told you along the way?

   Yes!!! Get mentors and don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. The journey as a mom and a business woman can be a lonely one if you are afraid to share your struggles. And while I am lucky enough to have great girlfriends in my life to vent and decompress with, I never took the time to foster relationships with female friends on a more professional level. When we talk about women supporting women, this is how it gets started. If you reach out to someone for help, you will be at a point where you will pay it forward and want to do the same for another. We don’t have to do everything on our own.

8. What does work/life balance look like for you? 

   I work Monday- Friday (lunch and dinner service). I keep my weekends free for my family unless there are major events happening at my restaurant. Every other Friday, I will do date night with my husband. And we always make sure we travel at least 1-3 times a year. On a day to day basis, I make time for coffee in the mornings, a short workout and then it’s work work work. And lastly, I try to make time for nights out with friends, it’s not super consistent but I make a big effort to make it happen and when it does it can be a huge stress reliever.

9. What are some of your favorite traditions and do you place a priority on certain things? 

   Lunar New Year is one of my favorite and most important holiday of the year. It’s deeply rooted in tradition and I grew up with it. I now practice all the superstitious habits my grandparents practiced with my kids and I make sure we eat all the traditional dishes on Lunar New Year’s Eve. It helps me feel connected to my heritage and also allows me to share a part of our culture with my kids in a fun way. 

   Christmas is our favorite tradition as a family. Because we love decorating our home for Christmas, we started the tradition of buying our Christmas tree 3 days after Thanksgiving. We also keep the tree at least 2 weeks past new year’s eve to prolong the wintery festive feel in our space. Our kids love it and as adults we love it too. 

   Sunday Movie Night with kids! - Because I’m not home in the evening on weeknights, I make it a point to do sunday movie night on the couch with my kids and husband. My husband makes popcorn and we cuddle on the couch and watch a family friendly movie. It’s these small special moments that make my heart full and satisfied. It’s one of my favorite traditions at home.

10. How, if ever, do you prioritize your well-being? What are some things that you try to squeeze in on a normal busy day that you feel has impacted your day-to-day life?

    I actually prioritize my well-being a lot because I find it helps me with managing stress on a day to day basis.  I’m a creature of habit and love doing certain things on repeat. There is something very therapeutic about that for me. The first thing I do for myself is make a nice cup of cappuccino in the morning. My jura coffee machine is one of my favorite appliances in my kitchen. The smell, the first sip starts my morning off on the right foot because it’s the first few quiet minutes I get to myself in the kitchen. Then the chaos ensues, as I prep breakfast and the kids start to run around. After I drop off my kids, I work out. No matter how short or long of a workout I can squeeze in, I do it. Working out relaxes me and gives me energy. The last thing I do on repeat which gives me a sense of comfort and relaxation is my dinner at home. From Monday-Thursday I eat the same healthy meal (a bowl of bone broth, a side of green vegetables sauteed in garlic and ginger, and 2 ounce of protein). Being able to eat this way week after week for years makes me happy. My body craves it when I travel and it gives me a sense of comfort. I come back from dinner shift, take a shower and sit down to a quiet meal, a clean home-cooked meal.

11. What adversity has challenged you the most, yet made you a stronger person?

    The pandemic has been the most challenging experience I’ve had to date. While the restaurant industry is a very competitive and tough space to be in and be successful at, it’s not an industry that could disappear overnight. For the first year of the pandemic, that’s essentially what happened. We were not allowed to open our restaurant for service. We were given the option of doing takeout and we knew that was not going to cut it and keep us afloat. It was better for us to just stay closed. We were essentially out of a job for 1 full year. To make matters worse, there was an uptick in anti-Asian sentiment during this time frame as well. Not only were we not able to open our businesses due to government restrictions, we began feeling fearful and apprehensive to even leave our home. The experience has definitely made me stronger.

12. What are you most excited about on the horizon? Do you have any collaborations coming up that you can share about?

    I’m really excited about a new cookbook/memoir I want to write with my father. This has been a dream of mine and I think it’s the perfect follow up to our new show Chef Dynasty: House of Fang. Aside from that, I’ve been asked to do many guest chef appearances for notable female run businesses and social clubs. This process has allowed me to meet so many incredible female entrepreneurs and it’s been so uplifting to work with other women in different industries. There’s one collab coming up that I’m particularly thrilled about that involves jewelry! The women behind Cast Jewelry are amazing and I’m so grateful for all the opportunities that have come along the way since the show. 

13. You meet so many inspiring women every day, how do you feel we can better support the motto of “Women helping Women?” 

    The best way to support the motto is to reach out to other women and help find ways to support what they do. When someone makes it a point to reach out and provide help or recognition, it creates a sense of community and gratitude and because of this, the recipient will want to pay it forward and do the same for other women. It has a ripple effect so just remember, you can be the one to start that ripple. 

14. How would you describe your sense of style?

    My sense of style veers towards classic chic with a touch of modern 80% of the time. I’m a huge fan of high waisted jeans and a tightly fitted bright colored quarter length cashmere sweater. It’s my go to uniform for work because it’s timeless. For date nights however, I LOVE dressing up. I love form fitting dresses and flirty necklines, bold rings, and earrings and almost never leave the house on a date night without a cashmere coat. So it’s 80% classic effortless chic and 20% glam!

15. What is your favorite splurge or investment “High Bar” piece in your wardrobe? 

    Bags and Jewelry are my favorite splurges. My Hermes Birkin 30 Craie is one of my favorite splurges because it’s a high bar piece that is timeless. I can dress it up or down and it always elevates my outfit. 

16. What is your favorite trendy yet affordable “Side Bar” piece in your wardrobe? 

    Fendi tights!! The logo patterned tights is a trendy winter look that I’ve been obsessed with. I plan a lot of my date night outfits around these tights. A pair can set you back close to $400 which is not bad if you get good mileage out of it and can pair it with many different looks during the winter. Plus it’s been a cold year in the Bay, the tights have kept me warm on those nights I want to wear a dress, so it’s fashionable but practical too. 

17. What is one thing on your wish list for Spring 2023?

    The Fearless Muse ring from Cast Jewelry. I’m currently obsessed with their different collections and capsules. Their designs are bold, beautifully crafted and stunning. I’m looking to add a  few new pieces to dress up my Spring and Summer outfits.

I am beyond grateful for the time, Kat, and for everyone reading I highly recommend that you tune into “Chef Dynasty: House of Fang” if you haven’t already and that next time you find yourself in San Francisco that you make a point to visit both House of Nanking and Fang! Cheers and Bon Appétit!

Here Comes Peter Cottontail