https://www.vekonda.com/work daily 1.0 2026-02-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1540178445114-A7NL4H1YJZF38CVSMNAG/microphone-616788_1920.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1540178652608-NTBGZG1WH2VVUKSPYKKK/paper-3187096_1920.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590521264310-TSTOUMQHZ6V31TYAF9UM/IMG_6229.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1767841734589-LOGR8ARRTJHMW7X620IA/unsplash-image-jv7_67Mh8g0.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1767842964416-AB17L9X8QOHBHIOZI2Z4/Screenshot+2026-01-07+10.29.13+PM.png Work - Love Gently Steams Sunday, February 15, 3:00 PM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1767842168594-3N77GT8EDAGYEDE2UC1X/Noodles.jpg Work - Past Event: Lao Chicken Noodle Soup Sunday, January 25, 11 :00 AM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1767842295995-60VLNJ7CWCKNKCPYA65R/Photo.jpg Work - Past Event: Lao Chicken Noodle Soup Sunday, January 25, 3 :00 PM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/36ede2c5-8bdf-4895-b441-4b200a87aee1/Vekonda_1+%281%29.jpg Work - Receive stories behind the dishes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1767845604687-D6ZY5U7HP0GCCEAQSN0T/IMG_4519.jpg Work - Every dish has a story, and every story has a life. The Lao Project shares the voices, traditions, and journeys of Lao people across the US, people whose culture and cuisine continue to thrive. Click to explore the faces, memories, and stories that inspire the food you’re learning to cook. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1767843316401-0G68LS75W6X71TGR3186/IMG_1743.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1767842168594-3N77GT8EDAGYEDE2UC1X/Noodles.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1769144048689-40G5Q6SYNV99C2ITLR9C/IMG_1821.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1769144221291-F6OBF63C6TBHAJ4L18ZR/IMG_7339.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1767842189294-1INP5TMR2STE883HN7WR/Khao+Poon.jpeg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1769144053684-PEFBAIXWWBRNCGE72IC6/IMG_4033.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1767842295995-60VLNJ7CWCKNKCPYA65R/Photo.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1767843391717-SHOQ98TMWEARA6JWPA8P/PHOTO-2025-08-13-16-41-28.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1767845604687-D6ZY5U7HP0GCCEAQSN0T/IMG_4519.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1767845652478-9FV2UCF2Y95HKMBZQ7ZZ/Vekonda_1+%281%29.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1769144317874-CZS1PVKSK3A1MBA9J14O/IMG_1790.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1769144048033-OI9BWFI5E3ANLAFK7F8X/IMG_1762.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1769144318801-BPBS0WI3RCLAKRVT0Z2P/IMG_1792.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1769144323714-RILXIQRQD02SCREFURAB/IMG_4772.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1769144050186-43UUR1XZUBGRH1K308KS/IMG_4775.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1769144327630-A29LTP1UULLHAZOQFP1Y/IMG_7159.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1769144229365-52ASS12ZIZP39RMDGBQP/IMG_7234.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1769144567215-DFZAEK50HG1TZKNPUV7I/IMG_1772.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1769144230281-P287FDN9WNSUMASEX9J4/IMG_7192.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1769144324454-2CM17LJRS8L5H09ITGDC/IMG_2791.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1769144220963-V7EMKZN3IJFHYDQNAMMC/IMG_7340.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1769144567173-7NVK16R9341E44RPPTDN/IMG_4789.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1769144572024-CW11Y9DAVGLT9ABO44DL/IMG_4766.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1769144565339-SM0BHMFARZYSEC329PA4/IMG_1748.jpg Work https://www.vekonda.com/contact daily 0.75 2020-04-09 https://www.vekonda.com/banja daily 0.75 2020-05-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589162243949-YYAOA9ULV2U1IK4H6NY4/IMG_5954.jpg Banja Bouphasavanh - “As a Lao American, I love to share our food and traditions, especially during our wedding.” - Banja Bouphasavanh, He/Him, 34, SC/NC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589206892670-99IUDXTX699Y864PZTCF/IMG_5952.jpg Banja Bouphasavanh - “I loved sharing the Lao wedding ceremony with my friends and future family.” Photo: Banja Bouphasavanh on his wedding day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589060089681-EPGVI9PFU9SNME4KADGQ/7D9CA6C5-2D49-4384-A4C3-BFED5909FB0A.JPG Banja Bouphasavanh - “One of my favorite parts about Lao weddings is when everyone ties white strings around the wrists of the bride and groom while reciting out loud their warm wishes for our marriage. It’s as if they’re linking on us lovely blessings.” Photo: Banja Bouphasavanh on his wedding day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589230019251-1VMMQPUY6DUE12ZNGQPI/IMG_5964.jpeg Banja Bouphasavanh - “My friends love coming over and eating my mom's food. Everyone loves our staple, sticky rice.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589230294821-NDOYK22HKDMGTWN68Q64/IMG_5958.JPG Banja Bouphasavanh - “Some love the more exotic dishes, like larb and...” Larb is a classic Lao dish that can be described as shredded meat salad, dressed with fresh squeezed lime juice, fish sauce, smokey ground chili peppers, grounded toasted glutenous rice, fresh mint, spring onions, and cilantros. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589245228042-BDWISU9N6N1X6LLMCYR6/IMG_5967.jpg Banja Bouphasavanh - ……even Jaew Bong. Jaew Bong is a Lao classic spicy tomato-based paste sauce that is often enjoyed in complementary with many dishes. If enjoyed alone, we ball up some sticky rice between our fingers and dip it in, sometimes even scooping up the spicy sauce instead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589230405237-O02GM9SDN863CI9DUX8P/IMG_5959.JPG Banja Bouphasavanh - “Currently, my father-in-law loves Jaew Bong and our Lao-style beef jerky.” https://www.vekonda.com/michael daily 0.75 2020-05-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589257414121-PAIJH87EH8BMJSL9CZRP/IMG_5972.jpg Michael Sompasong Sengmanivong - “As a Lao American, I have had to grow into loving our culture.” -Michael Sompasong Sengmanivong, 42, LA, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589257656980-U6WC4FFKLBNPEYW5GZHB/IMG_5971.jpg Michael Sompasong Sengmanivong - “I think most of it derives from the need to assimilate at a very young age.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590120639867-RNCHJ0FN6C6YH46GHY1I/IMG_6007.jpg Michael Sompasong Sengmanivong - “Growing up in a predominantly caucasian neighborhood really influenced my behaviors to limit my embrace in being Lao. Up until I was about 16, I would avoid speaking lao and would only eat Lao food in my home, not sharing it with any school friends.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590120639867-RNCHJ0FN6C6YH46GHY1I/IMG_6007.jpg Michael Sompasong Sengmanivong - “Now that I think back, I’m thankful that my parents and family continued no matter what to speak Lao, eat Lao food, and keep the Lao culture while I was growing up.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590121505946-MQ49LJXMJD9CZCZVWX10/FFEA55EA-67B1-4FCA-8513-3A3B9CD6F294.JPG Michael Sompasong Sengmanivong - “A couple things that I have learned to love: One is sharing the food from Laos. By now, I have introduced many friends to Lao foods.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589258248822-5N5JWN25ILLFPR5FQZXW/11FC18F0-CCF4-4961-95AF-7B903D97D243.JPG Michael Sompasong Sengmanivong - “Whether we are in Milwaukee, Dallas, San Diego, or LA we check out different restaurants.. It can be going to eat at a Lao restaurant or cooking it myself.” Photo of Michael’s friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590122421916-GRG3NXPXNAA2HXBRGB7X/CE870113-E55F-480F-AD10-E47211865330.jpg Michael Sompasong Sengmanivong - “Most recently, I. have been making simple Lao meals at home for friends. That’s one of the hallmark things with our culture; eating and socializing .” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589060118652-R82AOHBL44O5137VK0RK/BC511523-8DBC-4CE9-A322-F6C7CE0315E3.jpg Michael Sompasong Sengmanivong - “This is what I recently cooked for a couple of my girlfriends.” - Photos of sticky rice, cucumber salad, meat salad, and tomato-based sauce. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589258089053-0XJQ9I8XZM2V5LJVVV6D/IMG_5974.jpg Michael Sompasong Sengmanivong - “There are many things to love about our culture, but Lao food is the main thing that I share with friends.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590122914918-F2YY64JOURPARYH0T02J/4C327B3F-07FC-4F08-AA33-F74372570A1A.JPG Michael Sompasong Sengmanivong - “Secondly, I have learned that being Lao is really unique and cool.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590121690666-713W7T3H8GZCGSB3Y6K8/EC16C38A-890A-4C4D-BA74-901C9D424B6F.JPG Michael Sompasong Sengmanivong - “Many do not know of Laos when mentioned, but it has been fun to teach others. This December, if plans go right, I’m taking a few friends with me to Laos . https://www.vekonda.com/samantha daily 0.75 2020-05-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589390637169-BHZRBWDOP2Y1I2H07AOZ/3F0D38BC-BA5E-4228-ABB3-BD9E1C24DFE8.JPG Samantha - “Being able to have them experience different kinds of food and family events makes things more exciting….” https://www.vekonda.com/behind-the-scenes-of-lao-project daily 0.75 2020-05-12 https://www.vekonda.com/bounsai daily 0.75 2020-05-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589388543633-Q1Q09TFNW7DAG4ODD7KM/31877A3C-A8B3-4D55-AE01-1206504FF69E.JPG Bounsai - “My first time back to Laos I was amazed at how welcoming everyone was and how delicious the authentic food is. I thought Lao food here in America was the most delicious thing ever, but then I was amazed at how much better the food in Laos was.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589944026964-T7KC6QIJU0SR8XOK8AAW/F1F4F364-12C5-46EE-B189-E471BAC72B53.JPG Bounsai https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589944176228-KFA9XF647XT8M9FP262J/image0.jpeg Bounsai https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589944215798-6ID2J714R8HL5732GCXN/image1+%281%29.jpeg Bounsai https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589389508420-QRXSR9JH4CFX3YEC1VO4/IMG_6006.jpg Bounsai - “I remember in Laos we had a pit stop in Xayaboury, and I ordered papaya salad. It was the best papaya salad I ever had.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590157940898-AW375QLJJOB9MM6L5E9A/78DEA0DA-76FD-4046-AB29-15BD9D1462BE.JPG Bounsai - “I spent years upon years trying to replicate the papaya salad and once I got it to nearly as good..” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589388513066-2568O1XZGGU590H2GEWY/31924860-5AE3-45A6-A077-40CF8403D8E2.jpg Bounsai - “I started Mr.PadakSap.” Bounsai’s Padak is a popular fermented fish sauce used in a lot of Lao cooking. https://www.vekonda.com/tico daily 0.75 2020-05-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589400523937-IW0WGH451YW3S6UDLK1Y/IMG_6007.jpg Tico - My parents were in their late teens when they swam across the dangerous Mekong River and traversed across a mountain, avoiding hidden land mines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589400523937-IW0WGH451YW3S6UDLK1Y/IMG_6007.jpg Tico - “It’s the thought of my parents deciding to leave the comfort of their families to sacrifice their own safety…” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589400523937-IW0WGH451YW3S6UDLK1Y/IMG_6007.jpg Tico - for the pursuit of THE CHANCE (it wasn’t even guaranteed) to make it to “The Land of Opportunity.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590123831983-4V0W1M6MJHZ9WY78TQN5/IMG_6007.jpg Tico - “Every time that I share their stories with others, I often feel like they’re giving me a performance review at that point in my life.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589400523937-IW0WGH451YW3S6UDLK1Y/IMG_6007.jpg Tico - “Not only are the stories very telling of how courageous each of my parents are, but it also sets the precedent for the kinds of goals that my parents expect from their children: BIG goals!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589400523937-IW0WGH451YW3S6UDLK1Y/IMG_6007.jpg Tico - “Sharing my parents’ escape stories are frequent reminders that being Laotian-American means coming from a humble background that is rich in: courage, honor, and sacrifice.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589398949997-ZYYBS0K8AO75LU1DWRFO/tico_family.png Tico Tico with his family. https://www.vekonda.com/vilay daily 0.75 2020-05-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590088978232-TDFAXDXCSRQH6U34T0OH/IMG_5244.jpg Vilay - “I love so many things about Lao culture.” - Vilayphet Thanadabouth, she/her, 35, Tampa, fl https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589391464667-O3A3FBHARDZ1IM273HB5/IMG_0225.JPG Vilay - “Our food is so unique and delicious. Most people I introduce it to fall in love with it.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590089511921-HHRTEL03FG7V018LMF4R/image-asset.jpeg Vilay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590089467068-A3L1GRE49YENYAT4C67M/IMG_6007.jpg Vilay - “I also love to hear all of the tales about how our parents escaped the war and emigrated to the US. It makes me feel grateful every day and pushes me to be better.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590089623348-OF6UVG8Z48WDHBWU8SIV/White.jpg Vilay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589391245920-QG1JXKUXUVEH3O2ETBR6/IMG_5911.JPG Vilay - “Most of all, I love our sense of community and celebrations, like Laotian New Year and weddings are events I look forward to because I get to meet strangers in the morning and by lunch time, they become family (pi-nong!) - Vilay thanadabouth, she/her, 35, Tampa fl https://www.vekonda.com/anna daily 0.75 2020-05-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590162374086-B77G03A2NNFP90MMGVCC/IMG_6108.jpg Anna - “We have delicious foods, beautiful traditional outfits, fun music, beautiful dances and more! A ll the work that's put into our traditional attire makes me appreciate its unique beauty. ” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590162465648-MUM7TK1I69KH2WOXYJNE/IMG_6103.jpg Anna - “The work that's put into all of our authentic dishes makes me appreciate the food even more.” Photo: Lao Chicken Noodle soup made with handmade noodles of rice and tapioca flour. Topped with spring onions, homemade chili oil, and homemade garlic oil https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589414971091-YKVP0LP3JPGGD5FRNFMN/image1.jpeg Anna - “Also, I literally can't wait to experience my own Lao wedding. Everything about it is so distinctive, beautiful, and fun. We definitely know how to have a great time!” Photo: Anna at a cousin’s wedding with her mom https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589414985938-9CXIE1201ZTXGMOOI6H0/image-asset.jpeg Anna - “I strongly believe we should continue to pass on our parents roots and history. We must teach the younger generation how to stay connected and why it is so important.” Photo: Anna (red) with her cousins Vekonda (Gold) and Vannepha (Purple) when they were eight and six years old. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589421607528-IT6UE6WYIM0719HYLI47/IMG_6021.JPG Anna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589421526735-6C5ZSDGCA0LG9BLY9JG3/IMG_6023.JPG Anna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590379130635-28GGYZBWD7B1V4147WPW/IMG_6248.JPG Anna - “Being a first generation in America of my family, I just want to make my parents proud and be successful on my own.” - Anna Nguyen, 29, She, NY https://www.vekonda.com/nwee daily 0.75 2020-05-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589485343538-3VOUYZ80IHYI93KKGZVC/IMG_5916.JPG Nwee - “When I was a child, I noticed not many students and teachers from school knew what Lao culture was. As I grew older, I learned how to explain it better. When people asked me ‘where’s Laos?’ I alway love to answer. ‘It’s a landlocked country in southeast Asia between Thailand and Vietnam,’ I’d say." - Vannepha Luangaphay, 27, She, NY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589485381971-C09SCS6XM5Y2PX18FR7K/IMG_6056.JPG Nwee - “Unfortunately, I have not visited Laos yet, and I truly look forwarded to when the day comes. I still have my mother’s side to meet and she has many siblings. She’s the 12th out of 14! Until then, m y father is teaching me how to read and write Lao, and I always practice speaking Lao with my family, especially when we enjoy meals together.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590178211505-GNUZ7X1IX0JXECAWSB5X/FullSizeRender.jpeg Nwee - “Growing up every family had a mortar and pestle. I always love to hear the thumping and thumping coming from the kitchen. It often means our meal is almost ready! Typically, it’d be papaya salad, my favorite.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590177351526-UYE9A5XM259NCDEQ5G1K/IMG_6007.jpg Nwee - “I love sharing papaya salad recipes with friends, and specifically showing them how to make it. This dish has shredded green papaya, fermented fish or crab sauces ”padak”, regular fish sauce, tomatoes, shrimp paste, garlic cloves, chilly peppers, sugar, and salt.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589485432928-YSU9WM9O0OI5T3GIEPBN/IMG_6057.JPG Nwee - “As a kid, my mom always had me use the mortar and pestle to pound out the first three ingredients, garlic cloves, Thai chili peppers, and salt to start. I finally got my own a year ago. Nowadays, every time I pound ingredients in my own home, it brings me back to my mom’s kitchen and learning to cook from her; And my mom telling me to pound faster and “thump” harder.” - Vannepha Luangaphay, 27, She, NY https://www.vekonda.com/andrew-1 daily 0.75 2020-05-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589471383279-HHSTA49F0D4QV47NTCRU/IMG_7972.jpg Andrew - “When I tell my friends about Lao culture, I talk about the food because I believe that food is what connects cultures to one another.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589479286131-DRYKO8JV6ZBC0X3BUP67/466C5969-9BD7-47FE-A9CC-6B9A83184C74.jpg Andrew - “I tell them about sticky rice, papaya salad, Larb, dac sien, and all about its complex flavors. That’s the gateway I use to get people to be more interested in Lao culture. ” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589478176984-MU62XPJCY0TRL7G5RO5O/image-asset.jpeg Andrew - “With so many Lao cuisines, there is always one dish that someone will be interested in and like.” https://www.vekonda.com/adam daily 0.75 2020-05-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589941488878-ZQWIA434UVDBMJBI04B5/IMG_6089.JPG Adam - “ I love how deeply rooted and intertwined our culture is within our religion and food.” - -Adam Obmalay, 31, From Chicago, IL, ( I currently live in San Diego and LA, but I want to rep my home.) Photo: Adam, when he was vacationing in Laos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589942622706-HXJ5UI9QE6YHP6BUWQSG/Screen+Shot+2020-05-19+at+10.42.40+PM.png Adam - “I like how our culture is very communal and giving.” Photo: Buddhist monks give blessings and prayers to a new Muy Thai school. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589941581154-0UKNHZXKXQBMM4VJ2RLM/IMG_6090.JPG Adam - “From our families to our individual spirit, I believe our culture shows its light in a unique way.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589942820054-DRD13AIDMOG0VGT8G0K2/IMG_6092.JPG Adam - “If you ever been to a Lao gathering I think you’d know what exactly I’m saying.” https://www.vekonda.com/andrew daily 0.75 2020-05-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590172036979-MLVDA7BV8Z6AI6A1EN47/IMG_5959.JPG Andrew - “I haven’t had one friend who hasn’t liked our Lao beef jerky…” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590171997199-XJUTVGOPLCVVQV89M8EI/IMG_5963.jpg Andrew - “…and sticky rice! Let’s be real!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590172475896-1E2PICVB0LAU6FJ8R9R1/IMG_6007.jpg Andrew - In the spirit of the Lao New Year I have been thinking about why I am proud to be Lao . I love Lao culture because it embodies struggle, tough love, and mindfulness. Struggle, because our Laotian elders have made, and are still making, sacrifices everyday to give our youth an opportunity to obtain a secure future. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590172550297-C7NDTZBVLJ93AESQN732/IMG_6007.jpg Andrew - This has spilled into the everyday lives of first generation Laotian-Americans to become a doctor...I’m just slightly kidding. At times, these challenges for young Laotian-Americans to be successful can be difficult, but these challenges come from love. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590172329732-K376UZMLWRIBGLLMM7AD/IMG_2444.jpg Andrew - “Our parents just want us to have a stable future and not worry about our next meal like they had in their past. And yes, we may have been guilty of forgetting to soak the rice in water at times, but at the end of the day, our parents will still make us our favorite Laotian dish when we decide to visit home. They will still nurture us, even if it’s the last thing they do.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589429280218-H3LHS81CL3SSBZNXL1VY/image-asset.jpeg Andrew - “I always hold our household values and respectable ways. I take off my shoes before entering someone’s home. I mean, why would I bring my dirty shoes onto someone’s living room carpet? I like to showcase to my friends our form of saying “hello” to our elders. We bow. I find that many people think that practice is unique and cool.” - Andrew Obmalay, he/him, 29, IL https://www.vekonda.com/selena daily 0.75 2020-05-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590187541581-IXU3YE1SFR8DV5VZLB7T/466C5969-9BD7-47FE-A9CC-6B9A83184C74.jpg Selena - “Lao food is an experience, and there’s nothing that makes you feel more at home.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590187763274-ZHAU1CEJFKE64J9E2E55/IMG_5963.jpg Selena - “I love to cook and share traditional Lao food with my friends, such as khao niew…” PHOTO: Sticky rice, a Lao food staple https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590187897497-ZQWOIWGPV4SYUQC4BBMI/IMG_6088.jpg Selena - “…and tum mak hoong …” PHOTO: Spicy shredded green papaya salad, a very popular Lao salad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590187664891-F0E9QNH62HIKO9ZH7JTF/IMG_6103.jpg Selena - “….. khao piak sen (my favorite).” PHOTO: Lao chicken noodle soup with homemade noodles that’s made with rice and tapioca flour. Topped with green onions, homemade chili oil, and homemade garlic oil. This is Lao comfort food. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590031123743-LGWKG432TAGGRZASZZPP/IMG_0225.JPG Selena - “It is so special to be able to introduce people to foods they have never heard of, and especially satisfying when they discover that it is delicious.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590030554329-6I1TX02FZS6Z7NO6HFEQ/IMG_5978.JPG Selena - “I introduced my boyfriend Zachary to Lao food at our family parties (and many Asian cuisines in general). He LOVES our traditional meals…” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590030592568-G5NC44LDQR9F8LP5PLCW/IMG_5979.JPG Selena - “… and I think that’s why my family likes him so much. It is nice to feel accepted and encouraged to cook meals that make me feel closer to my culture.” - Selena Tavanh, She/Her, 23, NY https://www.vekonda.com/thank-you daily 0.75 2020-05-23 https://www.vekonda.com/submitstory daily 0.75 2023-12-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1678685847598-1WCEFRMWLKKBJJI3POV4/unsplash-image-yanhwFwyoaU.jpg Story Submission - “Thank you for accepting our invitation to submit your narrative portrait. We are honored to spotlight your essence and have you share your wisdom to future Lao American generations. Fill out this form, submit, and we’ll send you the next steps to proceed. Talk soon!” https://www.vekonda.com/vanesa daily 0.75 2020-07-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1591098230779-MFLDE5105B79IQ34O4J0/image-asset.jpeg Vanesa Donangtavanh - “Strength doesn’t come from having things come easy. It comes from being uncomfortable. and I was uncomfortable with being Lao. I wanted to fit in so bad that at a certain point I started shoving that identity away.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1591098230779-MFLDE5105B79IQ34O4J0/image-asset.jpeg Vanesa Donangtavanh - I felt out of place like any first generation Laotian American. No blame on my parents, they did the best that they could, but I mean a lot of things were foreign to us. I needed to help with legal paperwork that I barely understood. I wasn’t able to hang out with kids on the weekends and so I felt like I was out of place in a lot of the traditional things a kid born and raised in the US would feel. We were poor. My parents worked all the time, and that didn’t leave that much time for activities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1591098230779-MFLDE5105B79IQ34O4J0/image-asset.jpeg Vanesa Donangtavanh - I became happy when I started being honest with how I felt, and by acknowledging my experiences and sharing it. I found out that by breaking down my walls, others are more likely to open up, and I realized I wasn’t the only one who felt this way. When others opened up, I started to feel less alone. I started appreciating my culture and the fact that I can pick and choose who I want to be. Maybe opening and sharing can make life easier for people who are going through the same thing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1594915491304-HEP2C6EBH5OVMCKZJNA5/thumbnail_IMG_5794.jpg Vanesa Donangtavanh - “I’ve learned to challenge myself and put myself in situations that I thought I could never do. I signed up for marathons, even though I don’t see people like me doing them, because I know 1) I am challenging myself and 2) I didn’t see others in my community running marathons, but I realized I can be an example for others because Laotian kids might be watching.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1594915472646-2A0A3BC26FJXXID9XQ6K/thumbnail_IMG_4723.jpg Vanesa Donangtavanh - “I wanted people to get inspired by people who look like them, and know that the outdoors, the track, the basketball court, or any other place is a place for them; and that taking care of your health is super important and it’s for everyone.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1594915509388-V7V6BB4Y0RXD55FGFRRS/thumbnail_IMG_8860.jpg Vanesa Donangtavanh - “And this goes beyond just fitness. This is politics, biomedical engineering, teaching. All these things are there for the taking but you gotta take a step out and realize that it’s within your reach. Just because you don’t see someone like you. Doesn’t mean you can’t do it.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1594915218586-67C7TCK74SHVRGB7PTZ8/download.png Vanesa Donangtavanh - “I created my book ‘A Place for Me’ when I was getting into fitness and health. I didn’t see a platform that covered athleticism for other Lao Americans, and I think it’s important for Lao people to learn that life is more about just school and making a living. It’s also about health and finding the activity that fits you. I just want people to enjoy their lives and be healthy! And I want to showcase people who are doing just that!” I created my book “A Place for Me” when I was getting into fitness and health. I didn’t see a platform that covered athleticism for other Lao Americans, and I think it’s important for Lao people to learn that life is more about just school and making a living. It’s also about health and finding the activity that fits you. I just want people to enjoy their lives and be healthy! And I want to showcase people who are doing just that! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1594915423152-SR7F55B41V19NBD8DK3C/thumbnail_IMG_0540.jpg Vanesa Donangtavanh - “I hope that I continue to push myself to grow and learn to be proud of myself. I put so much weight on what others think that I stopped asking myself what I wanted for a long time. So I want to put myself first, make my parents proud, and have really good strong values.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590596643834-4SFLEPQPAGS1WHHW7869/IMG_6007.jpg Vanesa Donangtavanh - “I am happy with who I am now and the choices that I make. And I hope that I can continue to make decisions that I feel proud of.” https://www.vekonda.com/gary-sayviseth daily 0.75 2020-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598296990677-HCYYWFNC3GA2ALC5LVRQ/A4F29A43-533F-4101-8AFD-AD672DC2C91C.JPG Gary Sayviseth - “I remember I used to watch BGZTV on social media. His popularity grew because of his comedic skits. I actually got to hangout with BGZTV a few times and he’s a hilarious guy and definitely an entertainer.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598449692123-DXD5D9MVX2MWBFHU86KE/62A0D76F-C433-4D33-8FAB-FC2080B85E11.JPG Gary Sayviseth - “The challenges with my short videos were finding creative ways to make it funny and straight to the point.” -Gary Sayviseth, San Francisco Bay Area, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598296947313-WQNFACP34Q6DGJQ805ZO/B5B149CD-3DF4-48FC-8F97-FF18938C5FF4.JPG Gary Sayviseth - “You don’t want to bore your audience if the video drags too long to get to the point.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598449721979-P5W8B3IBURLW0EKC7QP6/25D95BB7-C2DB-4D50-A737-932AF09D77A1.JPG Gary Sayviseth - “There is a lot of trial and error with video shooting and editing, but I truly enjoy the process. Like I had one video where I’m lip mimicking a sound and I would have to retake it plenty of times until it feels right.” -Gary Sayviseth, San Francisco Bay Area, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1591098230779-MFLDE5105B79IQ34O4J0/image-asset.jpeg Gary Sayviseth - “ For anyone wanting to make short videos, just do it and put your own flare or personality and style into it, and more importantly, have fun! ” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598199519691-UDW5S5ZL2RGIIWX93SB2/image-asset.jpeg Gary Sayviseth - “I hope 3-5 years down the line, Laos will be known to many people around the world for its people, beauty, and culture, and not remembered as “that country next to Thailand.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598296969810-8Q298QQIDL3BZK4ZARAD/195B33DC-B413-42C2-A8C7-3F542ED79A89.JPG Gary Sayviseth - “Growing up, I definitely experienced a lot of the Lao culture as it was presented in most of my family gatherings from house blessings to weddings and sadly in funerals. We always tend to have a bottle of Hennessy at these events. Hennessy is like the default hard liquor for Lao people in general. “Bor Mao Lao, Bor Sao!” (Keep drinking until you’re drunk)” -Gary Sayviseth, San Francisco Bay Area, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598297009874-5R1I3HXOR3T5GL5IWWSI/EC14F2C2-2434-4A0D-8F00-5E076D29D1EE.JPG Gary Sayviseth - “I am American-born so I never been out of the America until 2017 when I flew to Thailand/Laos for the first time ever.” -Gary Sayviseth, San Francisco Bay Area, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598297040885-KZ6AAMPXWC9I7J2KFU43/A24E3052-21B5-443E-BA2E-781055585848.JPG Gary Sayviseth - “I cherished the whole experience from the humid weather to seeing beautiful Buddhist temples and of course the cheap delicious Thai/Lao food.” -Gary Sayviseth, San Francisco Bay Area, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590121505946-MQ49LJXMJD9CZCZVWX10/FFEA55EA-67B1-4FCA-8513-3A3B9CD6F294.JPG Gary Sayviseth - “I love Lao food! Lao food is funky, delicious and definitely spicy! My favorite Lao dish has to be Lao sausage and mashing it up with sticky rice....it’s so so good!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598199517214-HDNILJT05FY237695G26/image-asset.jpeg Gary Sayviseth - “Sticky Rice is like family because family sticks together and so does sticky rice! Haha Overall, I’m proud to Lao!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1591098230779-MFLDE5105B79IQ34O4J0/image-asset.jpeg Gary Sayviseth - Invite Gary to your screen…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598453545936-K5QOPQH0MJ2U44IPF0OV/IMG_8145.jpg Gary Sayviseth https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598453172995-I01HMKZRRMFWS7MDHHOB/IMG_8143.jpg Gary Sayviseth - Follow Gary’s TikTok Enjoy some deep belly laughs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598453762319-N6COXO30GCF9CMIXEYNW/IMG_8144.jpg Gary Sayviseth - Follow Gary’s Instagram https://www.vekonda.com/krysada daily 0.75 2020-09-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1599953892081-I05B08DP7IKOMIRJ3MGJ/received_2250956131900632.jpeg Krysada https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1599953804677-9JHGIPMPYGCTD062SNTT/FC2A0906-2.jpg Krysada https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598896621861-94FFQNAS9VVY4RRPM1CT/SnapPilots_18-05-20_Krysada_17.jpg Krysada - “Growing up in Southeast San Diego, we didn't have much. So I made the effort to create something from nothing. Through Hip Hop Culture and its History, I learned the concept of creating something from nothing. So when it came to the art forms I practiced, it was to create, to exist, and to fall in love with the idea of feeling; the idea of making an impact.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1599953861678-N7B750DGU7C66HFN1YBV/IMG_20170908_113005_642.jpg Krysada - “I didn't have many mentors growing up. There was no guide for the path I wanted to seek. However, I had so many inspirations in my life. Whether it was my family and friends growing up on the block, my younger brother, the important friendships I made through breaking, music, movies, Bruce Lee etc. I can list so many people I know who inspired me and motivated me to do my best.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598898409094-XR5JJFWDE48Y5JW31A4Y/FB_IMG_1478574949273.jpg Krysada - “The main ones were those I grew up with, who explored life through the neighborhood we were raised in. We often created our own path, through the enjoyment of the things we did together. I had become obsessed with exploring breaking, poetry, skateboarding, and other forms of expression at an early age. - Krysada Panusith Phounsiri of San Diego, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598898447820-HTFKU4ML92HYSXK0KIC7/2020-05-03.jpg Krysada - “In terms of poetry, my mentor was Marcos Ramirez. He truly helped open up my voice as a poet.” - Krysada Panusith Phounsiri of San Diego, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1599953930666-X9GNHMWDJYUF167BA0A5/image-asset.jpeg Krysada - “I practiced poetry a long time before college, however, he and the Poetry for the People class at UC Berkeley truly woke me up. I strengthen my poetic technique and found purpose. I learned how to better bring my poetry to life through him.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598896653598-8M0HPE26LOTY7TCAI9I6/SnapPilots_16-08-27_Krysada_04.jpg Krysada - “ When I'm fatigued and out of energy, I go back to my one purpose, my center. Then I rethink the problem I'm trying to solve. A good mode I usually embed is to take the path of least resistance and energy. Learning how to redirect my priorities, my capacity, and my energy is important, especially with the the amount of things I involve myself in. Through it all, I need to have a purpose where I can focus in on and then I can solve the challenges at hand.” - Krysada Panusith Phounsiri of San Diego, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1591098230779-MFLDE5105B79IQ34O4J0/image-asset.jpeg Krysada - “ Connect your worlds earlier. Everything I do relates in some way shape or form. Also, there are people who have skill sets that can be important for projects, so be sure to always be aware of people and their skills.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1591098230779-MFLDE5105B79IQ34O4J0/image-asset.jpeg Krysada - “Search for grants earlier. There are scholarships and grants that pertain to your particular situation, identity, and background.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1591098230779-MFLDE5105B79IQ34O4J0/image-asset.jpeg Krysada - “ When I was younger, I was hyper productive, and I still am to a certain extent. Take time to rest, reflect, and direct your energy towards things that are necessary to your path. Do your best to navigate to a path that works best for you, while not completely bending to shape yourself into other's expectations. We often get caught up in the details, the politics, and the daily distractions when it comes to our passions.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1591098230779-MFLDE5105B79IQ34O4J0/image-asset.jpeg Krysada - “Stay disciplined, and seriously fall in love with the things you love and be obsessed with exploring it. So when you start a project, that drive will continue to push you through completion.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598896681396-865ELUIGMEEDMEY81V51/32599609_1915260098765444_903666938759086080_n.jpg Krysada - “ Everything I do, if I love it enough, will be strengthened within 3-5 years. Hopefully I complete 2 or 3 projects that will help solidify my body of work in the context of Lao American Diaspora. Currently trying to get my 2nd Poetry Book Published, complete a Lao American Refugee Photography Project, resume the campaign to include Lao American History in K-12 Ethnic Studies in California, get published in more photography magazines, possibly create a photo look book on various themes. I think I can do this within 5 years, but honestly, I have no shame in not completing it within that time. I do not want to rush or force anything and have been taking a lot more time to enjoy the present, and being present. It's hit me hard these past two years that I needed to enjoy what's in front of me.” - Krysada Panusith Phounsiri of San Diego, CA https://www.vekonda.com/icky daily 0.75 2020-09-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1599588133247-EMZFDGMHOUEXIY4YCH0U/2020-07-29+08.32.07+1.jpg Icky - “Being Lao American, you're overlooked most of the time. Not many people know where Laos is. Growing up in the Bay Area, we were influenced by Too $hort, E-40, Mac Dre, and others. Especially living in Fairfield, California, we dreamt about leaving the small town and aspired to be like them. Our way out was sports and music. I’ve always loved music growing up. My favorite genre is R&B, but i'm not a good singer. So the next best thing was to rap. Everybody in my neighborhood rapped. I love all of E-40’s music, so if I had to choose one that motivates me it would be "707" which is also our area code. As for Mac Dre my favorite song from him is "Feelin' Myself" which gets me up and moving. My mom is a big Too $hort fan so she would occasionally play "Just Another Day", and because of that, it's my favorite song. Listening to those songs makes me want to tell my story too.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1591098230779-MFLDE5105B79IQ34O4J0/image-asset.jpeg Icky - “ My family's from Luang Prabang, Laos. They escaped as refugees in the late 70's and arrived to America around 1980. I grew up not knowing my Mexican father, so my first languages are English and Lao. I taught myself Spanish, but can only understand it. My family is very close. It's always been family first. I love Lao food. Nam Khao, Khaopoon, and Sai Oua are my favorite lao dishes. My grandparents are Buddhists and when I lived with them I went to the temple with them. I didn't like it as a kid because I wanted to stay home and play games. Now that I'm older I should have cherished it more because now I don't spend as much time with them since I moved to Minnesota. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1599588172249-W6EZ85KBMUXDCXVYSOIH/2020-08-31-022521262.jpg Icky - How I got my rap name was pretty simple. A girl in 6th grade wanted to give me a nickname that only she could use and she came up with "icky". I've been using it ever since. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1599588096388-RI4E1KNE5WN32U6TLWBW/2020-07-14+04.12.09+1.jpg Icky - “ I'm different from the rappers. I don't often use Bay Area type beats. My music has a chill feel to it which gives listeners a peace of mind. My flow and sound is smooth like water. Since, I'm so heavily influenced by R&B I usually rap about love and combine it with a Bay Area flow. That's probably why people enjoy my style. It has a different feel to it. When I was younger, I lacked confidence as a musician. That's why I wasn't able to go far and eventually gave up. I had to work on myself mentality and emotionally. As I got older, I became stronger both ways. Nobody can stop me but myself. My mindset became more mature and I feel unstoppable. There has been successful Lao rappers and seeing that gives me a boost. Although, my style is different, we shared the same goal in representing our peoples at the highest level possible. I speak better in my music than in person. I hope y'all could feel me and my music.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1591098230779-MFLDE5105B79IQ34O4J0/image-asset.jpeg Icky - “Challenges I had to face as a rapper was building a fanbase. I didn't take the traditional route. I accidentally joined the Korean Hip-hop scene in 2017. A friend of mine invited me to a group chat full of rappers and producers from South Korea, and I met a local rapper from Busan, South Korea on Kakao Chat, which is the Korean chatting app. I couldn't speak Korean, nor do some speak English. It was hard to communicate, but music is universal.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598199519691-UDW5S5ZL2RGIIWX93SB2/image-asset.jpeg Icky - “ We became great friends and he introduced me his friends who are also rappers. By late 2019, I befriended a guy named Junho Bae, who owns his own Kpop company, BCY ENTERTAINMENT, located in Busan. We grew very close and rarely talked about music, instead we mostly talked about soccer and life. He eventually asked me to join his company as a rapper and a song writer. Ever since then I've been working non stop.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598199519691-UDW5S5ZL2RGIIWX93SB2/image-asset.jpeg Icky - “ The fact that I didn't promote myself in America first was like a double edge sword. I told myself in 2020 I will promote myself in the United States. I emailed Thizzer, which is a Bay Area/Northern California music placement platform and I eventually got a couple of my songs on there. It's tough on me to decide wether my next song will have a California feel or Korean influenced. I go back and forth to see which will do better. Regardless, it's awesome knowing I have a fanbase in a country I’ve never been to.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1599588196569-UN1NMPDZK2LF85RO60QE/91320591_236226407529859_7733576250619499393_n.jpg Icky - “I have other goals besides music. Since I graduated college, I want to work with underprivileged kids and guide them to the right direction. I have lost people I was close to, and I know how hard it is to have limited resources. If I can use music as an outlet for these kids, it would mean the world. If they can see I did it, they can too. https://www.vekonda.com/victoria daily 0.75 2020-09-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1600911381859-FYLCYTY6V6PQWLAIXCN8/5B49CB15-2972-4D50-88AF-152A5D8A759D.JPG Victoria - “I made videos based on my childhood and Lao culture, and I found a Lao community online. It felt good to know people shared laughs between each other from watching my videos and connecting to the simple fact that we are all Lao. I have always been insecure about my personality for most of my life. I thought it could be a bit overwhelming for others, but I learned later in life that my big personality has made a lot of people happy. I was a part of many people's happy memories and that was how I found confidence in myself.” Victoria P, Fresno, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1600911358011-B3U2N0Q9NB9T3RHIUIN0/3327775F-DBAB-4365-B16D-53C6859617BA.JPG Victoria - “ At the AB 1393 event in Sacramento, Lao communities up and down California gathered to advocate for Laotian history and cultural studies to be included in the California K-12 school system. On that day, the room was filled with so many Lao people, Lao music, and powerful Lao voices. I felt so strong about this bill passing, but no one really would listen to my voice. Yet, I felt the need to be a part of the movement so badly that the only way I could think of grabbing attention was to make people laugh. It was a month after the event that I created That One Lao Girl videos to give my voice a platform and to connect with other Lao folks.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590597073129-0ZUYLP2X34LU3Q32U0CV/IMG_6007.jpg Victoria - “ Where is the Laotian representation? Why don't people know of the war torn land that my people had to escape? And why did I always feel so out of place in middle school and high school? I am so foreign, yet who I am is not important enough to be taught in school or shown on television.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1600911422247-BLX2FKIB984ABL96DIG6/914D3508-36D3-4F7C-9F8F-1F73AAE72BF4.JPG Victoria - “I grew up in a 2 bedroom apartment with a family of 7. Every morning before school starts, I'm awakened by the smell of Lao food my mother cooks to package and sell to her coworkers at lunch for extra cash. I would fold up an old futon cushion we used to sleep on the living room floor. This was normal for me.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590596643834-4SFLEPQPAGS1WHHW7869/IMG_6007.jpg Victoria - “ I did not know I was in the hood or that I was poor. Everyone I knew lived like this, which was mainly Laotian refugees and Mexican immigrants. It was at middle school when I first attended a school with primarily white students that lived in big houses and owned a cell phone. Meanwhile, I owned knockoff LaCoste polos made in Thailand that my aunt sent over. I have never felt embarrassed until I came to this school. This is when I felt the least American because I truly felt I did not relate to any of them.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1600911401736-PJED645AUP8NJT2HK1J9/112837B4-78B1-46A9-9D92-978148121F41.JPG Victoria - “The apartment complex I lived previously was ghetto. Gangsters staring at you as you walk home. Drivebys keep you up at night. Yet, I yearn to be back. There were so many Laotians that lived there. We created a community there. There was a lady that sells papaya salad next to the playground. Older folks playing cards in the grass area. My friends and I would play Chinese jump rope made of rubber bands that we hand-braided ourselves. I really felt like I knew myself then.” https://www.vekonda.com/phonephimon daily 0.75 2021-04-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1603517152721-9257C4RYFR826MDK5YGM/image0.jpeg phonephimon - “I have always loved to host and cook. I started cooking when I turned 10. My dad said, “happy birthday! Time for you to get in the kitchen and help your mom!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1611713437468-HQ1WO88IH41DDK570G24/image-asset.jpeg phonephimon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1611716032657-SWUJUS9PQUDMCXVDPZY2/Screen+Shot+2021-01-26+at+10.13.27+PM.png phonephimon - “ I feel like that is why I love to cook and host because it is my love language. Before I started my business, I was always hosting and cooking for people I love, and now, I get to cook for strangers that eventually become my friends. What is life?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598199519691-UDW5S5ZL2RGIIWX93SB2/image-asset.jpeg phonephimon - “Like most Lao kids, I grew up with strict parents. My dad would always say, “you are my kee kai, I can take you out of this world e noy noy ni!” My dad always told me to not be afraid of anything in this world except him, toxic huh? But toxic Lao style. My dad always says to my sisters and me, “Be the best of the peepo!” It translates to always do and be your best, at all times.“ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1603517022546-N4IA2OUIRAP5K26H8LYY/image4.jpeg phonephimon - “Growing up, I always told my parents that I wanted to grow up and explore the world and “find myself.” They support me to tell me to be careful but to never be scared.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1603517076864-4Q2VZ1TBCESPQPU9TRDF/image2.jpeg phonephimon - “ Being in a white male dominant industry can put its toll on you, but I powered through every day and proved that I was worthy and belonged at the table.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1611717568807-GM7MOS7IP7OEEOMWAE2K/image0+%283%29.jpeg phonephimon - Follow Ae’s stories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1603517051862-TUINQ0TGYYUZSI9Q2RF3/image3.jpeg phonephimon - “There is no playbook in life, only the one you write for yourself. I have the power to do and be who I want to be. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1611719522286-1CR6QFIQXOTWWZAMJL15/IMG_0011.jpg phonephimon - “Always choose yourself. Take that leap, work hard and the rewards will follow.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1611718371453-EGE26EKDT7KAGTTE0TYD/image-asset.jpeg phonephimon - “Mar and I started this podcast Double Minority Report because we felt there was a lack of representation in conversations surrounding the conflicting thoughts and beliefs of a person belonging to multiple communities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1611719974438-0WEYMT5KXBMAJVGR48OZ/image-asset.jpeg phonephimon - “My inspiration is my family. My parents and sisters live in Vientiane. Lao parents give you this power of love. When you are younger, they feed you all the fears in life, yet when you grow up, they give you all the strength to be fearless. It is such a beautiful thing. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1603517122054-K4S03R9IR6PYO5NR9LFI/image1.jpeg phonephimon - “ I want to put our people on the map with our food, but I want to also represent Asian women as a whole and change the narrative and stereotype that we are quiet and submissive. Asian women are bad ass and it’s time the world knows!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1611719138015-RVT1PPEU31NHBE90F5VM/IMG_0013.jpg phonephimon - “ I can confidently say that I have achieved everything I have asked for so far. Life will slowly make you realize that.” https://www.vekonda.com/sisavanh daily 0.75 2022-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1604354725524-OE5734RELN3FKDDRVQOK/image-asset.jpeg Sisavanh Phouthavong Houghton - “We as refugees have to adapt to our circumstances and make the best of it. I want the audience to engage with the piece, walk around it, and envelop themselves in the “Transparent Voices” fabric. I hope my audience reflects and contemplate on how we can make the world a better place by sharing our stories and projecting our voices.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1591098230779-MFLDE5105B79IQ34O4J0/image-asset.jpeg Sisavanh Phouthavong Houghton - “The audience might not empathize with the same feelings we have about our history and stories, but they can sympathize with the feelings from traumatic events.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1604354742377-7WJUC21EV8J2OPGZ2HPO/Screen+Shot+2020-11-01+at+12.21.56+PM.png Sisavanh Phouthavong Houghton - “My love for the arts began at a very early age. I found art to be therapeutic and have continued for over thirty years to produce work closest to my heart.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598199519691-UDW5S5ZL2RGIIWX93SB2/image-asset.jpeg Sisavanh Phouthavong Houghton - “ Content over technique was how I was taught in school. Diving into research to develop concepts was a learning process. I didn’t always know what I was doing, so making many mistakes is essential for young artists.“ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1604354693572-3NLNU9JQSV8WSO5IUD3V/image-asset.png Sisavanh Phouthavong Houghton - “ I am a glass-half-full kind of woman. I have always been an overachiever, and when I have failed, I get back up and run even faster towards my challenges and goals. Learning from my mistakes and making as many as possible help me achieve and navigate my future plans.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1591098230779-MFLDE5105B79IQ34O4J0/image-asset.jpeg Sisavanh Phouthavong Houghton - “ Make a lot of mistakes and learn from them. Do not listen to naysayers. Hold onto your positive friends and let go of the negatives ones. Learn to navigate around bullies. Do not say you can’t. Shoot for the stars.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1604354759167-WDEYKEWUS9KOHJJ2N7EE/Screen+Shot+2020-11-01+at+12.27.05+PM.png Sisavanh Phouthavong Houghton - “Family is my significant support. When times were tough in my college years, I would ask for help. I am usually a sprinter, but I have learned to be a marathon runner. I observe and analyze my goals. My friends call me a scrapper because I adapt and overcome, which again is a refugee mentality.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1598199519691-UDW5S5ZL2RGIIWX93SB2/image-asset.jpeg Sisavanh Phouthavong Houghton - “Live below your means. As an artist, we don’t make the same income as your stereotypical jobs. A lawyer and a doctor will always make more unless you become a famous artist, which is very rare in the art world. So, I have learned to save first and live on almost half of my paycheck because it always rains. Most artists will have a part-time job to support their creative endeavors. I would suggest to any young person starting in the arts to open a Roth IRA and a 401K and find a mentor. Most people love to share their experiences and failures, especially teachers. So find a teacher who can help and guide you.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1604354709841-TFA4A7IN9Y4B7JDG7HZX/image-asset.jpeg Sisavanh Phouthavong Houghton - “ My goal is to continue making artwork that educates the public about refugee and immigrant experiences and stories. I want to publish a book on my artwork, do more museum shows, and win big grants. I also would love to start teaching art workshops, both internationally and nationally, and continue to travel with my family. I have a YouTube channel that I would love to make more content and make some passive income.” https://www.vekonda.com/drpalina daily 0.75 2021-02-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1612379190514-ETPJ0C4A0KBZOO7VINCD/DFC06A98-C616-417D-8BF9-BBE733CC609B.JPG Dr. Palina Louangketh https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1604286471217-Z42HWLKM57WTOC1D7CG5/PL+IMID+red+3.jpg Dr. Palina Louangketh - “Their genuine compassion and selfless acts of kindness inspired my passion towards serving my community and my outlook on life. From this experience, it was a priority for me to bring communities together through embracing the gifts of different cultures.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1604286367933-1D4QUWLLPLXQEDBMKKWM/mom+1.jpg Dr. Palina Louangketh - “ Throughout my life I have been gifted with incredible mentors, and my one true inspiration and hero is my dear mother. With her guidance and modeling behavior of giving back to the community, I participated in the act of showing gratitude and fostering life-long relationships.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1612379950847-9EZZ57G28RODP15H8WZR/image-asset.jpeg Dr. Palina Louangketh - “ Her decision to take my older brother and I to flee our homeland so that we could be united with my father, who already resided in the U.S., was an experience that had a profound impact in inspiring me to pursue my doctorate in strategic teadership with a concentration in strategic foresight at Regent University, School of Business and Leadership in Virginia Beach, VA.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1604286427683-QHFO0C7V0P8WV70A4CTG/Bike+1.jpg Dr. Palina Louangketh - “My family’s refugee journey and that of all diaspora groups (those who have been involuntarily displaced from their origin homelands) around the world inspired my vision to foster a community built on meaningful relationships by exploring innovative approaches in preserving stories of the human journey.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1612380954820-UH3WD0KLD67QYOUOOIJC/image-asset.jpeg Dr. Palina Louangketh - “ The Idaho Museum of International Diaspora’s (IMID) architecture and design teams are in the process of rendering the master plan for our multipurpose innovative museum that will connect the community to the 123 cultures that make up Idaho through art, music, literature, video, photography, and foods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1612384065529-ZIXOJLMTZP24R43QB05L/IMG_0103.jpg Dr. Palina Louangketh - “Our business model will pioneer the way and other states and nations in the development of their own ‘museum of international diaspora’ based on their unique diaspora populations that have resettled in their location.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1604286507036-8FU6E441PDNH0F4WCRN1/course+intro.jpg Dr. Palina Louangketh - “As a Professor of Multicultural Studies at Boise State University’s Honors College, I plan to continue to teach three courses that I designed as part of the IMID’s Global Diaspora Curriculum: Cross-Cultural Voices of Diaspora, Cross-Border Voices of Diaspora, and Cross-Culinary Voices of Diaspora. My goal is to expand and evolve these three course offerings to additional schools in the higher education sector within the state of Idaho, nationwide, and internationally.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1604286402998-RTUXDJ1SCA5LT6UKM20A/Dr+Palina+Louangketh+2.jpg Dr. Palina Louangketh - “ Enduring hardships, challenges, and failures is part of life, and to become all that we can be, we must experiment with and test out ideas. Get to failure fast, learn from your mistakes, and move on. Dwelling on those mistakes will only slow down your progress because life and competition alike moves ahead no matter where you are in the recovery phase of that failure, big or small. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1612383354701-E7997HI8ZXOCEYMLT64M/IMG_0102.jpg Dr. Palina Louangketh - “ Failure becomes less of a tragic story. It transforms a misfortunate experience into transformational change founded on lessons-learned and a-ha moments that enable me to navigate through conundrums. “ https://www.vekonda.com/harris daily 0.75 2021-04-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1604288902736-YT32VNZSQCFYFZTYGVZJ/image-asset.jpeg Harris Phomsouvandara - “I started a cooking channel because I wanted to help introduce Lao Food to America. There are a small group of influencers doing this, so I figured it was time to join and see what I can do to help.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1591098230779-MFLDE5105B79IQ34O4J0/image-asset.jpeg Harris Phomsouvandara - “ I have always been inspired by the many chefs on the Food Network growing up. I want to do what they do, but for Lao food. My mentors are my dad and family. My dad always hype me up. He even learned how to use Facebook just to like and share my posts! He is so proud, but the funny thing is that he can't cook. I first learned how to cook when I was eight years old, making meals like Mama noodles, eggs, simple stir fry, and sticky rice. My mom would always have me make Jeow Som starting at age 14. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1611378289150-DKGVQXOH59FGGRYDZHYM/image-asset.jpeg Harris Phomsouvandara - “ I have been a Lao cook influencer for more than a year, and so far it's been time consuming to shoot and edit each episode. It takes a lot of my time away from my personal life. Everyone who is close to me have gotten used to this. Although I have missed occasions with them, being part of the Lao Food Movement is my passion.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1604288882075-DBXTJIAH8UTSKO31FJXS/image2+%281%29.jpeg Harris Phomsouvandara - “ So I time manage better and improve on my organizational skills. If I want America's attention on Lao food, I know I have to continue putting out each content better than the last. I'm learning as I'm going.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1611379197458-HFYMPA1W0BW547EP4Q80/image-asset.jpeg Harris Phomsouvandara - “ If you have a passion for something or want to deliver a message then keep trying and never give up. You must learn from what works and what doesn't work. I know that learning from tips and constructive critiques help me with my craft.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1604288857751-WDA4HPI81UHQ7ZUOX7WL/image-asset.jpeg Harris Phomsouvandara - “ The advice I would give to my younger self is go for it, do it, keep going, and do you. Explore and do what you like in your own style! Work hard, learn, and grow. Also, plan each project out to reduce stress.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1611381187675-E063Z4TJLGLIDVZWZV8U/IMG_9966.jpg Harris Phomsouvandara - Cooking with Mr. International https://www.vekonda.com/emily daily 0.75 2022-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1604352201612-O3Z1YPXVTNNEPRXYA4NM/image1.jpeg Emily Phonhsongkham https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590596643834-4SFLEPQPAGS1WHHW7869/IMG_6007.jpg Emily Phonhsongkham - “I was born and raised in San Diego, California. From what I remember, my parents arrived in San Diego at different times and met later through mutual friends. My father arrived during the war by escaping independently from Laos, then arriving at a refugee camp in Thailand.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1604352184042-TZXERG1ONE0ZK49NDFDT/image-asset.jpeg Emily Phonhsongkham - “After receiving permission to live in America or France, he chose America because his sister wanted to come here due to their very close friends who were also migrating. My mother was sponsored by a church in America since her oldest sister was already here waiting for her to arrive.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1604352120803-27XQPDOUT8UQQ2UU9LVJ/image4.jpeg Emily Phonhsongkham - “What made me want to start dancing were the music videos I watched when I was younger with my mom and aunt. My aunt (may she rest in peace for eternity), is my drive for dancing. I have had three mentors, my first was Souvanna Grafton, Jimmy Sengthravorn and lastly Nome Thongphachanh. Along with my mentors, my lovely aunt Khamfanh Nachampassak was my inspiration to continue dancing for many years, as well as my personal interest.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590172475896-1E2PICVB0LAU6FJ8R9R1/IMG_6007.jpg Emily Phonhsongkham - “The biggest challenge I have faced is keeping up with dancing and other important life priorities, such as school and family. From this I learned a valuable lesson, to say no when I can’t handle too many songs or projects.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1604352242940-ZNGW62WUNMGTHD9Y0F4A/image-asset.jpeg Emily Phonhsongkham - “The mindset I adopted that allowed me to pursue my goal was to never give up on my community and culture. No matter what the obstacles are, I never want to give up on Lao dancing because I know Laotians aren’t represented enough.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590232104125-RGXIH1Z3BVAIJH3FLY4I/IMG_6007.jpg Emily Phonhsongkham - “If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be to learn to have balance because despite your mind saying you are capable of handling many things, you cannot say yes to every project or venture.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1604352167925-FDBHG9SNZSH5HV23XMVX/image-asset.jpeg Emily Phonhsongkham - “And never give up because one day the work you’re putting in for our culture will lead to wonderful things for our community.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1609968658498-RIK72JZM9QAM358W7UWQ/IMG_9718.jpg Emily Phonhsongkham - Follow Emily’s Dance Troupe IG @Dok.Kulap https://www.vekonda.com/april daily 0.75 2022-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1605639957328-1AUQOJW3VFNBUIVUOY0L/ASEdits-116.jpg April - “ My vision for the next 3 to 5 years is to hopefully be leading and working with the residents of District 33 in Brooklyn. It would be such an honor to serve my community and this city that my family and I call home.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1605639901759-5OEIXXD1OZ5T92HSMEPW/image-asset.jpeg April - “ And also to continue to learn, to be challenged, and to be the best mom possible to my children.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1591098230779-MFLDE5105B79IQ34O4J0/image-asset.jpeg April - “ I am so excited about our new President-elect, Joe Biden, and our Vice President-elect, Kamala Harris. It’s an incredible time to be alive especially to see Kamala as the first Black-Asian American woman in the White House. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1605639817799-WKVIO4GR4RFGAAVHUO0Q/Refugee+Camp_Thailand.jpeg April - “ We are dealt with the cards that we’re given and it’s about how you play with what’s at hand. Growing up as poor immigrants and not really fitting in—it was not easy seeing my family struggle to make ends meet, but somehow they always persevered.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1605639634694-LG4BUQ4A6FED5H0I8AB4/Vientiane+2010.jpg April - “I could of either chose to be a victim or create my own narrative. I chose the latter because I inherently knew that I was in control of my own destiny even though there would be roadblocks and bumps along the way. I knew that when I went to school every single day, I was hungry and thirsty to learn how to speak and write proper English. I also knew that our family could lose everything, but no one could take away my knowledge. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1605639871553-WJYSHNFLB0BD5G2LH9TI/IMG_8513.jpeg April https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1605639847747-UDCHOIWVKMNBMGRXP7W2/Mom+walking+me+down+the+aisle.jpeg April - “ My inspiration is my mom, who never gave up on the American dream. She worked multiple jobs—in factories, restaurants, janitorial services, and on farms picking berries—to give my siblings and me a pathway out of poverty. Her strength and courage continue to amaze me, even more so since I became a mother myself.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1605640249107-EJLXAU0E90WB5HU4Q4TI/image-asset.jpeg April - “ The advice I would give to my younger self about starting a project is that being afraid is okay, but you must give it a shot! You never know if you’ll succeed or suck at it, but at least you tried and will have no regrets. It’s OKAY to fail.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1591098230779-MFLDE5105B79IQ34O4J0/image-asset.jpeg April - “ I am the first in my family to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Washington and my Master’s from Columbia University.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1591098230779-MFLDE5105B79IQ34O4J0/image-asset.jpeg April - “Try not to think about all the ways you think you can be wrong because others don’t. I learned early on to not doubt myself when I worked at an international company that was led mainly by men.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1605640167992-8BV7485KYLWYP98BYNJE/april+and+clem.jpg April - “Always stand up for those whose voices are drowned out by others or those who are feeling voiceless. I know through personal experiences the feeling when someone had the courage to stand up for me either it be at work or personally. This especially rings true to why I am running for City Council, District 33 in Brooklyn, New York. I will be the first woman, mom, and person of color to win in this district.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1605640280553-JJV0JT49X4HRUXEIBRGI/7.+April+Somboun+with+her+husband+and+two+kids+in+their+Brooklyn+NY+home.JPG April https://www.vekonda.com/sarina daily 0.75 2022-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1613068835877-QDD26HVVUQ8X7O63OXX7/Screen+Shot+2020-11-24+at+10.06.20+PM.png Sarina - “My father is from Vietnam and my mother is from Laos. Both left their homeland during the war to steer away from political warfare and seek asylum. They didn’t meet until they started working in the US. My grandparents emigrated from Laos in the late 90s and felt it was best to come live with my parents, brother, and me. At the time I was a newborn.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1613069962632-SASLFXMB7ERVL44FJMXU/image-asset.jpeg Sarina - “My grandmother was the one who mainly raised me while my parents worked. She clothed me, bathed me, fed me, and walked me to the bus stop every morning, doing everything possible to meet my needs. We sang Lao songs together all the time and since Lao was the only language she spoke, I did not have a choice but to speak it as well.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1613068685550-OZ6O0TUO4DVDHQ4UCJP1/72292041_10156660039247263_135321281192001536_o.jpg Sarina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1613069553975-K5WEB468VJ6Y6RTYC3O9/image-asset.jpeg Sarina - “My grandmother was and continues to be my inspiration and I am incredibly blessed to be able to communicate and understand the Lao language. I embrace being able to speak Lao fluently. As a child I didn't realize how powerful it is to be able to communicate with others in a different language.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1613068631605-9EPARP47L2KE9Y9V1WGV/48411435_10156031379857263_7840519243308204032_o.jpg Sarina - “My husband is always asking questions about my culture and eats everything! When I say EVERYTHING, this boy eats jaew as if it was ketchup. A man who understands where I come from and constantly wants to learn more about my culture is most definitely a keeper!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1613068765594-QAFHQFL2WO2HYQ78C25V/124031650_10157785804517263_3628722863862608091_n.jpg Sarina - “I was struggling to live up to my parents and grandparents expectations. As an adult I realized that my heart was in therapy because I love working with kids and young adults. My parents didn't understand. It took some time for them to accept my path towards social work, but once they saw how passionate I was, they realized it was meant for me, and continued to support me. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1613076883399-6G30Q4VUODJGYTQ9MDGM/image-asset.jpeg Sarina - “Despite the bullying, I was always reminded by my supportive teachers and other adults in my life of how cool it is to know another language and be so rooted in my heritage through my stories, and the things I brought to show-and-tell with no shame. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1613080313753-4E549WH5U3D4PEAF4UID/image-asset.jpeg Sarina - “When I was younger, I was what you would call a “sore loser” and was SO quick to give up on projects that did not seem to work out in my favor. I would cry and scream - the whole nine yards.“ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1613077436137-GWOP59YU1Z1S6NEGL66S/image-asset.jpeg Sarina - “The advice I would give to my younger self would be to continue to show up regardless of what barriers were in my way. The tell myself to "Keep Showing Up” in all aspects of my life. I continued to show up for myself, everything I was involved in, my family, my friends, and my loved ones; and they continued to show up for me.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1613068720473-HV3FM112LM8P871O8S7S/72321856_10156659824662263_702242507404083200_o.jpg Sarina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1613080755486-MFHMYGKATNGDYN38LUY8/image-asset.jpeg Sarina - “At that moment, I did not see anybody for their race or background, but more as human beings who were accepting and curious to learn more about our culture. It brought tears to my eyes.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1613068800154-0IFSGWPHLBT1H01WPUYG/Screen+Shot+2020-11-24+at+10.06.23+PM.png Sarina - “My vision for the next few years is to have a home with a couple of little baby Herman's running around. I plan to have my children be fluent in speaking Lao. Also as an independently licensed social worker, I plan to own a private practice, naming it in honor of my grandfather. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1613082447110-O0DT2QE0CL9V77HS7Q2N/Screenshot+2021-02-11+at+5.24.53+PM.png Sarina https://www.vekonda.com/cerina daily 0.75 2021-03-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1614780388262-27TV8GWWNXR7ZOWCQBQ5/hi4.jpeg Cerina - “ I started to become more aware and embracing of Lao culture as I was growing up in my late teens. I realize that it sounds a little late for that to happen, but honestly, it's never too late to start immersing yourself in your culture.” - Cerina Keota Vilayphone, Modesto, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1614785117225-QMRV7ZYP7P1E3BO7QL8O/hi3.jpeg Cerina - “I always thought of the idea that one day I could take my friends to the temple in April on Lao New Year. I want to show them the amazing and gratifying traditions that I take part in annually and how fun it can be. This is one of the ways I hope to embrace Lao culture.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1614782538897-7F1IVXE6MEDYFL5XF3UA/hi2.jpeg Cerina - “ What became difficult as I began going through the process of embracing my Lao roots was that I hardly got to be around any of the OG's, and many people with much access to Lao traditional foods and clothing.” - Cerina Keota Vilayphone, Modesto, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1614783488172-611NQICUG4X3LRHW4049/hi.jpeg Cerina - “ I took a second look at the people my age who could hardly speak Lao, but are able to understand it. My advice to my younger self is, you can learn and speak Lao fully to understand better while also loving yourself for being Lao and love the community you're in.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1614784001737-T3TB33EZZU2HGZ08TGSY/hi5.jpeg Cerina - “ In the next three to five years, I want to spread more awareness about Laos and our culture all around social media. I want to show the world what Laos has to offer and all of the rich beautiful culture that comes with it. I hope to create jewelry that has elephants or Buddha pendants that I could share with the rest of the world as well.” - Cerina Keota Vilayphone, Modesto, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1614786012331-6DTXAGHTMMUXW9CBDCLT/IMG_0277.jpg Cerina - Follow Cerina on TikTok Click button to follow: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1614786484344-WWKSNS0SGSCBYM4C6BH9/IMG_0276.jpg Cerina - Follow Cerina on Instagram Click button to follow: https://www.vekonda.com/natta daily 0.75 2021-03-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1616297319689-3KN0R9LW6EUU6VQMKKLO/IMG_8920.jpeg Natta Luangaphay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590261983817-9T242KDS1MFDAMI9R21M/image0.jpeg Natta Luangaphay - “Racism in our country has never been fixed. Will it ever be? I genuinely hope so.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1616294977325-WMI32DZFC1F5KS6W524U/IMG_0423.jpg Natta Luangaphay - “I’m 13 years old, and I have experienced so much racism in a short time period to the point where it almost broke me.”" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1616268013448-QUBTYNYQ52GXTGUK1LND/unsplash-image-Jk4MXKmrQTM.jpg Natta Luangaphay - “Fast forward to fourth grade, and..WOW! These boys in my class had a lot of stuff to say about my eyes! They’d compare it to the thinnest things around the classroom. Not only were they laughing and mocking me in my face, my “friends” were too. I didn’t cry because I didn’t want to be deemed as weak, so I just smiled. But on the inside, I was screaming!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590261437413-9FCYOFITP589H6XCCS5S/image4.jpeg Natta Luangaphay - “On to 5th grade. It was near the end of lunch, and I was laughing with true friends that I finally found. I then heard my name a few feet away, and the words that came after were, “Asian freakshow”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590597073129-0ZUYLP2X34LU3Q32U0CV/IMG_6007.jpg Natta Luangaphay - “I started going off on the WRONG GUY, and he cried...like a lot.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1616268546328-9UIYQDLIW5AEUG5ADE7M/unsplash-image-VkFFup0WXEg.jpg Natta Luangaphay - “There was so much commotion that teachers came over and asked what’s wrong. At this point, I just broke down. Is this what my fellow peers think of me? Am I an Asian freakshow??” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1616296129770-Z6YB0WR6EVNCZJAMV1VJ/IMG_0422.jpg Natta Luangaphay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1616295562380-TS7XP5YEKRYQ08EIZOZA/IMG_1491.jpg Natta Luangaphay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1616295739777-9MX8GX9AU1UQT43J63MA/IMG_9505.jpg Natta Luangaphay - “After that, I spent a whole day with my cousins.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590262196536-JW5B175996D9XVUU8987/image3.jpeg Natta Luangaphay - “They reminded me of my worth, and how I need to defend myself ...” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1616293053988-QHDV4KPQNYHCUHVZ5KBF/unsplash-image-mSK5nNsAsLY.jpg Natta Luangaphay - “…….by educating others on why they are wrong.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1616293175174-EFOML6BV069KKMILQX7B/unsplash-image-Ws92xzbSris.jpg Natta Luangaphay - “ Then came the summer after seventh grade. 2020 has not been the best year. We had RBG’s death, we have a deadly pandemic going on, and sadly, we are still fighting for black people’s equality. During the protests, I showed my support by posting on social media. I posted ways you could help, and ways you could spread the message. I received TONS of backlash, and was even called racist. UHHHH, Phillip, weren’t you the one who told me to go back to my country? Even though I was born here?” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1616293945118-NWPUAOJIFJWCX4R893IT/unsplash-image-ltuLbi-Q1hM.jpg Natta Luangaphay - “Do they not get it? I’m done! “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1616295876084-XBMSF8LD9UG5R72PUUDV/IMG_0424.jpg Natta Luangaphay - “It took a few days for me to get back to my normal self, but I couldn’t have done that without my cousins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1616293451543-PULBMK9JYVUFWEK7UXGF/IMG_6731.JPG Natta Luangaphay - “They support me everyday, and remind me how great of a person I am for standing my ground.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1616297910088-4X0WELBIK1ZLI63J48NI/0F8CCB62-6085-48D7-9A88-512573EBB707.jpg Natta Luangaphay - “Lao culture is more than food and traditional clothing.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1616293716220-ZTYS51DUZY83LI6C2PV5/IMG_6701.jpg Natta Luangaphay - “It’s also about making a connection with your family, and keeping it alive by bonding.” https://www.vekonda.com/alice daily 0.75 2022-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1617590174444-1MYID8NLF9BITGYBS8O2/53892556_10216548561740358_8409918528211124224_o.jpg Alice Xayavong https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1617653076288-V0E6OKR43DU99JSXDAVR/unsplash-image-mSK5nNsAsLY.jpg Alice Xayavong - In learning about the different health disparities and issues that affect these minority access to healthcare, I pursue to understand the system. My family's support inspires me to finish college and continue my path. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1617653503034-2DL47Q222S7L44KDL6SI/Screenshot+2021-04-05+at+3.59.59+PM.png Alice Xayavong - “Going into college, I did not really have a mentor to guide me, so I did feel very alone at first. Also, there were not many Lao people for me to know so I become more disconnected from my culture.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1617653928062-MEYOTW90E0HHCNEK3X1E/unsplash-image-rjIacQc-uYs.jpg Alice Xayavong - “I also love to Lao dance; I remember the first time I moved to San Diego, I went to Lao New Year for the first time around when I was 10 years old and saw my best friend, Emily Lao dance. I thought it was so pretty and I wanted to do it too. Now, Lao dancing means a lot to me, as a way to preserve culture and stay connected. It's a way to tell stories and pass these stories on.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1617590047980-XZNTG9KPUCL8UDHWGEMH/IMG_20191014_120527_903.jpg Alice Xayavong - “My friends and I are in the dance group, Dok Kulap Sinlapakorn. Dancing is our way of embracing the Lao culture!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1617660192465-B153RV0GJUM2ODFGC2BR/unsplash-image-E0AHdsENmDg.jpg Alice Xayavong - “My life goal currently is graduating from college with my degrees in global health and public health. I want to pursue research in disease prevention and community work. I chose to pursue work that focused on community and population health because I realized how disadvantaged minorities were in getting access to resources that affected their health. There are different health disparities that put certain populations at more risk for different health issues. I wanted to work in an area where I can change these processes.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1617660936665-6CIPZRV6UT4RSQEFNLJF/unsplash-image-lRcoPGrwkv0.jpg Alice Xayavong - “I also wish to continue to Lao dance! I see this as a way to tell stories and pass it on to others. I think being able to show others these performances connects people in a different way – it makes you feel connected. This is how I felt when I first saw the performances. I hope to inspire and mentor those to pursue their dreams despite feeling underrepresented. I hope that my presence inspire others on their journey.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1617590072314-FPV11HB82E2Z3P5UQWH8/FB_IMG_1538278086419+%282%29.jpg Alice Xayavong - “My mom is also the main drive for me to continue performing as she is always at my performances! It always makes me happy to see my mom always there at my performances! I miss going to the temple with my mom every first Sunday morning of the month. I hope to also take my mom out to more places and take her traveling to Laos. I know that she has been wanting to go for a long time! I have also never been out of the country, so I really hope to travel. I would also like to meet my mom’s side of the family in Laos.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1617590097700-SH2Q1MN7VL3H1LEYVOKD/FB_IMG_1548989105968.jpg Alice Xayavong - “I would like to be as involved in the Lao community as I once was, if not more, and I hope to see Lao dancing grow even more. I hope to be a representative of the Lao community and inspire others like myself to become more involved in the Lao community while pursuing their dream careers.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1617661217213-82ZJ508580CT4UU6RW9S/unsplash-image-WBpr_yH0Frg.jpg Alice Xayavong - “In the next few years, I hope I am a candidate for a Master’s in Public Health in Epidemiology and working in clinical research if I have not finished grad school yet. I want a career in research and epidemiology. Before graduate school, I plan to take time off and gain experience in my career.” https://www.vekonda.com/kennedy daily 0.75 2021-04-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618276128611-ZF9RT5466F3VX2ZEZL54/image4.jpeg Kennedy - “Kennedy Calvin Phounsiri is my legal full name. Phanousith is my mother’s maiden name.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618275368881-1G8010FMH7JDVPHFT62C/Screenshot+2021-04-12+at+8.54.08+PM.png Kennedy - ”For the past few years, I’ve been pursuing a professional chef career, so I am planning on further advancing it and reaching higher levels of success.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618279031933-2HCDM2I461F24AGMRHMQ/image0.jpeg Kennedy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618275028140-XVUYBM8Q3ZBL0DN12QCX/unsplash-image-rjIacQc-uYs.jpg Kennedy - “When it comes to Lao food I learned many things from my family, but owning a restaurant and garnering a few skills from my elder staff definitely heightened my growth.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618276235578-L6B8UUN74ETXFH351F0H/image5.jpeg Kennedy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618274812955-Y9VHU67KTLNLDAAJYUDL/image4+%281%29.jpeg Kennedy - “I make handcrafted sushi and develop my own sauce recipes, so when you try my sushi you’ll experience my personal art and style. I currently own a restaurant in San Diego called Harborside Thai, Lao, & Sushi, where I am the head sushi and kitchen chef.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618281597021-PUOBYMF9OJ2M6CQTIZ0I/Screenshot+2021-04-12+at+10.38.41+PM.png Kennedy - “In February 2021, I founded another in Ontario, Canada called Knife and Pestle in Kitchener” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618275738666-JZ0HHQX7YGORD985RRIQ/unsplash-image-049M_crau5k.jpg Kennedy - “I’ve always been driven to be the best I can with my pursuits while representing my loved ones, city, and Lao people. Starting out I didn’t have any mentors, but my older brother played a huge role in keeping me out of trouble. Because of him I started to pursue dance and we pursued it on a major scale together.“ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618275640778-UXNP87T7EU17K03SOYDZ/image1.jpeg Kennedy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618276026554-D55SPD4BSW59QLUBVMW9/image2+%281%29.jpeg Kennedy - “The industry is filled with Whites, Blacks, & Latinx people, but Asians aren’t as represented. Regardless of this challenge, I was still driven to pursue my dreams and accomplish things I never thought I would.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618277361529-DIZOP2ZVE1R8SKU8OHMB/image2.jpeg Kennedy - “Music has given me the opportunity to experience many things that I am forever grateful for.“ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618277500228-2YABA4Q2EPBH6P0TJTN0/unsplash-image-Ws92xzbSris.jpg Kennedy - “However, moving forward, for the sake of my mental and financial well-being, I will not be as focused on pursuing a music career.“ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618276912191-WNVDQXEBVUY8LPN88WGV/image3.jpeg Kennedy - “If I could give advice to my younger self in regards to music, it would be to not do it for attention. I would tell myself to stop worrying about being famous and to just tell your story, make good music, and have fun.“ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618278108586-F7LASE81RV5KHRMM55DQ/Screenshot+2021-04-12+at+9.39.24+PM.png Kennedy - Follow Kennedy's journey https://www.vekonda.com/mangda daily 0.75 2021-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618455970675-4ML7NP5V54PIAVT9XTAF/IMG_0073+%281%29.jpeg Mangda - Because of the environment I was raised in, it was difficult to be fully immersed in my Lao culture, which has always left me yearning to be more connected and to learn more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618496662860-XU6QD88B353W1TJ8CIZ7/IMG_0653.jpg Mangda - “This curiosity to continually seek and better understand, has been woven into all of my work and specifically through my creative and healing project, BACII - which is focused on life through the lens of our impermanence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1619134390456-66QJKH541ZNUGZOWSAV7/unsplash-image-K54ATYXd3Do.jpg Mangda - “Two contrasting baci ceremonies that left an impact on me include a time when my family and I went on a roadtrip to see our family. I'll never forget how many people were there, how much food was cooked, all the lively energy, music and celebrating. This was a celebration of welcoming us to my grandmother's home and during our departure white strings were tied to my wrists. These memories have stayed with me as much of my environment growing up lacked many of these elements.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618496893031-FSP0HTP8BTWH9XW3TFKL/BACII.png Mangda - BACII is influenced and inspired by my experiences with both life and death, and by Laotian baci ceremonies.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1619134135244-PGQW7HATTR3JKLJDU9X9/unsplash-image-iKHoQK-D_as.jpg Mangda - Years later, my uncle passed away at a young age. Reuniting with my Lao family during a difficult time while experiencing baci rituals with Buddhist monks showed me how grief and joy and even life and death can all exist at once. I still have those white strings from that ceremony. Each baci ceremony or ritual that I've experienced continues to keep me connected to my roots, family, culture, and how I experience and live my life and continues to influence my work with BACII. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618506440124-RJNT4SK0AUSDFQD2WOMF/unsplash-image-WBpr_yH0Frg.jpg Mangda - “These ceremonies served as literal strings of connection to my family and to Lao culture. No matter what the reason for gathering was, these rituals and blessings have always greatly impacted my life.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618455863026-01HKE7FADRM7CHVTIIQN/105564666_10158812474517033_3583682300068229473_n+%281%29.jpg Mangda - “My father is a continual source of love and inspiration. He’s always encouraged me to live my life to the fullest, to do everything that I want to do, and most importantly, to be happy, however that may look as long as it’s true to me.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618456473414-829ZQCDXHDYRVGWVB6MA/Screenshot+2021-04-14+at+11.13.06+PM.png Mangda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618455737438-4VWRXBN72X9T0PD2B94P/E8A0845F-1A44-48EC-A59E-2B12B973DA5C+%281%29.jpg Mangda - “There is so much of our culture that my father wasn’t able to teach me, so I’ve made it a point in my life to continually ask and listen for the stories and traditions that may have been lost with time.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618455944765-N0LLD6EVISQ1FYLRYJKD/121832861_10159192515227033_2323615282118607960_n.jpg Mangda - “ I love the warmth and celebration of life from Lao culture. I love the food, I love the way Lao people gather. I love the traditional prints and textiles and all the sounds, from the language to the rhythm of the music. I’m so inspired and proud to be Lao that I’m continually trying to weave it into all of the work that I do. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618509062967-FKGNWNIPIIWANXKUPV2M/unsplash-image-fibrknjbpUo.jpg Mangda - “Throughout my life, I’ve continually had to dig deeper into what brings me a sense of meaning and joy. This has come with many sacrifices, but it’s been worth it for me as long as I can continue creating meaning in my life and in my work. This is a privilege my parents didn’t have, so they often don’t understand when I’ve chosen to take certain paths. This also has come with a lot of pressure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618455607194-SN9397N7FJTVZXUKMXK8/IMG_0584+%281%29.jpeg Mangda - “Since my parents have always been extremely hard working, it’s natural for me to be driven. I’ve always wanted to experience so many different parts of life, and in order to do so, I’ve had to work hard. My first job was at 13! I’ve had many different jobs, learned many lessons and I’m constantly going against the grain.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618515948481-EKZBFSAOOS5QATDJTAC6/unsplash-image-R_RnIPyPV78.jpg Mangda - “Focus on the reason ‘why’ you’d like to do something. This matters more than any of your doubts, fears or outcomes.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618516096130-8DO7D6H4TG672KQCR0R8/unsplash-image-ZuVnrTekvZw.jpg Mangda - “Turn mistakes into lessons.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618516208150-973Q5S780CXO2PMTX5R9/unsplash-image-mSK5nNsAsLY.jpg Mangda - “Remember that this life is short, so continually ask yourself how you want to live it.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618508101121-9HKA20IITSJEDHWOHNX5/Screenshot+2021-04-15+at+1.33.49+PM.png Mangda - “I wish for BACII to continually evolve and expand in order to have sustainable programming and services that are committed to educating, uplifting, and bringing more healing and inspiration to our communities. I want to give back and uplift Lao people and the culture!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618507819606-77N5GFAYEW9I3KZ83WN9/IMG_0649.jpg Mangda - “Last year, I launched BACII right before COVID hit NYC. Since then, I’ve hosted or collaborated on monthly events, I’ve been invited to speak at different organizations, and BACII’s work has been featured in media outlets such as Vogue and Byrdie. Through all of these opportunities and gatherings, I’ve been able to share and uplift Lao culture with everyone that I meet!” https://www.vekonda.com/lisax daily 0.75 2022-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618872677316-UB2J6XS87ION7AC7JCRE/20210322_121409-01.jpeg lisa - “Lao culture and food was my gateway to discovering myself and my identity.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618873264208-ULDZSCLPBBK7K1X3FKHG/20210112_090110-01.jpeg lisa - “As a child, I would sit and watch my Mom move around in the kitchen. I remember feeling so intrigued that she could take the simplest Lao ingredients and turn it into a delicious spread that fed a family of six while still having extras to share with our extended family members.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618873213472-NO0M9VKT2GIR4MBILWIC/20210223_165532-01.jpeg lisa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618873666535-V4CQZT9X3TMWXTYWIQAZ/20201228_143731-01.jpeg lisa - “She taught me how to be resourceful in the kitchen and to never be wasteful.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618873790051-MWE38NQ3RPB9CV7PVWVO/JLA_8009-Edit-Edit_Original.jpg lisa - “I was totally the child that asked a million questions and wanted to get my hands dirty in the kitchen. Luckily for me, she allowed me to do just that. My Mom was and is still my greatest mentor.” J.LACOUR PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618874219645-TELX2TQA9FFY0OTLV6MV/IMG_0701.jpg lisa - See more of Lisa’s food tutorials on TikTok Click button to follow: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618874476823-YP9ZH0RLDWHRGSU86XFS/JLA_7881_smooth-3.jpg lisa - “When my Dad passed away several years ago. I spent that year in search of what his life meant and how I wanted to honor him moving forward in my own life’s journey.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618874528906-AJ6AW8UUFCXF513DBLYF/JLA_7913-Edit-Edit_Original.jpg lisa - “I felt this tug and pull to be more intentional in continuing his legacy of preserving Lao traditions and food.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618874564776-3AED591YTHG6JANY455A/20210322_122826-01.jpeg lisa - “It then dawned on me that if I’m not intentional in preserving this rich heritage, my children’s children won’t be as lucky enough as I was to be able to fully submerge themselves in it the way I have been fortunate enough to.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618873345300-XDGCLQHMNJD7F2Y1P0I7/20210201_145354-01.jpeg lisa - “What I embrace most about being Lao is being able to speak it fluently. I’m grateful my parents only spoke Lao to me growing up because it truly is a beautiful language that I can now pass down to my own four children.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618874952471-3M8SMKM5I9W0T77PGSXA/20210108_153648-01.jpeg lisa - I love that Lao culture is centered around being a community. We don’t take gatherings lightly. We are physically present for our neighbors, friends, and loved ones in their time of both mourning and celebration. It’s truly how I learned to be so hospitable. I embrace Lao culture with my friends by sharing authentic Lao dishes. I love seeing their faces light up when they’ve tried a new dish that they wouldn't have otherwise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618875247652-1GQL2YWTZL6SW9WEZRCU/_JL20056-Edit-Edit_Original.jpg lisa - “The most difficult decision I’ve had to make in pursuing any endeavor is to first eliminate self doubt. Positive self-talk is so important. What you believe about yourself and what you have to offer to the world is crucial to how you will go about your day to day life.” J.LACOUR PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618874906729-G9E2V5IOZTEAAWI875NJ/20210107_150524-01.jpeg lisa - “When I made the decision to share my food with the world, there’s always that uncertainty of how the audience will respond to a cuisine that is rare.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618875061691-0SF3YXX2Q1KC7AOMFQ5V/_JL20060-Edit_Original.jpg lisa - “I’m brand new to the world of content creating so it’s all an ongoing learning experience. I’m grateful for others who are passionately sharing this piece of their lives with the world because their positivity and creativity propels me to keep contributing to the food movement of sharing what I know of Lao food and Southeast Asian dishes.” J.LACOUR PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618875934422-MTDO1U84ZOTZAB4Q0BVB/IMG_0702.jpg lisa - Find more of Lisa’s content on IG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618876202875-TWY40WQVRZXOX4Q0Q2PR/_JL20057-Edit-Edit_Original.jpg lisa - “I look to join other influencers in making Lao culture and Lao food become more prominent. I’m also interested in creating a space where I get to interview people and hear their life’s story and mission surrounding food, perhaps through a short small series of a podcast or some sort.” J.LACOUR PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618874980191-3YTQZ1PFKSK7EVLUGDZ3/20210322_121732-01.jpeg lisa - “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you don’t have to have it all together to just simply start a project or venture. After you give your initial, “yes” to those endeavors, take small intentional baby steps, and put one foot in front of the other, minute by minute, hour by hour, then eventually you’ll learn a little more and gain a little more confidence.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1618877464353-R3THW0WR3Q4SM1JP0SKK/unsplash-image-ZuVnrTekvZw.jpg lisa - “I’m learning to live by the model, “fail forward”. Failure means effort is being asserted, and it means you’re trying. Keep going. Failure will undoubtedly be a part of the journey and it can be looked at as a negative thing or the very thing that pulls you up to come back stronger and better.” https://www.vekonda.com/olivia daily 0.75 2021-05-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1619656753916-U69IXSMMSR5DKZX4TOD0/FBB73C91-5B79-470F-A711-F884CEFA3DFC.jpg Olivia - “As a child and even in my teens, I faced so many adversities because of my ethnicity, my appearance, and my own damn last name. I was made fun of, constantly was asked if I was Chinese and then individuals would proceed to the do weird dumb thing where they pull their eyes to make them smaller, I would get bullied, pushed around because I was very timid and quiet.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620068960472-8V1OJQWXD1SXEYEGBIGV/unsplash-image-iKHoQK-D_as.jpg Olivia - “I honestly thought this treatment was normal and it left me questioning my identity. The day I broke away from those experiences I felt like giving every single person that messed with me a middle finger and a punch in the face, but my grandfather taught me better.I forgave them and moved on and welcomed my new perspective of my culture.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1619657100701-TS6Q4SRQ56K1N6W9ZTO1/IMG_0520.jpeg Olivia - “In high school, I started to ask more questions about my family, their journey, what they did before the Khmer Rouge. Afterwards, I came to appreciate Lao culture so much. I love how strong we are as a collective and so loving to others.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620069436253-Q60Y7GNXFFUFV0XBTA39/unsplash-image-iz5ofj0BKAg.jpg Olivia - “That’s what I attach myself to when I think about my culture: STRENGTH AND UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589479286131-DRYKO8JV6ZBC0X3BUP67/466C5969-9BD7-47FE-A9CC-6B9A83184C74.jpg Olivia - “The most amazing thing about Lao culture is how we break bread with anyone!!!! Food and good company are our love languages. It make sense as to why eating is such a sacred thing for me, it’s not just for functional purposes, it’s for social and connection purposes. Food brings us together in happy times and sad times. Many of my friends have expressed to me how open and nurturing my family is and I simply respond, ‘that’s in our blood, baby.’” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620089792760-75JLXN2KLLBKEHLPZ9XK/unsplash-image-02nvhdj6_dk.jpg Olivia - “I embrace Lao culture with my friends by sharing stories of my family, traditions and all the weird and crazy superstitions we were taught as children…like sitting on pillows is a big hell no otherwise you’re gonna get bad luck!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620089919055-ORLKOJKMRO45NR43Y7MK/unsplash-image-XoByiBymX20.jpg Olivia - “Other than sharing stories, we embrace my culture with…yes…food! “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1619656856634-6ISYFNSXRNHTHNHY0BJN/IMG_4215.jpg Olivia - “It’s so wild to think how my family got separated during the Khmer Rouge, but after being sponsored by kind-hearted families, they were all reunited when they arrived in America.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1619656885772-13XYZI9UVXZ7M6W7QAAR/IMG_4591.jpg Olivia - “Fast forward to now, I continue to carry a lot of my family’s strength with me. I honor their journey and hold it close to my heart.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1619657180469-IAY3XW0AZAVH9EFPC7WL/9F8FFA49-B037-4C79-A420-4699A4E0ED3C.jpeg Olivia - “2018 was the end of my academic journey for me. I had just recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies (Bachelor of the Arts) and planned to go to grad school so that I can pursue my goal of becoming a teacher. I’ve always worked with kids, I’m the oldest sibling, super nurturing yet assertive. I fit the role of a teacher.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1619657001387-530DREKNGZWJF92TUWKK/115CD551-2C02-4528-B7FB-B09727346248-479554E5-554B-4E46-A20E-A4C310967599.jpeg Olivia - “But, something about the expression of myself through art kept creeping up and I always found myself drawing, painting, or creating collages. It was a stress reliever initially, but my gut, my inner voice, my spiritual guides and my grandfather kept telling me to share my art. These moments really helped me realize that I wanted to be an artist, to share my creativity and to also represent my culture as a Laotian creative in the art world.“ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620067743238-I87YQLY3P10MCKMFN5XP/unsplash-image-Y2bGS2mR4pY.jpg Olivia - “My mentor has always been my grandfather who is no longer with us. He was my best friend when he was here. Yet, I can still hear his voice in my head. He’s my guide. When he passed, I felt like my world crashed, but as I get older I realize he never left because he lives in my heart.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1619657125212-K74AFMM9ARD12T1FRWK2/5D169082-CC93-4730-9691-41E5AACCD225.jpeg Olivia - “My other mentors have always been my past students that I had the opportunities to teach. From ages 4-13 years old these kids always kept me on my toes and they ended up being my teachers and I was just their student. I learned so many crazy and profound things from them and that’s when it hit me. I said to myself, “I’m going to fully pursue my art career because this is what I love and am passionate about. There are no boundaries, no rules, no one telling me what to do. I am the creator.” The moment I told my past students that I wasn’t going to be teacher and be a full time artist, they cheered me on. Thank you youngins! Ms. Sawai misses you!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1619656973721-YICVYS62MZFK5J9JZQDS/phonto.jpeg Olivia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1619656777754-DMAD5A3UVOYI4EGC4SGM/IMG_6856.jpeg Olivia - “The most difficult decision I had to make to pursue my goals was to leave my conventional, traditional plan of becoming a teacher. My decision to leave was also made during the height of the pandemic therefore, I was so torn. My heart broke. Even though I had already started my art career, I was hanging onto the teaching career for the kids.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1619657151489-F5W9RMWU5F94DDNJLRFF/IMG_8798.jpeg Olivia - “But, I had a gut feeling to just let it go because I honestly felt that I had already been through enough hoops to try and pursue my teaching career. I was in it for the kids, but when I learned the political side of the education system in Southern California I knew it was my time to bounce because it did not serve me.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620076934360-X76RYYDNPQFWYAE2JV0R/unsplash-image-5sF6NrB1MEg.jpg Olivia - “What is exciting though is that I know I can bring another set of tools to my art career without having to deal with the politics of education and still create connections with children. It’s 2021, no need to have a black or white perspective!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1619656927658-NKJIFZEMCOSBBPNHIF6N/IMG_3322.jpeg Olivia - “The most prominent reason is being taught the power of action which makes every single idea come alive. At a young age I was always autonomous, although timid, I always knew what I wanted. I give most credit to my grandfather for building that solid foundation for me and leading by example. I’m a go-getter and very determined, if I say I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it. But, I also know when it’s time to take a break and take care of myself because without rest, I cannot proceed or even give my best. This is a practice for me each day.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620077534315-SQ5F769GFVBJ8KAEI3EY/unsplash-image-mSK5nNsAsLY.jpg Olivia - “Ever since we were hit with the pandemic, I’ve learned and continue to learn so many priceless lessons. The number one lesson is to always be present and to enjoy life in the moment because we can’t go back to yesterday and we don’t know what tomorrow will look like either. And, stressing about the past and the future only hold us back from living and takes away our mindfulness.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1619657022261-F3STN5H3CYXTU0UXQPIP/IMG_8709.jpeg Olivia - “For many of us, we started off 2020 working, healthy, going to school and then when COVID hit, many of us lost that. Well, that was the case for me. So knowing how fast things can change really reminds me to be intentional everyday and to always have grace which leads me to my next lesson: be gentle with yourself. I was so conditioned to overwork myself, fill my schedule up to keep myself busy, and stress myself out.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620077889112-B8W63IABPGM71F4GFOPX/unsplash-image-rjIacQc-uYs.jpg Olivia - “Last year really reminded me to slow down and take care of myself because stress can make me very sick. It’s crazy how stress can and will manifest physically if we don’t take care of ourselves. When we are doing our best, it’s not healthy to be so hard on ourselves during rough circumstances.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1619657071530-XS9ZHTQH47TD5IJNFZA3/IMG_4247.jpeg Olivia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620088650256-FQWKLFTEZPK0QD9WQEIK/Screenshot+2021-05-03+8.35.30+PM.png Olivia - “Many of my future plans have changed drastically within the past 5-6 months. I’m still in the process of creating a new vision for myself, my brand and my lifestyle. I feel as though it changes everyday, but my main focus has been on working on my physical and mental health. “ Follow Olivia on Instagram by clicking below https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620088798668-NPCY1QV9FPR6RG2TP9XJ/unsplash-image-bBiuSdck8tU.jpg Olivia - “It takes a lot of courage for people to speak up and share their story and I’m right in the middle of a healing journey. I will share that my vision for my health is to get my body in a healthy space and for me to continue to heal and work on my mental health. During this time, I hope to inspire others who may be going through a rough time with my artwork and to let them know they are not alone.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620089047627-21W8B02N39Q7K2PZ9D9B/Screenshot+2021-05-03+8.43.21+PM.png Olivia - “Otherwise, I plan to make art my full time career. I am envisioning more murals in the near future, and building my brand, Sawai, as I grow. Considering that this wasn’t my initial plan when I was in college, I am proud to put both feet forward and put myself in a career that is doubted from a conventional perspective. From this point on, my vision for my career entails to continue my art of expression and build a community for those who are on a mental health healing journey.” Click button to shop through Olivia’s art https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620089301416-2XJK8QIT0D4TA4GOJAHJ/Screenshot+2021-05-03+8.47.40+PM.png Olivia - Shop around https://www.vekonda.com/joy daily 0.75 2022-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620857141006-TKU53AOO1F3J8SVJKKAM/Screenshot+2021-05-12+5.56.08+PM.png Joy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620857122168-XWX7X55BTKVZ61XS292E/Screenshot+2021-05-12+5.56.27+PM.png Joy - “Dancing and music have always been a healing modality for me. In 1999, I told myself that I wanted to do what DJs have always done for me during my period of depression in my teen years. When I dance to music, I just get lost in it. All of my worries and problems seem to melt away.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620860378677-WZYECHXBMBJU4IUYAC85/unsplash-image-eNoeWZkO7Zc.jpg Joy - “I have a spiritual connection to music especially when it is my body that dances to the sounds. I feel creative, alive, and encapsulated in Chi energy.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620857087018-4KYAB4VZN51A386E7H43/Screenshot+2021-05-12+6.00.23+PM.png Joy - “I am honored to have such a great team behind me at 24 Seven Productions, our relationship is just like Family.” Check DJ Miss Joy’s weekly shows! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620857103767-1FT22OGKG41U088W9SB3/Screenshot+2021-05-12+5.56.41+PM.png Joy - “All the decisions I had made, even the biggest ones, which was to move to Las Vegas to pursue my dreams of becoming a professional DJ, were quite simple. Honestly, I just trusted what I felt with my intuition and in my gut.“ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620857069479-933PDXP9C5J8DQT2IUZX/Screenshot+2021-05-12+6.02.35+PM.png Joy - “I felt pretty fearless taking the steps to be "dreaming awake" in pursuing my goals.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620861859125-HNJKMXFMYDYXF1MCBLHB/unsplash-image-IJ0Jm4ELPAc.jpg Joy - “Continue to enjoy the journey of creative manifestation. The anxiety from external and internal things is just the spiritual self yearning for an answer, which will come in God's time, not mine.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620857322767-X4U5HL7VOBEZ9MSAQE8Z/Screenshot+2021-05-12+6.08.26+PM.png Joy - “My vision for the next 3 to 5 years is to release music of my favorite record labels and to tour the world DJing while advocating for human rights and environmental issues such as "Raising awareness about the secret U.S. bombings of Laos and supporting the ban of cluster munitions". I love the leadership at Legacies Of War non-profit organization and I'm really excited to advocate for their mission.” Click below https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620862037546-HSIS3Z0TVACBXY5DG7FQ/unsplash-image-h9I0mysRWJM.jpg Joy - “I think I can write a complete novel about what I love about Lao culture... What I embrace the most is the richness in my spirit through my ancestors. I can feel my warrior-like nature design my outlook in life.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620862192929-NHGIRFICJU6YI5WG236C/unsplash-image-xx87oIPains.jpg Joy - “The love and resilience it took for my family to be here is something I humbly celebrate. I love the connection of family through blood or just being Lao. It is really precious! I have so many warm memories of Lao people opening their homes to our family and vice versa. It is the best hospitality ever!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620861717096-DCWP3KKXS1YBUIEER7BN/Screenshot+2021-05-12+7.20.56+PM.png Joy - “I was honored to learn and perform in Las Vegas the art of Nattasinh Traditional Lao Dancing for the temple Wat Lao Khandhidramaram. When I danced, I felt emotional, holding back tears, because the lyrics and the instrumentation are so beautiful!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620863748126-O68EHQPWXDZUVK9UUWXY/Screenshot+2021-05-12+7.55.25+PM.png Joy - "I embrace Lao culture with my friends by inviting them to join in festivals, food, and teaching them about Legacies of War's mission to raise awareness about the secret U.S. bombings of Laos and supporting the ban of cluster munitions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1620864045780-4IIDU0XMHZ4VA2BMNH90/Screenshot+2021-05-12+8.00.22+PM.png Joy - Help to end the deadly legacy https://www.vekonda.com/khamla daily 0.75 2022-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621353925810-XVHMSUKVRVW8117H1LKN/image10.jpeg khamla - “I was born in Laos and came over as a war refugee when I was 10, along with my parents and three brothers.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621354892352-J2JMMIAJU16E3B2XXKBU/image5.jpeg khamla https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621354073179-E34DS1XVANBV02TWNPIZ/image1.jpeg khamla - “Up until the age of 5, I always thought my grandmother was my mom, and I often wondered why my “siblings'' were much older than me.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621354179432-3FO3EJDWVT1FHTJCHM38/image2.jpeg khamla - “Then my grandmother told me that my parents were in Thailand and that she will take me to reunite with them soon.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621354630686-V3J3FDDVKJT37F33HCA3/unsplash-image-j7EmYGra2z4.jpg khamla - “I still remember that night vividly even though I was so young. Grandma put me on a canoe, prayed to the Mekong River, poured wine and chicken into the water and started paddling. We were met at the Thai border with soldiers flashing lights at us, and we were fortunate to be let in.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621352675220-VY0RDF6ZUJU3OE87E820/image0.jpeg khamla https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621537894681-0RXZW6FF62K14H9RIEDD/1FA37F59-21D9-4B57-BE9D-16A950077D12.JPG khamla - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621355611971-RMORF1N9563LGMYRF99N/unsplash-image-QtM-8j_1o3Q.jpg khamla - “It’s been so long ago that although vivid, the memories are starting to feel like a dream.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621442209836-HK1MDSC3OHM1ZRZJ3O7C/image7.jpeg khamla https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621356043684-BT3MGXKQN9EIQWOU5FU1/unsplash-image-iKHoQK-D_as.jpg khamla - “Oftentimes the stories that keep us going are from someone else, but mine happens to be my own. We lived in 4 refugee camps before settling in the U.S. on May 3, 1988. Life in the refugee camps was rough.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621442297017-TD724WNKEV1C07FOVZC5/image13.jpeg khamla https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621355817243-P4R9GQXR0O318HRN0ZG1/image0+%281%29.jpeg khamla - “I remember being so poor, one egg fed our entire family of six. We would make khao gee, which is sticky rice on a stick, glazed with eggs and grilled over open fire.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621429532728-CTJV4AR5KLUQ2F4KM7QZ/image12.jpeg khamla - “Upon arrival in the U.S., like many families with similar stories, we had to quickly adapt to the language, the culture, the new way of life.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621538004687-S6ZN4YXTQERQE2ZIE9RU/6B9A3C0E-7E72-46ED-8E5B-8D80B1200F63.JPG khamla https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621442441299-NPIQOIK5JKWPTMJWHQUQ/image11+%281%29.jpeg khamla https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621442389552-UP034Y4ASH1AQUSG0Z6B/image6.jpeg khamla - “Throughout my childhood and up until today, I am the caretaker or the pillar for my family.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621430545533-P3E951YI72VJOSS36L4W/image19.jpeg khamla - “While my parents worked whatever jobs they could to make ends meet, my older brother and I took care of our younger brothers.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621430687620-795MMCW5JJL1AXK5831R/image15.jpeg khamla - “We also made sure we did well in school and worked hard to obtain good careers since we have been given the opportunity.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621431202715-T6LWEFNH35UQQ23X83XU/image11.jpeg khamla - “I love our Lao culture so much, especially the food.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621431999478-TP13A4IQLAEN9AA86RPB/image4.jpeg khamla - “We have a big family and always have family gatherings on the weekends. Grandma had 11 kids and half the kids live here in the U.S. We love to cook, eat and stay up all night to sing karaoke or even play cards.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621432112716-G2LAWGNR9K29WAD5S4M1/image17.jpeg khamla - “My all-time favorite dish is thum mak hoong or papaya salad. I love it so much that I could literally eat it every day.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621432246418-D84S5ZVZ79PL2S9BS1V9/image10+%281%29.jpeg khamla - “It is also one of the first dishes that I introduce my foreign friends to. When they first try it, they don’t always love it but they would always call me up after about 6 months saying they crave it. Proudest moment ever!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621432365011-04Y7L9L0W2R5POJ17058/image9.jpeg khamla - “Sharing food is my love language. And preserving Lao culture through food is my ultimate goal.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621432776224-HR42GB1N6RWTW8WPMG51/image14.jpeg khamla - “When Alex and I launched Ninja Foods 6 years ago, we had no idea what kind of an impact it would have.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621447652408-G10ORE0HC1RICBVE258S/Screenshot+2021-05-19+2.04.56+PM.png khamla - Learn more about Ninja Foods https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621432950898-TDVLOCTYDFTZXZT5Z5WT/image18.jpeg khamla https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621432997858-ZUIVJT1JOE8WSKWDPQSF/image16.jpeg khamla - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621538102407-CM7659CILNZKDIG1VVY9/54CA1E0B-49A9-4A83-B569-5980522970BB.JPG khamla https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621447214028-MDKOF8G4UYDFV5999WRV/Screenshot+2021-05-19+1.58.45+PM.png khamla - Follow Ninja Foods https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1621438569331-6Y9QN1FZQOUF78I0GF9T/image8.jpeg khamla - “A Lao parent once told us that his son follows us on social media and really looks up to us. He said we “made it cool to sell and eat padaek.” Another proud moment!!” https://www.vekonda.com/soal daily 0.75 2021-06-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625014265399-2PB5Z23QB3CX2N7Z8F0N/E906B1F3-43D7-4EB6-A775-FFAC2590B448.jpg Phongsia Perry Vongkiasone - “I go by the stage name ''SOAL'' because if you look at it backwards it spells ''Laos'. I wanted to come up with a stage name because I thought it was cool to have a name like a superhero mixed with their identity. I decided to pursue my passion in music, despite knowing it would be hard to be successful in America’s entertainment industry.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625014679490-RBACLTHGQD4TVQSBER9H/unsplash-image-lhPLeHgox9Q.jpg Phongsia Perry Vongkiasone - “My culture and being Lao is a big part of my life. I am the first generation born American Asian in my family.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625018792163-VGGEELSB7ZFYI4XQV9XR/Screenshot+2021-06-29+10.06.02+PM.png Phongsia Perry Vongkiasone - Follow SOAL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625015322440-JD96PEINBW41VA5MZZ40/1505787242886.png Phongsia Perry Vongkiasone - “I want to be one of the biggest influencers ever with my music and creative videos and other random skills that I love to showcase. I come from a family that loves music. My dad and uncle sing and play in a band. They're my biggest inspiration. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625015918190-5LHFYTDKD1VN2IF7M6I8/unsplash-image-02nvhdj6_dk.jpg Phongsia Perry Vongkiasone - “Growing up I changed my passion so many times because I loved to do so many different things that I just couldn't choose one. Drawing, dancing, acting, fighting, writing, directing and music. Eventually I came to focus mainly on music while using my other skills to help me make my own music videos. I didn't have the budget to pay someone to shoot for me so I'd have my friends and family to hold the camera. ” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625019530138-QHSE80PKX3QSM6WJJAKQ/Screenshot+2021-06-29+10.17.55+PM.png Phongsia Perry Vongkiasone - Follow SOAL on TikTok https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625016238987-DQIXREKAL4MEJT101SY5/unsplash-image-Fx5rrxSaUtI.jpg Phongsia Perry Vongkiasone - “When I was a child my dad would always be performing at the Lao parties and big events so I was always walking around the dance floor or standing close to the speakers and being the last out the building since my dad would have to pack up his band equipment after the party.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625016886704-PGY6SGY1ZY9YOF1RIN4C/unsplash-image-1SiB-azVXJ8.jpg Phongsia Perry Vongkiasone - “I have sacrificed a lot of things, especially my love life, and I am a huge family man. One of my biggest dreams has always been to start a family young just so I could be a dad that could play ball with his kids sooner and longer in my life. Yet, I still do not have a family of my own, not until I accomplish all that I need to with music.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625017151720-7W46B4TAJ5KOC0M24IHI/unsplash-image-a0TJ3hy-UD8.jpg Phongsia Perry Vongkiasone - “I know I can make it.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625017489544-K4IZE9YIJCQD9P1PQ5SE/IMG_1704.JPG Phongsia Perry Vongkiasone - “My number one goal is to be so successful I can send all of my little baby cousins to whatever college they want to go to and to pay off everyone's debt. I want to help build my community, culture, and hometown. I wanna inspire and motivate every single person that needs someone to tell them everything's gonna be okay and that they can do it.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625019249718-ME2ALG02408F3YL9ZFKQ/Screenshot+2021-06-29+10.13.34+PM.png Phongsia Perry Vongkiasone - Follow SOAL https://www.vekonda.com/nilunda daily 0.75 2022-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625779451950-AC4X3C2C830FM39UTUYD/NILUNDA-6.jpg Nilunda - “My full time job is designing shoes for a brand I love, and I also create videos and content with my partner, John, for our YouTube channel.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625780633603-L0OQNLVHOSL2X31BHT75/SJ-3.jpg Nilunda - “I love sharing my Lao culture with John and my friends.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625781452289-9BAVLN0W6CIFWVICECQV/thoy+045.jpg Nilunda - “I love sharing everything from our food, customs, and celebrations to simple moments with my parents and family.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625789590862-VZUIJ6P8OX4AJWRMR8F6/NILUNDA-3.jpg Nilunda - “It feels like a special gift I can give others.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625796790358-KGD0HQ13SDOCK1FDJFFA/NILUNDA-12.jpg Nilunda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625790931595-ACEASU23N1PMRKH32MHJ/NILUNDA-4.jpg Nilunda - “Oftentimes when I meet new people they tell me that I am the first Lao person they’ve ever met.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625791203572-CPLOUO2UQXEWDM3BJV4V/SJ-3.jpg Nilunda - “Teaching John how to speak Lao has been really fun and an amazing way for us to bond. He’s very good at pronunciation and sounds.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625791340271-YK5HXV13X7MPC08QG2Y9/SJ-4.jpg Nilunda - “We believe that it’s important to learn each other’s languages to carry on the culture for our future family and generations.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625791521374-B5VUFVHZVFTDWVI07CIL/SJ-1.jpg Nilunda - “We started our channel to represent our cultures. We didn’t see other faces that looked like ours and we believe that it’s important to show others that we are out here too.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625792139669-NBDCFZXGTC6X3WU5K8P9/unsplash-image-l27-0fv1Md8.jpg Nilunda - “My parents are both refugees of war. With their families, they left Laos to stay in refugee camps in Thailand and the Philippines, and eventually landed in Rhode Island in the 1980’s where they met and married.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625790726768-PW030JHSN5FBQ68FVL8S/FAMILY-1.jpg Nilunda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625780868764-XDMN5GW7C6SPJKC01TC1/thoy+051.jpg Nilunda - “They worked long hours and overtime at their factory jobs to provide for me and my little sister. My mother told me that they’ve worked hard so that we could focus on our education and never worry about money, and for that I am forever grateful.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625792757134-J1E99HTVHLWYBZ40WOSY/NILUNDA-10.jpg Nilunda - “Their experiences and sacrifices have provided me with a path to pursue my dreams. Now that we are older, they continue to work at the same factory jobs to reach their dreams of retiring and providing for future generations.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625792942298-025AL2B6IM77MK70AUO9/NILUNDA-2.jpg Nilunda - “One of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make was to move away for college at the age of 17 and leave my family in Rhode Island. Family is the most important thing to me so it was hard to be away from them. Nowadays, I return home as often as I can to spend time with my family and eat Lao food.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625794036408-SSM5PHTFOG7JHD4CVRGS/unsplash-image-lt_zJH4GT_M.jpg Nilunda - “My greatest lesson in life is to believe in myself. My mother has always believed in me and continues to challenge me to push beyond my comfort zone and grow. My grandmother taught me to learn by watching and listening, and to speak with compassion and an open heart. ” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625794249940-RRTT7TEJCXLQ4JYUBAM6/FAMILY-3.jpg Nilunda - “My family is Buddhist and it is a very big part of who I am. My great grandfather was a Buddhist monk and was the leader of our family.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625794222578-MW62KZAUM367WOHV8PSS/FAMILY-5.jpg Nilunda - “The lessons I learned from my grandpa and continue to learn after his passing affects my views on life. I strive to cultivate mindfulness, gratitude, and compassion within myself while sharing that with others. With those lessons, I believe I can do anything.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625795437700-25BYRHBS7SQIKJWM321T/FAMILY-4.jpg Nilunda - “My biggest inspiration has always been and always will be my family. They have been supportive and encouraging in my pursuit of making my own way in this life.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625795325735-V6KYNBWELM670MRUT94F/FAMILY-2.jpg Nilunda - “I am the eldest of 12 grandchildren on my mother’s side and feel great honor and responsibility to carry on our family’s legacy, lead by example, and show that anything is possible.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625795722821-C0J6Y4K07AZZ8RS8I025/NILUNDA-7.jpg Nilunda - “In addition to continuing to design shoes, I am looking forward to creating more videos and being a voice for Lao people and the Asian American diaspora.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625795959436-R87MYG24AU34EGTTI6ZW/NILUNDA-11.jpg Nilunda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625795829894-NRS4MD0PZ0N14HOVS30M/NILUNDA-9.jpg Nilunda - “My lifelong mission is to share my lessons and my joy to uplift, inspire, and motivate others to live intentionally.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625797156334-OEAAX8SOOGPQA7SD0I1U/Screenshot+2021-07-08+10.18.23+PM.png Nilunda - Follow Nilunda on IG https://www.vekonda.com/alex daily 0.75 2021-07-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625341689086-H04FU23FK0N3IC44P23V/Nomichit+2.jpg Alex - “I'm an artist, a musician, dancer, vocal engineer, songwriter, rapper and singer. I'm always around music no matter what time of day. Being in the music world, I've networked with both small and big artists.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625342724084-FP449OKGJU6O3HKX8432/Photo+Apr+23%2C+5+51+24+PM.jpg Alex https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625342938652-SMEDY0LSYQ4LEPJ5PWPK/unsplash-image-yYh5hf9atNw.jpg Alex - “I'm on a music label myself. Shout out to HMG Music Group (Hustle Motivate Grind). If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have certain connections with people, and I wouldn't have a big platform to market my music.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625343299322-UZ5394611QCIAYQSA2AO/unsplash-image-dX76Mts-LVM.jpg Alex - “I’ve sacrificed a lot of time, money and friends. I spend a majority of time in my home music videos. It's basically a second job. I don't do music as a hobby. I want to make a business out of it. I sacrificed a lot of money on equipment, leases for beats, marketing, distribution, and making music videos. I hope to make it all back in the future.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625345013243-31TCSO31U2CDK6DVKFOY/Photo+Aug+15%2C+12+21+12+AM.jpg Alex - “My life goal is to own an independent record label just like Jay Park, who made his label to be one of the biggest labels out in Korea. I want to follow his blueprint and do the same thing in the US.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625345437466-Y2U9FAEZML534R81F6GG/Screenshot+2021-07-03+4.50.14+PM.png Alex - “Follow Alex” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625345601705-YZ6YCXJNSXPJ4VL3J1EE/unsplash-image-k3heD_KwH0A.jpg Alex - “Also, I’m my own worst critic. I wasn't the best singer or rapper growing up. I was ok but not like Eric Bellinger or Chris Brown level.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625345820903-V3AONDUH8UCOBMM58UDT/56815877_2406057809418974_5866606403539435520_o.jpg Alex https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625346135037-LD3J12U56QZP4G1YL9N4/unsplash-image-uP1XEgK1JZo Alex - “One lesson that I learned is that your friends are not your fans. They see you for you, not as an artist. It's no hard feelings and I've come to terms with that. So instead of trying to turn my friends into fans, I invite them into my progress. I want to bring them on the journey with me. I don't want to disappear then out of nowhere show them where I'm at now.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1625346531612-TVT83MGD6HQQZ0YE7MA8/unsplash-image-a0TJ3hy-UD8.jpg Alex - "The goals I want to reach: have 10,000+ monthly listeners on Spotify, collaborate with artists that I have been following for years, and earn profits from my music equal to or more than a weekly paycheck from my normal job.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590180216583-1RLABEL13XGBF1INGOCJ/IMG_0170.jpg Alex - “What I embrace most about being Lao is the food and family. No matter how far we are from each other, we always come together to spend quality time. I love that we maintain our community. I would love to have a bigger Lao community here in Toledo because we’re too small and spread out here.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589466395361-7XCF0TCN610JKFD3BB8K/IMG_6054.jpg Alex - “How I embrace Lao culture with my friends is showing them the food we eat. A lot of my best friends love Lao food. Lao egg rolls, chicken, sausages, pho, kow piak, sticky rice, thum mak hoong. The list goes on. My friends really enjoy my mom's cooking. I love seeing the look on their faces when they enjoy the food that we make.” https://www.vekonda.com/bay daily 0.75 2021-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1631464586373-QE4E0JUDCJDEC3AVHD5W/IMG_9621_21_0313_web_3.jpg Bay - “I'm not a great writer, partly because English is not my first language. I struggled throughout Elementary, Middle, and High School. It was in Art School that something finally clicked. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1631464879271-Q81JGX5W7JSHPYB8Z9RU/unsplash-image-yEbGuTfng50.jpg Bay - “As an artist when painting or drawing, at a subconscious level I was communicating with shapes and colors. Then it was in English class at art school that writing finally clicked for me too. I thought to myself, "paint a picture for your audience" with words rather than shapes and colors”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1631465044894-MD40AM0MYRE3VPOBM16F/IMG_20191207_184328_223.jpg Bay - “You won't know what you can do if you don't try, TRY TRY TRY! There are things that I didn't think I could do until I tried. Some turned out to be easier than I thought. Some things were harder than I thought, but I learned what it took to accomplish it. Sometimes dumb luck helps. Sometimes I fail, but I always learn from those experiences.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1631465387903-WJ0MO8RGPZBXTYC54W3N/20201106174748_IMG_9278-01.jpeg Bay - “I am a better writer now and I would credit my strong work ethics to Art School and Architecture School along with examples set for us by our immigrant and refugee parents.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1631464344082-CSSWRGXRG6OXLWO523GO/PXL_20210528_214044804.NIGHT_3.jpg Bay - “I learned about architecture by chance, when I was in art school. I saw that people that studied architecture were employed in many fields. I partied less and studied more to get through art school and architecture school. It was the right decision. The right decisions don't have to be hard. I pursued my goals to give back to my parents and community, especially the Lao community. The Lao elders are my inspiration. Seeing their work ethics inspires me.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1631467225677-IBP0BK8BMK2MCJ2USARG/unsplash-image-aQcE3gDSSTY.jpg Bay - “Architectural education doesn't limit you to just designing buildings. Being an architect is about being a good planner and communicator.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1631465992904-EDAH5CR0C8UFLYCL2NOG/unsplash-image-Sc5RKXLBjGg.jpg Bay - “For example, first we come up with a design idea, then we plan the execution of that idea, then we communicate how to execute that idea. The communication part is very important with regards to drawings, diagrams, and lots of written documents. With a lot of coordination among project teams, such skills of those with an architectural education are valuable assets in various institutions." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1631466101310-L8H15VINRP2ECVDO9JNE/87003940_791999921277398_8703580096667058176_n.jpg Bay - “I am currently working as senior Industrial Designer for a Signage Environmental Design company. I help bring a project to life by using my design and construction knowledge to coordinate with the architects, engineers, and construction teams.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1631465595560-WY08BNRL36YJRMS3PV61/IMG_0637_VIENTIANE_web.jpg Bay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1631464535094-60MAKKD72KQ7SR31J80Q/14939506_108273862983344_7616825003393594892_o.jpg Bay - “I'm proud of our culture. There’s love, respect, and charity. I keep in mind that what I do and how I represent myself reflects not only on me, it reflects on how people perceive my family and our community. So I practice respect, kindness, and honesty.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1631466508001-D2PN6FPWBK639MBY1SYI/Screenshot+2021-09-12+1.08.09+PM.png Bay - “I’ll continue to participate in the Lao community. I'm proud to see what the new generation is doing and achieving, I'll keep cheering them on.” https://www.vekonda.com/soupany daily 0.75 2021-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1634678289896-43DWOGZDU4MLL6FS2KNR/IMG_7596.jpg Soupany - “There’s nothing like mom’s home cooking. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1634678460188-739BITOQCFA8KTW75Y73/IMG_6692.jpg Soupany - “Growing up as a young immigrant in a small town, my mom was my biggest mentor and role model. I have fond memories of our house filled with the aroma of the Lao meals she’d cook for my five brothers, four sisters, and myself. She unfortunately passed away in a house fire over a decade ago.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1634678603245-NPJRIHQARC1351D2DN2S/IMG_6363.jpg Soupany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1634678753347-S2LD0IJKBY6XFNBKTPW2/551FE6B1-C3A3-4102-BD19-52C07D8A1B89.JPG Soupany - “It was only after her passing that I began to passionately learn to cook authentic Lao food. I crave for her cooking. I miss her.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1634956457759-HT7WH7LKJFILR4XAYKFS/unsplash-image-1SiB-azVXJ8.jpg Soupany - “As I honed my skills and recipes, it was difficult not having someone there for guidance on making Lao dish favorites, like kai palo (thom khem), pho, seen lard, thum mak hoong , kua mee, etc.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1634958247961-F9ZCJRFHXFLLKU1I5EZO/unsplash-image-vrbZVyX2k4I.jpg Soupany - “Yet, I am grateful to have strong support from my friends and family. They helped me stay positive and strive to live life to the fullest.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1634956706624-KUEEF43V1N590PH8HO18/unsplash-image-uZIaeo2cfio.jpg Soupany - “The most difficult decision I’ve made was going public with my cooking tutorials and recipes on social media. I was a very private person, and the internet can be brutal, but I’ve learned I cannot make everyone like me, even though I am a good person.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1634957176006-5QHPVWK071E5NEG7OZNE/43AF3D9D-515F-40B2-87D4-C8B14169252D.jpg Soupany - “The advice I would give my younger self is to practice self-love, and to realize that being unique and different is absolutely amazing!!!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1634958463979-E4KWYGB493JLPH5QY74U/Screenshot+2021-10-22+11.07.20+PM.png Soupany - “My long black hair, my brown skin, and being bilingual and multicultural are awesome!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1634959030362-I3YBKTX8M3FNU512OB9G/unsplash-image-sh4F5CABNCo.jpg Soupany - “I embrace that my life was difficult and challenging as a child. What my family and I endured is not much different from other Lao families fleeing a war-torn country and looking to make a new life with freedom and prosperity.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1634959128448-0RX04R8UKX7WVFH4Y7IL/image0+%282%29.jpeg Soupany - “It was difficult coming to America with little money, with nothing but the clothes on our backs, and with a lack of education. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for them. Yet, having language barriers compounded by prejudice and discrimination only made us stronger.” - This picture was taken in Thai Camp. My mother is in the back center carrying my little sister who did not make it to America and passed away of sickness. I left Laos at 3 years old, had a birthday at Thai camp and came to America shortly after at 4 years old. We ended up in Upstate New York, Rochester, NY by sponsors of a church." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1634959407871-2C9CSWMQC3VQRJ3E3T00/unsplash-image-2cNPDxcnx0w.jpg Soupany - “Looking back now, I am extremely proud of my family and. I can honestly say we were still pure with ourselves, while being adaptable and victorious.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1634959553831-GXSCHOPY2QKRKEZIG2A0/6D0D26D5-BD97-4329-B526-666A2FE7C3DF.JPG Soupany - “I am excited to see my children grow into strong, individual, and productive members of society. I have identical twin daughters who attend the University of Rochester and a son at the University of Chicago.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1634959690632-VSQ7Z0K5NT9WOK0T6119/IMG_7364.jpg Soupany - “I love Lao culture. It is heavily derived from Buddhism and centered around family, respect for others and contentment. To celebrate my Lao culture, I cook authentic dishes to share with my neighbors, friends and family. I even make meals and place them in for my deceased parents and loved ones.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1634959845198-4KSEXCW5YXYNPMONDAC5/IMG_6316.jpg Soupany - “I hope to continue sharing my love for food and help others perfect their own take on my recipes.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1634960358160-OSYCTJY42610G15BT4MF/unsplash-image-0iOOw41DZ28.jpg Soupany - “I am excited for COVID to end, so my husband and I can continue to travel the world sharing meals with friends and checking off destinations, cultures, and food from our bucket list.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1634960495503-OB9I7IZEY5CY48EHM8O2/unsplash-image-EMQlFWKASTg.jpg Soupany - “I learned firsthand, you never know what day will be your last. Cherish and enjoy the little things in life because one day you`ll look back and realize they were the big things.” https://www.vekonda.com/arianna daily 0.75 2022-01-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642628278068-MPAK2JC3K1DJT53F79J6/IMG_1103.JPG Arianna - “I am an aspiring graphic designer from Lawrenceville, Georgia. I graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in May 2020 with a B.S. in Computational Media with a focus on people and interaction design.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642627484233-Y1R76863WDF9RUJ1AX9U/Screen+Shot+2021-08-14+at+11.19.01+AM.png Arianna - “Ever since I was a child, learning about the aspects of Lao culture has played an important role in my life.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642625753815-5H7JFK6LLTUZ8AVHXEF0/nang+sangkhan.jpg Arianna - “I have been blessed to have grown up among the large Lao community we have here in Georgia.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642625968508-YW6M9P25DACN6XP55VYT/lny+2014.jpg Arianna - “I rarely experienced feeling isolated from my culture.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642627102433-OD9LJI3S38UW8DRRB0MF/Screenshot+2022-01-19+4.17.23+PM.png Arianna - Since 2007, I have been a part of the Laotian American Society (LAS), a non-profit organization based in Georgia that aims to promote education, spread awareness of Lao culture, and provide resources for our community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642626294417-FW0VSWZG3FRS4EFG2AF0/IMG_2051.jpg Arianna - “My parents inspired me to be involved because they are both community leaders.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642626346481-JFO51YIF12NE8RACVQ97/apac.jpeg Arianna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642626675929-GND84XJVJLN3IX9TQZW4/baby.jpeg Arianna - “As part of LAS, I was a Lao folk dancer for about 15 years performing across the metro-Atlanta area and surrounding states, proud to show off my culture to others.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642797110479-AB8GEF7UMFUL08BTMTHG/ching.jpeg Arianna - “The next step I would like to take in learning more about Lao fine arts is learning how to draw traditional motifs to incorporate them into my design work!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642797521368-8C3CXTPZTZOJPSOFLN7B/IMG_5560.jpeg Arianna - “In the future, I hope to be a full time graphic designer or UX/UI designer. I am currently working on starting up my own small business making stickers and prints!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642797863522-EKX3FMXPJ67TCW8OA51I/lny+conley.jpeg Arianna - “ I am working to include Lao text into my designs as well as including romanizations. Adding the romanization bridges the gap between the language barrier for those that, like myself, can understand Lao but are unable to read or write the language.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642798470020-1WDS5MGLHYCTIVB0GLA8/unsplash-image-t0mQSkfVCtM.jpg Arianna - “One of the greatest lessons and most difficult decisions I’ve had to make was to not give up and complete my college degree.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642798769314-QZKXN2UJ7URUB5NQWMN1/unsplash-image-wiafzE4U-FM.jpg Arianna - “When I first entered Georgia Tech, my family had moved to Florida and soon after, my father was diagnosed with throat cancer. It was hard being a state away while my dad was struggling through his health journey. There were several times that I considered taking a break from school to go home and be with them. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642799010987-ZW75K00LKWT5PH90QRXT/unsplash-image-vHnVtLK8rCc.jpg Arianna - “The first semester of my senior year was especially tough because I had gotten busier than previous years. I was unable to visit my family as often and the cancer had gotten worse. Sadly, my father passed away just before Christmas of 2019.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642799880291-HTWRAMSXG9JSGKX35VFW/grad.jpeg Arianna - “Luckily, I stayed and became the first person in my immediate family to graduate from college. Without all of the love and support from my family and friends, I would not have gotten through that difficult time. I am forever grateful to them for pushing me to complete that milestone in my life and to keep moving forward.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642867036423-RFAC5IRH4B9YNQ8Y64D7/pagaent.jpg Arianna - “One of the things I am most grateful for is that my grandparents and parents have taught me how to speak Lao. When I started school, I lost my language skills and did not practice very often with my parents. I remember going to the temple or gatherings hearing ‘Oh, why don’t you speak Lao? So and so speaks very well, you should learn how to so that you can be smart okay?’” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642867163958-ZWDGBSIFAVLGEJYH29XV/IMG_4857.jpg Arianna - “I used to get so upset hearing that. I felt conflicted whether to push away my culture and try to assimilate with others, or to prove them wrong and learn everything I could.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642867337619-EI72YXH46O9SARYETAPU/temple.jpeg Arianna - “Today, while I am by no means completely fluent in the language, I feel proud of myself that I am able to communicate well with my family and community. I want the future generation to understand how important it is to embrace your heritage because that is something that can never be erased.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642867557469-HD1HZBJPVJXISI86BL05/fashion+show.jpg Arianna - “I’ve realized along the way that I shouldn’t be learning and embracing my culture for the sake of others, but for myself and my own future.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642868353681-EIVP0UGDZGEJM0Q6HE56/IMG_1108.JPG Arianna - “I want my future kids to know how to speak Lao, eat Lao food, and learn how to fon (Lao folk dances).” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642867888001-76U8L1HV8ATL7CJE0KMH/lny.jpeg Arianna - “What I love most about being Lao is how generous and welcoming our culture is. In times of sadness, everyone comes together to “ghin taan, het boun num gun” regardless of how close they are to the family. Any time you go to a Lao person’s house, the food is endless!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642868256007-826Z91RN21JHDJXVN6N8/IMG_1098.JPG Arianna - “In times of joy and happiness, we have big celebrations and everyone brings something to the table. We love to include everyone, regardless of who they are, and especially around the dining table. There’s a saying that at gatherings, one of the dishes should be laab, symbolic for bringing in and sharing prosperity.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642869493343-VQ4W6VGKDGCRJ8Y1JFW8/IMG_3776.JPG Arianna - “I love sharing Lao culture with my friends, from eating food and teaching them Lao phrases to having them participate in the temple’s ceremonies and festivities.”” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1642869272166-6MVKKZ3P93V2WHQ4EE0G/IMG_3108.jpg Arianna - “I hope that in the future, Lao culture will be more mainstream and that people will no longer have to say, ‘Laos? What’s that? Where is that?’” https://www.vekonda.com/laofoodkitchen daily 0.75 2022-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1639677939172-LMVUFU0ZC7HUVHO3LX6A/466C5969-9BD7-47FE-A9CC-6B9A83184C74.jpg Laofoodkitchen - Get a taste of Lao home cooking Enjoy Lao food right in your own home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1639678260573-BEA3FZ0O93NUJKGFH03Z/IMG_0225.JPG Laofoodkitchen - How it works https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1639677695924-H9Q9CP57VZIB393GAWTS/unsplash-image-rcHHKG01IPY.jpg Laofoodkitchen - Menu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1639677477304-N9X5GJHFK9IDMMZM3N5H/unsplash-image-yBeL0XChO8o.jpg Laofoodkitchen - Schedule a time https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590162374086-B77G03A2NNFP90MMGVCC/IMG_6108.jpg Laofoodkitchen - The Lao Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589936869512-G72LYHK48BY33MJVOX8O/IMG_6088.jpg Laofoodkitchen - Lao Food Movement https://www.vekonda.com/howitworks daily 0.75 2022-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589479286131-DRYKO8JV6ZBC0X3BUP67/466C5969-9BD7-47FE-A9CC-6B9A83184C74.jpg howitworks - Gather with Lao Food https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589391464667-O3A3FBHARDZ1IM273HB5/IMG_0225.JPG howitworks - Ready-made Lao meals https://www.vekonda.com/meal-delivery daily 0.75 2022-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1643318797411-32I4WJ4FZ4WSGET8VVC7/IMG_6363.jpg Meal Delivery - Make it stand out Photo Courtesy of Soupany of IG @cookiesnchampagne https://www.vekonda.com/cooking-party daily 0.75 2022-01-27 https://www.vekonda.com/form-placeholder daily 0.75 2022-01-27 https://www.vekonda.com/schedule daily 0.75 2022-01-27 https://www.vekonda.com/lina daily 0.75 2022-01-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1643481089529-H1K9MNIWTFTC8BT8NNAB/IMG_2837.jpeg Lina - “To be honest, I didn't have any clear goals. I was living unintentionally and in wanderlust, curious to see what the world had to offer me and what I had to offer it. It wasn't until about the beginning of this year that I found my "why”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1643481182876-4RWCGY7E1EKSA3D0WZ9A/image+%288%29.png Lina - “I went through a devastating heartbreak and it forced me to face myself. I spent a lot of time soul searching, facing truths about myself, and understanding what I am doing on this earth.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1643482208679-3DLJN43R2X369NL96Y33/image.png Lina - “The gift that God temporarily gave me to share with this world is my voice; and I intend to use it to heal and connect.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1643482372962-AKGY8RQCD2ERHZT5ZD1H/image+%283%29.png Lina - “I have many mentors who help me navigate through life, but when it comes to music,…..” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1643482549260-X0J6QWFDQ87H0ATLRUDD/image+%285%29.png Lina - “…the artists who have had the biggest impact on my life were the divas and the greats, like Michael Jackson, Whitney, Mariah, Céline Dion, Beyoncé,…” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1643482592226-ZQ86PLG8SXBJJSYR2CQ3/image+%287%29.png Lina - “Aretha Franklin, Martina McBride, Ella Fitzgerald, Cecilia Bartoli, Loso, Bird Thongchai, and the list goes on.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1643483093937-0NEHUIBL07XUAKFOJJ2Y/image+%281%29.png Lina - “I am also inspired by our Lao history, and the diasporas Laotians have experienced, like all the intricacies of American life and culture in the US.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1643483237390-GGE44Z3OBQ8VC8ALU3AL/image+%282%29.png Lina - “Although, there are many people who've inspired me to be the artist that I am, I can honestly say when it comes to bringing Laotian American music to the mainstream,…” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1643484089490-ZDVQQNVARB7KVBENSVF4/Screenshot%2B2022-01-29%2B2.12.15%2BPM.jpg Lina - “I am a pioneer, whacking down weeds on this unbeaten path, paving the way for other artists who will use me as shoulders to stand on, in order to reach their wildest dreams. My name is Vilayphanh Luangrath, better known as Lina V.” Learn more about Lina V music. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1643486875162-LMPHEG4DYPJM2ZSBHTMG/unsplash-image-oSqpgc3ttRs.jpg Lina - “The most difficult decision I had to make was taking a leap of faith and leaving everything I knew and was comfortable with in Rockford, IL, to chase my passion for music in LA. I moved to LA with $200 and couch surfed for almost a year before saving enough money to get my own spot, which is my first home that I’ve been living in for 10 years so far.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1643487465654-XYRKB6H97N3GQTBSGUF5/unsplash-image-5WYkd62XxTo.jpg Lina - “It was difficult because it was something that no one in my family has ever done before. I never want to disappoint my parents or family, but intuitively, I know I'm on the right path.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1643485741663-2WPGXTHT8MET2XZHFMVW/image+%286%29.png Lina - “I was born in Chonburi, Thailand in a refugee camp, but grew up in Rockford, IL. I am a singer, songwriter, and an aspiring entrepreneur. I am driven by the sacrifice my family had to make during the Laotian diaspora, in order for us to survive. I am also driven by purpose, love, and positive change.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589479286131-DRYKO8JV6ZBC0X3BUP67/466C5969-9BD7-47FE-A9CC-6B9A83184C74.jpg Lina - “I love Lao people. I love that Lao people will give you the clothes off their backs, break their last bread (or share their last batch of sticky rice) with you, and invite you to every gathering. Even when we don't have a lot, we somehow live in abundance. I love how we love unconditionally.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1643486562543-C5TAF37IWGCIPZJUW5HG/Screenshot+2022-01-29+3.02.23+PM.png Lina - “ Hosting a kickback is one way I carry our culture forward. I bring the same fun and easy going vibes that our people bring to the table. Random, but I also have plans on starting a hot sauce business, so stay tuned!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1643486998195-LB5M54LE63UQIHBXT1O6/unsplash-image-4aX611TT1IU.jpg Lina - “No matter what creation you put out into this world, ask yourself why you're doing it, and will you be happy with its impact on the world. Create with intent because the power you have has the ability to move mountains.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1643489020404-SEMLUNX1RKI0G0OZN52G/image+%284%29.png Lina - “I plan to travel and tour, and within 5 years have multiple label and contract deals to consider. One thing LA has shown me is there are so many ways I can go with music.” https://www.vekonda.com/sam daily 0.75 2022-08-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1657341709472-GBES71BKBSQMX3MWTXK5/1621300979866..jpg Sam - “I have a passion for Lao culture and fine arts, especially for Lao classical music. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1657342174703-K1IJ8RG9M3ENOGL1Z6UZ/unsplash-image-SY314SwpSFM.jpg Sam - “My parents went on a short trip to Thailand and Laos and brought back for me a Lao musical instrument called khim, which is a type of hammered dulcimer.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1657342372352-AZPR6R9PAAN8O3765MUB/unsplash-image-Kjqn74prEB0.jpg Sam - “I didn’t know a thing about this instrument, not the background of it or its cultural significance, but I was determined to learn and I was excited.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1657602232168-9QOWU422BUDBOC01T3TQ/FB_IMG_1621822874548.jpg Sam - “ I grew up only playing the piano, and was in a band for a few years. However, the khim had a whole new notation system, playing style, and songs.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1657602356763-0S368QRGC837CZ4YUP3O/1621304768822..jpg Sam - “In the Fall of 2010, I began learning to play traditional classical Lao music in the Fall of 2010, and I had no mentor, just YouTube.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1657634495912-XQ5JX8T0PSRT8BLGRA0Z/unsplash-image-kkdzHCrHjgU.jpg Sam - “A few years later, I had the opportunity to meet Acharn Dr. Thaworn Sriphong in Bangkok, Thailand who has been my biggest mentor for the Lao xylophone, called lanad aek, and the music of the sacred Piphat Ensemble.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659588027112-ZLCCU0DG6AJWGCEJS6IC/received_3239846876244107.jpeg Sam - “My first lesson with Dr. Thaworn was the first time I was introduced to the instrument. It was a pivotal moment in my love of traditional Lao music. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659588470094-6PGMCCMJQ14O6ES5QFIM/1621300979866..jpg Sam - “These days, I frequently take online lessons with him. It is a blessing to maintain his mentorship and learn from one of the most skillful teachers of the lanad aek musical instrument.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659588691449-5H7MSFQ1XXA29M56VMU3/unsplash-image-MmH-SkhqfdA.jpg Sam - “The musical traditions of Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia are similar, have coexisted, evolved and intermingled with each other for centuries. I believe that there isn’t one better than the other, but three unique and distinct styles.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659589863241-TDV1R1P5X4LBZ7XKT85S/unsplash-image-93W0xn4961g.jpg Sam - “I didn’t focus on my love for Lao classical music throughout my years attending the University of North Georgia with a BA in Modern Languages with a focus in Mandarin Chinese, and minoring in anthropology. Living in small college apartments and working part time, I did not have the desire to play or practice music at all.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659589645241-JWJE25ETIQNUQK6YW4FW/unsplash-image-UgA3Xvi3SkA.jpg Sam - “I remember coming home several times and saying to my mom “I want to get rid of all of the instruments and sell them, since I don’t play them anymore”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659590151683-R1IE0LU1WPLLDDCX1VJ7/unsplash-image-3-HV0B1KqMw.jpg Sam - “I initially wanted to use the money to buy better quality instruments if I ever wanted to play again. I never went forward to sell them, but all throughout college, I had felt that a part of me was missing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659619809963-GSNL1PMTO382UGU4147E/IMG_0019.JPG Sam - “My career goal at the time was to work in linguistics and translation using my reading and writing fluency in Lao, Mandarin, and English. However, I truly missed diving into my passion for our culture and arts.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659621336476-R9IENUOZ8SYU3VL00W6J/unsplash-image-vHnVtLK8rCc.jpg Sam - “February 2021 was the month that changed my life. I was asked by a few Lao community leaders to cook a few dishes and desserts, and to play some background Lao music for an intimate gathering. I accepted and it was a night I will never forget.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659734718340-RWEFXFG5EH5YCJA0TNFE/20211003_163851.jpg Sam - “I got to reconnect with several members of the Lao community and talk about my passions for our culture and food.“ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659765267380-F3RNIG3DP1TOFBOY4B9L/20210801_155920.jpg Sam - “One Nasao there, Nasao Kinna Vichathep, asked me if I could teach private khim lessons. We started learning the next weekend after the event. After a few lessons, Nasao Kinna asked me to teach her younger sister and niece as well.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659808011937-YNJH5D096WQD7X6VKWMF/FB_IMG_1621838874763.jpg Sam - “ I decided to build a small music group as we started getting more attention and interests, and we named our music group Jalern Sinh ຈະເຣີນສິລປ໌. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659808195628-OVI6CELVKJWVF7AO78KE/20211017_131746.jpg Sam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659811468633-87UXMNV7330EO2OR76WM/20211017_144937.jpg Sam - “After the establishment of Jalern Sinh, we have had so much love and support from the elders and others in the community, and this made me realize how much of an impact I can make and how much I desire for this to be a lasting part of my life and my future.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659813351547-R49KNTB8WM6MTYG2EHKT/1621304768822..jpg Sam - “Our classical music is traditionally taught orally from teacher to student, and without notes to go by. Therefore, I have made it a goal to immortalize our music and notate these songs, recording and archiving them for future generations.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659880072028-ASC8H5FL2RJWBUFLBU47/unsplash-image-EjmcT09e3Jg.jpg Sam - “Since I teach multiple instruments, all of the students required different notes, different levels of difficulty sheet music, and different notation systems. In addition to all of that, having to notate each song was extremely time consuming.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659880255317-66NDWUDET4LVNU2BEDKN/unsplash-image-oSqpgc3ttRs.jpg Sam - “Since I’ve decided to teach and preserve our traditional music, that meant sacrificing a stable full time job, and that was the most difficult decision I had made.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659880558590-XGK3MXDEAO2XYNJAFVKI/1621304760616..jpg Sam - “I felt ashamed for leaving behind our classical music and being disconnected from our culture. I told myself to not give up and to take every opportunity to learn and improve.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659882749148-K7L4YOAJHN1C6FA9K42X/unsplash-image-xIf7c61C1fw.jpg Sam - “Looking back, I did not realize the depth in complexity of our culture and the impact that misinformation and ignorance could have on it. After years of learning various things correctly from my mentors, Acharn Bandith and Dr. Thaworn, I experienced extramental growth of my love and respect for our culture.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659883571058-H9S6UKMYBPS1S2SGX94G/received_1255824234842353.jpeg Sam - “Going forward, I would like to see more established programs in Georgia where younger generations can properly learn about our culture.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659883949447-MQXJDLLX4MYQ6W3GXQ9D/unsplash-image-ohXrVLI1MLw.jpg Sam - “I would love to teach Lao music to more students and to be able to send students to Laos to further their education on our culture. I want to establish a short-term teaching program where Acharn Bandith, Dr. Thaworn, or other highly qualified educators of the Lao arts to teach in Georgia. Also, I want to have them lead a music performance opportunity for us to pay respects to the gods, guardians and spirits of our fine arts in honor of our Lao culture. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659884846432-42EJ0RIS38V0I64IG7UZ/received_296161212369554.jpeg Sam - “I love being able to share the beauty and complexity of our arts and culture through home cooked food, inviting friends to join in for temple festivals and celebrations, even teaching them how to cook their favorite Lao dish.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659885142039-PM810ULJ6LIW52ZA2TAB/received_154125856751927.jpeg Sam - “To other young Laotian Americans who are struggling to connect with our culture and language, I want to encourage each and every one of you to reach out to family, community leaders and elders.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1659885271254-0DFQIMQM4UO91LOG4YM6/IMG_0021.JPG Sam - “There are resources out there and people eager to help you as well. Let’s work together to not let our culture, language and arts die with our generation.” https://www.vekonda.com/rosy daily 0.75 2022-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1667256590303-RZW8ZBL9YEMV3MGXDBNP/Screenshot_20220918_033400.jpg Rosy - “My full Lao name is Sengthida Lattanavong. My dad is from Myanmar and when I was born, he gave me the name Rosy. As a grew older, I asked my dad why he gave me the name Rosy, he said ‘because you remind me of a flower.’” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1667256663720-23ACUWOB0HDQI9H4OIOP/Screenshot_20220918_032134.jpg Rosy - “I am originally from Vientiane, Laos. Growing up, everyone, including all my family members call me Rosy. No one ever calls me Sengthida unless I am at a hospital where they have to go by my identification documents. Sengthida was only used on official documents because my mom wanted me to have a Lao name on the passport.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1667256681930-PGA76LIL2R4JTHCK8QTQ/Screenshot_20220918_032740.jpg Rosy - “Ever since I was little, I have always loved singing and it was always a dream of mine to become a singer-songwriter. Growing up in Laos, most people around me were either listening to English, Korean, or Thai songs. The lack of Lao representation in the music industry and the world in general drove me to pursue my goal to become a singer-songwriter.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1667259612122-J36ADAE3Y0QGMDFF042S/unsplash-image-jfU3_67YiwQ.jpg Rosy - “I get all my inspirations from YouTube videos. I love YouTube because that is where I watch all my favorite shows like American Idol, Britain's Got Talent, The Voice, America’s Got Talent, and X Factor US and UK.” “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1667256870412-YRPDPJ83WV1G2DLRY6PV/IMG_20220918_204740_707.jpg Rosy - “The most difficult decision I had to make is letting go of people who are not willing to grow with me. Growing up, I learned that not everyone is going to take me seriously because I consider music as my career. Not everyone is going to be happy for my success; however, I learned to be okay with that.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1667256796604-QRWLDVM0UD6TUVOM4VQO/Screenshot_20220918_033032.jpg Rosy - “I would definitely tell my younger self to be yourself, surround yourself with positive people, and do what makes you happy. Not everyone is going to love your idea or choices, but know that it is impossible to please everyone. Just be safe and live your dreams.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1667256626307-6GTCMVISH42VD55OT1SS/Screenshot_20220918_033230.jpg Rosy - “Over the next several years, I want to release more songs that incorporate Lao language in it so that I can continue to connect with the Lao community. I want to be able to set aside time to go on tour so I could physically meet and connect with those who listen to my music.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1667262103979-EEHZHOBFPYH2JFIYE7U2/unsplash-image-BMXTDz-wZT4.jpg Rosy - “What makes me unique is that my dad is from Myanmar and my mom is from Laos. Although I was born in Thailand, I grew up in Vientiane, Laos, and spent my whole school life at Vientiane International School.“ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1667256743516-J9SYS0I6WCVM6MI6D719/IMG_20220918_033649.jpg Rosy - I did not move to the U.S until I was 18 years old. What makes me different from other Lao Americans and Americans in general is that I grew up in a diverse family of many cultures. I am blessed to have seen so many cultures at home and school. My high school had a total of 80 nationalities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1667262984569-AZPBQFMD7IB3Z9LP6BJ0/unsplash-image-xZiHAa09Jcs.jpg Rosy - “What makes me stand out is that I love languages and as a result, I know how to speak Lao, Thai, English, Spanish, and a little bit of Burmese and Korean.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1667263642252-NNQN5PGKK8UXJWU6AHQT/IMG_4984.jpg Rosy - “I always find opportunities to share my culture with my friends by sharing Lao food with them, teaching them simple Lao phrases, and I sell Lao cultural themed stickers. The stickers are pictures I took in Laos.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1667264044335-LFSPVLSOMIIBON89DCUB/unsplash-image-AvlRdQsLzbE.jpg Rosy - “If I had a whole day to myself, I would spend most of my days in the mountains, or by the beach, away from civilization and technology. I'd either be hiking, writing music, or sketching.” https://www.vekonda.com/tommy daily 0.75 2023-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1675001654438-TL6XDHAKI06OLQ0IRL8T/unsplash-image-p-I9wV811qk.jpg Tommy - “I used to walk home listening to hard techno and when no one was looking, I would start shuffling. Eventually my friends at school started break dancing, but I was always into freestyle dancing, or the more correct term, street dancing.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/8151f521-154a-479a-950f-a7299546c277/295724149_3307934989530732_6298949751041663343_n.jpg Tommy - “I danced for almost 10 years before I started it more seriously and started training in January of 2022.“ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1674602677288-CU6GOZ8IX7ZG490LWX8Z/unsplash-image-0BNUQLgYGdk.jpg Tommy - “My main inspiration for dancing is simply to enjoy music! It's how I express myself and it's what makes me feel alive.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/a5a62a6c-afd1-4eb2-83ac-e0c1bd93a3cd/277588620_5238701749515778_2975134547224770387_n.jpg Tommy - “Out of all the people I have met while dancing, the one who I can call my mentor is Justin Sazon, formerly known as B-boy season, who is now an executive pastry chef at Nolita Hall in San Diego.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1674531391366-BDL5Z83B40EB6VP4KK5B/unsplash-image-Q_I_KXerapE.jpg Tommy - “I've had many hobbies growing up but I could never escape dancing. Going to the mall, going to the grocery store, you always hear a song playing and sometimes you just can't help but do a little groove to it.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1674531808045-XZYS0TZELLZX1VFNLP6H/unsplash-image-f7YQo-eYHdM.jpg Tommy - “Although my main hobby is dancing, I currently study Aerospace Engineering at Cal Poly Pomona as of August 2022. I grew a passion for astronomy when I read a book about space in the 6th grade and it's been my dream to explore the stars ever since.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1674531925818-32K8UEAUU28A097OG3NI/unsplash-image--p-KCm6xB9I.jpg Tommy - “Growing up watching Star Wars and playing Halo also contributed to this passion. My current engineering mentor is Rodrigo Leon, an old friend from high school who is a nuclear engineer now. I don't know what I would do without him, he's taught me a lot of what I know about engineering to this day.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/783d6463-1ccd-4331-922e-4f07b11f3881/244992971_4673363249382967_1409043927371066546_n.jpg Tommy - “The most difficult decision in my pursuit of goals was choosing what university to transfer to. Choosing a school was difficult because it meant I had to choose between my heart and my career. San Diego is where I started training as a dancer and found my dance family. Our group name is Sauce Park because we practice weekly at a park we named Sauce Park. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/a0da8027-f958-4aab-93fd-0a0829a2ad74/22406558_1946913445632900_3769277629686076550_n.jpg Tommy - “Although San Diego is where my heart lies, I chose to go to Cal Poly Pomona in Paloma, CA instead of San Diego State University because I felt the chances for career opportunities in becoming an aerospace engineer were better. And even if it means I may now peddle back on dancing to focus more on engineering, I think I’ll be okay as long as I dance when my heart needs to.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/0abeab06-275f-459d-a9d9-338ba9d418c5/83478570_2553369661653939_8564278918389956608_n.jpg Tommy - “I would tell my younger self to learn how to manage time, and get started in STEM related opportunities in middle school. I dropped out of an engineering program in 12th grade because I didn't think I was cut out enough for it, I should have stuck with it.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1674605113908-9PMGJ0KAPPN4HC88OVIG/unsplash-image-2XpVkLppH_o.jpg Tommy - “I want to finish my Bachelors degree within 4 years max. By then I hope to have a decent looking resume filled with plenty of student projects and internships. Once I graduate, ideally I should have a job as an engineer!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/ee35b406-719f-4dce-9d6a-06fff7e0af30/31417068_2056005468057030_1449854876069658624_n.jpg Tommy - “Growing up Lao American, I was resistant to learn how to speak Lao or even learning about Laos at all. Nowadays, I take my friends to local Lao restaurants or invite them over to eat at my house or at my family’s.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1674528834025-HVW7IBRK9IRR3L6K1VKT/unsplash-image-9G1kXjqOq4U.jpg Tommy - “ I've also met Lao people who didn't grow up with Lao culture, so the first thing I do is make sure they get back to their roots. I will take them to the temple, celebrate Lao New Year with them, and show them what Lao food is all about.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1674604761276-Q3N46N836GP1VA9B154Y/unsplash-image-a8lTjWJJgLA.jpg Tommy - “I've grown so much at a point in time when I desperately needed self fulfillment.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589229964092-7FN5XL0BKJ29X100MP1L/IMG_5964.jpeg Tommy - “What I love about being Lao is our food. Most foods don't feel complete unless I have sticky rice on my plate. I love exploring other cultures and their foods, but Lao food is where home is.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/c3409705-1ba3-4357-8901-10a8c17b31e8/Screenshot_20230124_065033.png Tommy - “Strangely enough however, I am completely content with starting my dance training journey as late as I have. This is because I've met so many wonderfully inspiring people in my life. https://www.vekonda.com/sirena daily 0.75 2023-01-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1a9a2d04-7612-4309-b2ba-cffa0908b4ef/thumbnail_IMG_0722.jpg Sirena Yang - “I began pursuing my dream as a singer and became a recording artist because I've always felt that God put me on earth to fulfill a greater purpose and gave me such a gift. I started singing at a young age for church, and have been singing ever since.“ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/a37a05a3-6e61-4970-a70f-0aafdbc8bb4b/thumbnail_image0.jpg Sirena Yang - “Over the next few years, I aim to be an international pop artist.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1668742926104-TLLRQ3O4ILDQLI012C0H/unsplash-image-DePmol2kYdY.jpg Sirena Yang - “My parents did not teach my siblings and me Lao because Mien is the main language our family speaks, and getting us to speak and learn one language was already a struggle. My siblings and I always spoke English, and my parents would bribe us with candy and money to get us to speak more Mien.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1668743727105-UL1ET9HU7W0VB3FIO1E7/unsplash-image-mFz-2Wqp_ow.jpg Sirena Yang - “I'm a mixture of Lao, Mien, & Chinese. Mien people are often surprised that my last name is ‘Yang’. It is my dad’s Chinese last name. Although, my great-grandpa is Chinese, I identify as South East Asian lu Mien. My mom's maiden name is Saelee, which is one of the 12 Iu Mien tribes. My Mien name is Famh Chiem.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1668744384032-UWV3PPECX2SRZG2C0BR8/unsplash-image-LyuO4HcFJfM.jpg Sirena Yang - “Something that I've dealt with all my life, which I'm sure many of my Mien/Lao brothers & sisters have experienced, is explaining to people where I'm from. I've always had to say, "I'm Mien [and/or Lao] from Laos. It's a small country next to Thailand." The typical response would be, "Oh, I love Thai food!" And I simply smile only to be polite but at the same time, I'm judging the individual for their ignorance. I've had times where I've told people I'm Thai just so that I don't have to go into providing others a geographical or historical lesson. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/70fb1c3f-6668-451e-9d5a-d09902946618/thumbnail_6L1A0890.jpg Sirena Yang - “The goal then was to no longer have to deal with conversations where people don't know who we are. However now, I want to make the “invisible” exist as relayed in one of my singles, ‘M.I.E.N.’“ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/3a9ffe69-4065-44cf-ba50-43e294e677be/thumbnail_IMG_2026.jpg Sirena Yang - “I want to be a pioneer for the Iu Mien & Lao community and broaden our voice in music and even film.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/cdb836b8-c1a5-411d-b66e-15775c565a66/thumbnail_17BC061C-733E-41C6-B8F1-813D8664F6A7.jpg Sirena Yang - “I don't necessarily have a mentor, but my label InRage Entertainment developed my skills as an entertainer over the years. I owe a lot of my musical growth to my InRage family, Ebony, and Automatic Vanderveer. I was discovered by the former A&R Blackbird, who introduced me to Auto & Ebony. They all saw something special in me since day one and push me to aim higher for my goals and be a better artist.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/b13dd89e-f8d8-4f3e-a9f6-85c060fa2a12/Screenshot+2022-11-17+11.42.43+PM.png Sirena Yang - “I have my BA degree in English and thought I was going to be an English professor, but I chose to pursue my music career instead. Choosing to follow my passion over a career of stability was the most difficult decision I had made. It was difficult to disappoint my dad when I chose to not further my education after getting my degree.“ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/5a4ce7c5-8d3f-4baa-ace3-6e438d6bfabf/thumbnail_6L1A1027.jpg Sirena Yang - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.vekonda.com/dera daily 0.75 2022-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/56d69153-7e18-46a7-b457-bc29ebe0e1ac/Dera+at+Alameda+market.JPG Dera Teso - “After reassessing my priorities during covid lockdowns and stress-related health issues, I wanted to work on my own terms. I've always been inspired by traveling abroad, interior design, architecture, and Joanna Gaines of Magnolia.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/eef3aea7-3bd1-490b-a779-0847eddb7a21/neutral+designs.JPG Dera Teso - “Pretty places and baskets are my passion! So if Joanna can do it, I can also bring my own style and cultural perspective to home decor and build a business with a personal touch.“ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1670047018402-YQ4KB3PID978SF00JRWG/unsplash-image-N-BdZE5HyMg.jpg Dera Teso - “My full Lao maiden name is Deravanh Teso Boungnaseng. After I got married it's Deravanh ('Dera' for short) Teso Campbell. Teso is my Dad's last name, and Boungnaseng is my Mom's last name.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/6ff36904-ec43-44ea-a408-2e0a37b46a87/Lao+ikat+pillows.JPG Dera Teso - “I've always wanted to be an entrepreneur, use my creativity, and showcase the beautiful Lao and Thai handmade crafted designs to a wider audience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/56b43c73-999d-4474-94db-4b8fcf059c78/Lao+skirt.JPG Dera Teso - “I took a break from my successful career in the corporate world of media advertising and where I had worked hard to be one of the few Asian females on the executive team, to pursue my dream of owning a small business, even if it meant a no guarantee on stable income.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/4db73e4c-739b-4c20-a804-cd4a56ec0a78/Screenshot+2022-12-03+10.57.58+AM.png Dera Teso - “I've learned that being an entrepreneur is harder than it looks! If you're used to having co-workers, expense accounts, or following a company's roadmap, then to doing everything by yourself is very humbling, yet ultimately rewarding.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/3cebbba3-d128-4857-b40c-a83e5e9b10ce/Screenshot+2022-12-03+11.05.28+AM.png Dera Teso - “I have the freedom and flexibility to put as much effort as I want into my own business, while being a mom to three kids, wife, and board member of a nonprofit.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1670047873278-TTBMOEPV6INVBNLA5WMJ/unsplash-image-CkTgKeRL0Sw.jpg Dera Teso - “Learn from every mistake.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1670047930720-T55J8Z9SQBEJ3CIEQH92/unsplash-image-BrZbi_G255c.jpg Dera Teso - “Say "yes" to new things and "no" when you feel overwhelmed.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1670048049588-DRXRQ2GKMR56SMOGU7IY/unsplash-image-HQuYAV2Zaak.jpg Dera Teso - “Keep going even when it's challenging.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/3bb58d96-08c2-430a-879c-6bf998561934/baskets.JPG Dera Teso - “Approach hard things with a positive attitude, as these experiences teach you life skills about resilience, setting boundaries, and problem solving. It's not possible to build something from scratch if you are not disciplined and intentional in the beginning.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/0900ba30-c661-491a-ac7f-7b0c97ab7694/Ubon+baskets.JPG Dera Teso - “I hope to expand my partnerships with female entrepreneurs and artisans across Laos.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1670084189485-Y5HSR8HODQRD2M6WKVF1/unsplash-image-RFT4YauTBs4.jpg Dera Teso - “As a result of COVID, logistically it has been difficult to manage the high prices of shipping. It has also been difficult to find collaborators that create contemporary designs through the Lao traditional weaving methods as a means to appeal to the clientele of modern style. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/bd039e18-4515-42de-90ef-e75ace0ec33f/Screenshot+2022-12-03+1.24.22+PM.png Dera Teso - “By 2027, I want to see more Lao Americans lead in sourcing, merchandising, and telling stories about our own heritage.” Read Dera’s blog, “Supporting Female-owned Local Businesses.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1bbfc9f1-be31-49ce-bdbc-88193e394689/Screenshot+2022-12-03+1.40.03+PM.png Dera Teso - “Why are there more people than us who are owning and commercializing our culture and products?” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/eef3aea7-3bd1-490b-a779-0847eddb7a21/neutral+designs.JPG Dera Teso - “I hope that Lao artisanal designs will soon become as mainstream as our delicious Lao food as we continue to highlight Lao crafts that are elegant, modern, and sustainable.“ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1132e9a3-c0b3-49b6-abb2-1d112d6dd180/Lao+desserts_baskets.JPG Dera Teso - “I love homemade Lao food and desserts, and how we're always planning the next meal while eating the current one.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/260bd735-6db3-4041-a87f-210cb7cb772a/278578411_396038932368732_89765854896757880_n.jpg Dera Teso - “I didn't appreciate the community aspect of being Lao when I was younger, but now I can't imagine life without it. I'm the youngest of 5 siblings, and if you grew up in a big family like mine, it can be exhausting to keep up!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1589479286131-DRYKO8JV6ZBC0X3BUP67/466C5969-9BD7-47FE-A9CC-6B9A83184C74.jpg Dera Teso - “It is common to have in the kitchen 20+ family members like aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws at Lao gatherings. The atmosphere is always loud and fun. Lao people are extremely generous. We will always make too much food and insist that everyone take leftovers home!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/38b78eed-a57f-4bb0-a229-ee51edbaffe2/Screenshot+2022-12-03+1.53.30+PM.png Dera Teso - “I'm proud that I have a richer and more fulfilling purpose now that I've embraced doing more of the things I love. I surround myself with supportive people.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/b5f2f9f0-b8e6-45fe-89f7-a3821f24532e/Screenshot+2022-12-03+2.18.58+PM.png Dera Teso - “We have a great community of buyers, sellers, and followers. Through Kurated Style, I've met other Lao small business owners and creatives who share similar passions. We want to elevate what Lao artisans create for others to enjoy.” Visit Dera’s business Kurated Style homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/7e21e7a3-06af-46ce-ba9e-bbdf788d8977/Screenshot+2022-12-03+2.22.54+PM.png Dera Teso - “I try to incorporate both western and eastern aesthetics to design and actively curate our collections, so I think my unique personal lens and emphasis on handmade products is what sets us apart.” https://www.vekonda.com/nina daily 0.75 2023-02-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1676131886166-D0ZNZSQOM5KYBOYIJZH1/IMG_7799.jpg Nina - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/7237f65d-02a0-4177-b027-5b52b44b2c8b/IMG_3157.jpeg Nina - “I escaped from Laos to Thailand at the age of 13 with my 3 sisters and my aunt and uncle. A man, who we met there, drove us to the Thai Army station to continue the refugee process.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/eeb01e86-2826-4fe5-888b-e4c60dc3bc89/IMG_2687.jpg Nina - “The Thai army men tried to rob us of our money, but we didn’t have any for them to take. Then they drove us to the Mukdahan Thailand Jail, where we stayed for 33 days. There we had to pretend our aunts and uncles were our parents, so we called them “mom” and “dad”. There weren’t enough clothes for us, so my aunt gave me one of her sinh to wear. My sister and I took turns wearing a shirt. I only had one pair of underwear, and no pads to use on my menstrual days.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1675291943306-2F8A9Z11WNLVXIXNUURI/unsplash-image-AlBi3xI70R0.jpg Nina - “The wives of the Thai police officers made us wash dirty dishes from their weekend parties and hand wash their laundry. We picked up trash around the police station. We rarely went outside. We slept on a hardwood floor and straw mats in small prison rooms along with four other refugee families. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1675292343306-XTILHPM6B7A5860KDVH4/unsplash-image-7AcMUSYRZpU.jpg Nina - “Our next refugee camp was Ban Napho in Thailand, where we stayed for 8 months. Compared to others like us, that’s a short period of time. My uncle was the head of the Lao Army that served Laos before the communist took over our country. If it wasn’t for my uncle’s network and connections we would’ve stayed longer.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1675291459332-FLX7GSIOVIA4G5YI0RJW/unsplash-image-nsxHZZUALvM.jpg Nina - “We only had about ฿ 1000 Thai Baht, which was only worth about $100 US dollars back then. We decided to build a camp hut to live in with that money. While the camp hut was being built, we stayed in another hut with some distant family members who were also there living in the camp. They already had 9 family members living in that one hut, but managed to let us stay with them temporarily. The camp provided frozen sardines 3 times a week. We ate frozen sardines for almost every meal. Although there were Thai markets along the camp fence, we had very little money to spend.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/dbd76dba-9d84-488d-8791-ca700a6fde45/IMG_7794.jpg Nina - “We didn’t have much food. The camp provided us with raw fish and meat for us to cook it ourselves. We had very little money to buy any other food.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1675296173856-95FXNJ56QEHHNH2JA2OR/unsplash-image-_5xHDYhHyHk.jpg Nina - “After three weeks there, we were sent to Bataan Philippines Refugee Camp, where we stayed there for 7 months and were treated more like people. There was a bus, which always overflowed with students, that we could take to go to school. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/ef17c39d-1455-451d-8d6c-1abe1762122e/IMG_7795.jpg Nina - “The camp provided a variety of appliances and food for us to cook, like salt, sugar, coconuts, and sweet potatoes.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1675297317963-2S5WBHTDRZRN68WY6RS8/unsplash-image-EPYxhoGSdDQ.jpg Nina - “They even provided pads for my menstrual days. Even though the disposable pads were cheaply made, I was grateful to not have to reuse fabric as pads anymore.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/9d05e8f7-2a80-487a-8fab-ccb5bb5f9218/IMG_3313.jpeg Nina - “I had a group of friends to hang with and we would walk to school together. Eventually, some of my friends left the camp, moving on to live in the U.S. and not all in the same states, or went to live in a different country. There was not much social media back then to keep in close touch. We did manage to get the addresses of their sponsors to find a way to eventually get in touch somehow.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/5dddee89-6a85-4864-a1e9-ca3b4e928d1c/IMG_3318.jpeg Nina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/346a5d77-30b3-4374-a072-221f591bdb56/IMG_3217.jpeg Nina - “On April 26, 1986, we arrived at NYC airport where we were provided with winter coats because we only had thin clothes on our backs. It was cold. We got on a connecting flight to Rochester, NY to be with our family that settled before us. We didn’t have our parents with us, but it was just us, two sisters and one brother.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1675367133240-HCPGB37WPOGDUJHLADCG/unsplash-image-VDhBKvg1_HQ.jpg Nina - “We were all poor. We received food stamps and welfare for two years. It was very little but it was better than nothing, until we could get on our own feet. We spent weekends picking fruits in the farms to earn a little bit more money. We found someone who owned an old car to carpool with to get to the farm.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1675367441124-9GQJ6SH3QXL39XK0AUEF/unsplash-image-1lmGTHdQdjM.jpg Nina - “At age 16, I started schooling in the 6th grade because I didn’t know much English. The following year, I took English Second Language courses, or ESL, in the mornings at an elementary school, then would commute to a junior high school to take math, English, and more ESL.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1675367726513-CEPBUST99HJP9E3IAS28/unsplash-image-EL_1-pVO2gw.jpg Nina - “After grade school, I attended a community college to obtain my associate. I then continued on to a private university in Rochester, NY called the Rochester Institute of Technology. I only attended for two semesters and then quit because I had no money, no car, and not enough resources overall to support my schooling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/18ffed6f-8c4d-412d-82e9-b99b372a3902/IMG_7797.jpg Nina - “Even having been under an school assistance program for students, with no additional income, the money was still not enough, so I quit school. I went on to work in a factory, got married, had a son, and continued living in Rochester for 14 more years before moving to Austin, TX in June 2000.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/a1e948dc-91b1-4f1c-b423-d9e5484b389c/IMG_7800.jpg Nina - “By the time I got married I still wasn’t much of a cook, but I had to cook more because it was my duty to put food on the table while my husband worked.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1675368765065-F06ZPF17J88KIKBC3JRC/unsplash-image-Y678onxFoJI.jpg Nina - “I was the youngest out of 10 children, but two have passed and now I’m the youngest of 8. I didn’t really learn to cook much. It wasn’t until after I left Laos that I learned to cook rice and the basics of making soup.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/f760b432-c4ee-417d-b09c-34483db9e794/IMG_7799.jpg Nina - “Over the following years, I began to build my passion for cooking. I’d watched cooking videos on YouTube, and watched so many for at least seven years before I decided to put aside my fears of never having done my own videos before or edit videos, and finally I started my own cooking channel on YouTube ‘Lao American Lady’.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/ce3e701c-11f8-4f1a-86d0-ceb81742c3b7/IMG_7798.jpg Nina - “My motivation was the thought of wanting my children to access my videos and learn how to cook our favorite Lao dishes when they’re away from home. I want them to have that comfort. I also want to help others learn to cook Lao food and learn about the culture.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1675368984107-885OFN8LN4VDCI61DO2G/unsplash-image-F9oP57jeSmQ.jpg Nina - “As I’ve looked back at my first few old videos, I’ve deleted many of them because the production had been poor. I didn’t have a camera holder and my edit cuts were bad.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/5abbe92d-7b87-43d3-b8c1-0e19a7ff80ae/IMG_7796.jpg Nina - “It took me 3.5 years to reach 1000 subscribers, but I never gave up. I just kept uploading videos. Some of the dishes I share are not Lao food, but it’s what I put on my table to serve my family. I would consider my Lao dishes to be at least 97 percent authentic. I hope people will enjoy my cooking nevertheless.” https://www.vekonda.com/dara daily 0.75 2023-05-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/c980a702-6aa1-4be1-b088-8833aa8d7eaa/DSC_3759.JPG Dara - “My name is Dara Insixiengmay. I was born in the United States, raised on the east coast, and now living in Los Angeles!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/afc28808-4c26-45f2-bd27-e0c9e883b234/20180319_164414_1521492292599.jpg Dara - “I have a passion for animation. My childhood was filled with inspiring animated stories through my favorite video games, cartoons, and films.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/bff4ec20-bcf1-4c79-95ac-ed3d8c76bf51/image1+%281%29.jpg Dara - “Most of my growth in skill can be highly attributed to my peers, professors, and the artist community in general. Working with such inspiring and talented individuals has fueled much of the motivational drive to improve.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/849d6e65-6264-471c-bfbc-07a1da6f9ebd/IMG_9105.JPEG Dara - “The collaborative process of creating film through fun narratives and stylistic visuals with other talented individuals fills me with much joy as well as the desire to entertain. To be an artist was natural to me, but to find a practical job out of it was entirely different.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/078864df-7218-4c2c-8179-4ee6003e3c65/20200602_Z_Celebrations_Traditional_Garments_FINAL_CMYK.jpg Dara - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1676235923735-EZL2S5AKD0J657VHPCIG/unsplash-image-Epeae0kG3T8.jpg Dara - “I made a risky decision to pursue higher education for a career that doesn’t necessarily require a degree.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/2c5320b6-9385-41d3-90c7-e8747644cb14/unknown.jpeg Dara - “However, my pursuit made sense to me because I had lacked formal industry training and needed the environment to grow” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/28fa72b8-eb28-4100-8b67-f13c5a6f9950/IMG_1331.jpg Dara - “It also meant three things: that education wouldn’t bring guaranteed success, that it was expensive, and that I had to uproot my life to a completely unfamiliar area far from home, which was all daunting. But I was fiercely determined to make everything work to accomplish my goals, so I don’t regret it.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1676236358792-24IRV7A37BN6WIS0BFM8/unsplash-image-3_o3u8AeQw8.jpg Dara - “Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned over the past years are to allow myself the time for experimentation and to be forgiving of the results if it doesn’t come out as expected.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/c0f7dd96-3604-44ff-8f81-dffac1dac7fc/20200602_015003.jpg Dara - “There is so much you can learn and grow from experimenting in the beginning of any project. Don’t box yourself and rush in with your initial ideas.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/99c2bc29-2189-4623-9993-5f8a71d42967/unknown2.jpeg Dara - “I realized that I can bring the best out of my projects if I give myself enough time to explore different methods, materials, perspectives, and inspirations. And of course, not every idea or method will work out. It is easy to call efforts that were not successful “a failure” and to believe it is a waste of time, but every single bit of the journey is part of your development as an artist because you explored.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/117440b5-e4f7-4ef5-84f9-aa3a29be3881/DSC_3757.JPG Dara - “These lessons aren't just for creative endeavors, it’s applicable to anything! Experimentation in general has helped me explore who I am as a person, my career, and my values on top of my own projects.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1676239679880-5YA091Z2R5KBLO7YMWC8/unsplash-image-tOE_YF0J6fI.jpg Dara - “As I work towards the future, I plan to continue growing as an artist. I want to expand beyond my current career in game development and explore paths in feature and/or television animation. I’m always torn between wanting to jump onto exciting mainstream projects versus experimenting with indie projects.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/61f634ef-acc3-4e08-991a-4b82fa3a5705/IMG_20220506_131537_739.jpg Dara - “It’s always been a dream of mine to have my name in the credits of a feature animated film. There aren’t a lot of Lao names in the credits of mainstream western media in general. I want to be part of the change I want to see and to be able to show that Lao people have a place in Hollywood. So over the next decade, I strive to be there.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/b1ed97f9-aec0-42a0-ba0c-b58fc8d26b50/image0-8.jpg Dara - “Honestly, my journey and growth as a 3D artist has really impressed me. Four years back, I had absolutely zero knowledge in 3D art programs.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/dfbb0ff5-6795-4289-b67f-993f85dca69c/20190200_Z_GoodLuckBracelet.jpg Dara https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/4fb0c02e-64c3-4a56-9519-5f3254eb2142/Screenshot_20221005-010038_Instagram.jpg Dara - “I truly embrace the close-knit Lao community and the familial feelings of relationships I have with other Lao people irregardless of blood ties. It involves treating all as family and sharing things or experiences that bring us joy.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/8e04381a-4968-429b-8425-30eeb9120137/Screenshot_20221005-131539_Instagram.jpg Dara - “This of course also translates over to friends who are like family to me. I love to get them involved in the aspects of Lao culture. It brings me joy whether it is sharing Lao meals, Pi Mai festivities, tying yarn bracelets on each other's wrists, or inviting them over for family gatherings!” https://www.vekonda.com/cooklaofood daily 0.75 2026-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/d082cb8f-da5f-44d4-8f56-a272d46a72c6/IMG_2819.jpg Lao Dinner Parties - Seek more Lao food. https://www.vekonda.com/derick-seng daily 0.75 2023-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/7dad00a1-2c0e-4a56-ba0f-b40fe7e370ce/Prayer.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “Sabaidee! Hello! My name is Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. I am from, what I like to call, PhiLAOdelphia, (Philadelphia).” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1679697373749-HRU9D3Z9HJ0QLQ0WA6QS/unsplash-image-RyLsRzy9jIA.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “My name, Sengsavanh, was created by combining my parent’s names. It also continues the family line of Sengs. Almost every member of my family’s first name starts with Seng. Seng in Lao, means Light.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1679697834577-QND96Z8PU39RB1MQPUUQ/unsplash-image-_rmULTYorYQ.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “My name means, the light from Heaven. Or Heaven’s Light. This name was gifted to me and I’ve taken it upon myself to uphold my name by being Heaven’s Light towards life and to my peers. When I was really young I quickly understood that every single person has a story of life hardships.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1679697574133-CSUEMYOA49BSYE1WMN1D/unsplash-image-Mu3T3DmvQQw.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “I knew it was important to always be kind to others and to never judge someone based on observation or assumption. I also longed for world peace. My mindset has always been my proudest trait. My name, Sengsavanh, has always been my superpower.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/e776b97f-f0af-47e7-8649-0098cd0f7847/Phakhao.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “There are many life goals that I uphold myself to achieve in this lifetime. One of my goals is to help lift and spread the Lao diaspora and share my culture with anyone who is willing to be open, listen, and embrace.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/b9dfc2a9-23bf-4ac3-a44c-e77f05d582d8/Graduation.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “Growing up heavily exposed to my culture and in a community that was in open arms, I knew the importance of our history, and our future.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1679624270922-GSFDIW55C2YU2XW6KI6R/unsplash-image-qcZbas2swPg.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “Back in the 1970’s, my grandparents escaped Laos on a small boat late in the night, crossing the Mekong River to Thailand. Just like many other similar stories, starting life over in America was not easy. My grandmother went back to school, earned her college degree and achieved a license in cosmetology.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/a37a9774-e4ff-4fa1-a487-91f9b2f237aa/Salon.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “She successfully opened her own hair salon and it was the first business to open in the now established 7th Street Business District. A home to a diverse community of refugees and immigrants.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1679696012798-QQCEYDK5XKBUFVZMZ9HE/unsplash-image-FnZKE3owM1o.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “Still standing after 36 years, the salon has now become a family business managed and operated by three generations of our Lao family. My families’ sacrifice, hard work, and dedication inspires me everyday to continue to strive towards success. They are my rock and my light.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/c5bac911-383f-4473-9029-ae27505375f4/Screenshot+2023-03-23+203047.png Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “I have decided to become the third generation to operate the salon. I received my license of cosmetology to assist my family in leading our small business towards success. In the past year, our family salon has been highlighted in Visit Philly’s Top 20 Asian-owned businesses.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1679696201304-ZNHTYYXKXN6CM67IV5N7/unsplash-image-WBpr_yH0Frg.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “The salon has also been featured in The Cultural Fabric publication emphasizing the Lao community in Philadelphia. Working at a Lao salon has become a great chance for me to meet many people within the Lao community. I’ve learned to converse in our native language, and have grown a true sense of community while being there.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/a648b2f7-8f0e-4bdd-88be-062609915066/Vax+1.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “I used my bilingual powers to aid in assisting Lao people in receiving their yearly flu shots, and more recently in receiving their Covid-19 vaccination doses at local clinics where language translations weren’t available.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/ec77768d-5d3a-426e-922e-a24659098941/Screenshot+2023-03-24+7.23.53+PM.png Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “The community in PhiLAOdelphia especially, has been my greatest support system, inspiring me to work hard in spreading our stories to uplift Lao people and culture.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/e3bb08a8-9702-4895-bad7-b27d6e807ce6/Vax+2.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “What I embrace most about being Lao is our story. Although many of us have lived the same history, our stories still remain individually different and unique. Each story is golden and holds so much emotion and value. Every voice speaks a different tone, and every word is written in a different font.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/d7b1a558-e8f1-4a33-ad25-82ebf737ef7d/Full+Lao+Fit.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “I also take inspiration from many other Lao community leaders across the country that I’ve been honored to meet and learn from. These leaders use their own platforms and unique mediums to push the narrative and do their part for the community. Seeing others working hard for our people inspires me to do my part.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/0f152821-ba3c-432d-ae67-751aa551590c/LiTHBoys.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “During my process, I’ve had the chance to meet with Catzie Vilayphonh, founder of non-profit organization, Laos In The House. I instantly connected with the organizations’ mission of sharing Lao stories through the art of storytelling.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/94c14992-05ad-46f5-a16b-f0b1c124f8c0/Screenshot+2023-03-24+7.31.12+PM.png Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “And since the org was based in Philly, it was a no-brainer for me to become a volunteer.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1679698288257-QLCBEFDJ0AL19TLBKE56/unsplash-image-YKqWxfaV4oE.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “It’s been a few years since I began, and I am incredibly honored to have learned so much from being a volunteer with Laos In The House. I’ve gained meaningful relationships with my fellow volunteers and have also had the privilege to connect with many other Lao community leaders from around the world. Through this, I have attended community events from coast to coast. Overall learning from all of my experiences to better reach my goals.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/71991582-1431-4fc3-9497-97fa137d7d75/LFW+2018.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “I see myself continuing to utilize my voice and skill-sets to spread Lao culture. I also see myself within the entertainment industry, as a performer or entertainer proudly representing my people. One day I hope to become the voice of the first Lao Disney Prince.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1679698522806-4N751UENL4U3QLZ63AJB/unsplash-image-l3abtqeY38E.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “The closest goal to my heart and my dreams is to become a performer/entertainer. Ever since I was 6 years old, I have loved to sing. In high school, I joined the school choir and found my love for the stage while performing in school plays and musicals. During that time, my life was devoted to performing.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1679698672798-NMBO3NFQA8HGYSR8R63O/unsplash-image-NYrVisodQ2M.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “To this day, attending concerts always makes me emotional. It is my all-time dream to perform a concert and hear thousands of voices singing my lyrics back to me. However, once high school graduation was over, adult life had to begin. I put singing and performing on hold and focused on a career, like any good Asian son.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1679698884477-P2PR4PWFWAI5Z4C7300Y/unsplash-image-pJlJSnmv_uY.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “Putting a pause on music was my biggest regret. If there was a lesson I’d share with anyone, it would be to never give up on your dreams and to never stop practicing your passions. Recently, I’ve been trying to pick up where I left off, relearning notes, doing vocal lessons, and possibly picking up an instrument.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1679700020254-4AZHNX97UXKFXXNP9STB/unsplash-image-3wAPJB57w6s.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “Through these years, I’ve learned that success does not come knocking on your front door. If you really want to achieve a goal, you must work hard for it. The hardest part of starting something, is actually starting it. You have so many voices in your head trying to push you down, making up numerous excuses, but just start and the rest should naturally flow.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/bbb53c8e-211e-45b7-9a3e-676d56337d95/LFP.jpg Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “In the next few years, I hope to create more singing content and share my passion with the world on social media.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/9998c20e-945b-4fc4-898f-74a698506b3e/Screenshot+2023-03-24+7.38.10+PM.png Derick Sengsavanh Sananikone. - “My family enjoys hosting many parties, in which I always take the advantage to invite my non-Lao friends and even my Lao peers to step into our home, no shoes of course, and to enjoy Lao food together along with great conversations on the side. There’s nothing that brings people together as much as food.” https://www.vekonda.com/kim daily 0.75 2023-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/34550df2-1d9f-4235-9712-3a38d02f06c2/Chelsea%27s+Painting_artist+pic.jpg Kim - “I have always gravitated towards creativity, it almost feels instinctual to have this drive.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1681180283821-AL7Y3STVC7XZ284B6QL1/unsplash-image-QwoNAhbmLLo.jpg Kim - “At first, I was inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry night in kindergarten. I looked at a poster of it every day in class, but when I learned about his sad life story, I didn’t want to be an artist.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/d88d7302-c6f5-449f-ad83-7e224e53754a/Screenshot+2023-04-10+213721.png Kim - “I thought art would only lead me to a life of sadness but that’s not how I felt when I made art. I felt free and euphoric; it’s that feeling that kept me coming back to explore. My art is where I felt I was beginning to understand myself.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1681181372460-QO5ZDV0GLK452JH5O0L9/unsplash-image-fIoQ-aRycys.jpg Kim - “I lived in a diverse community of immigrants but it felt even less validating that even within diversity, I still felt so unknown—so I didn’t get into reflecting my cultural identity in my art until after art college.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/73d8d886-11e1-466d-8253-f3e9382f8dd1/IMG_5575.jpg Kim - “I had to explain to every new friend, teacher, and generally everyone who asked what Laos is and where it is on the map.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/75a5ed5b-5269-472e-ad4f-3d62754f289b/IMG_5159.jpg Kim - “I often didn’t feel like I had a place in this world because of my queer identity as well, so art was a form of healing and understanding myself that I practiced to survive those tougher years of adolescence and young adulthood.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/f799e1b9-a305-4502-93c9-bbaad70ec5a7/IMG_6958.JPG Kim - “I would say a big mentor in my life was my art teacher in high school. Her name is Katherine Wallestad. I also had a wonderful high school art teacher named Jennifer Bruck. These teachers nurtured a sense of self worth in me and through that I could flourish and dream big enough to help others feel that within themselves too.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/219273fe-3dde-4f59-9743-677e1873bde1/270+Million+Project.jpg Kim - “The 270 Million Project is one of my biggest projects right now. It consists of 270 abstract ink paintings inspired by Lao music, fundraising to help remove Secret War bombs from Laos.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/84000cba-857e-4cf7-98f2-a604a5c1edf2/270+Million+Project+Close+Up.jpg Kim - “I collaborate with Legacies of War to help advocate and educate about the bomb removal/history. I would tell myself beginning the project to think longer about how it will hang. It’s been some trial and error but I’m finally coming to a better install system for it. What I learned from this project is to think about the impact of a project before starting it. Who will it help and how will I do it?” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1681266404612-S4AQ86F0W9YC3C73JYSH/unsplash-image--unCfwpAi-4.jpg Kim - “Moving from Falls Church, VA to Brooklyn, NY would be one of my biggest decisions I’ve made to pursue my creative career. It was stressful because I moved within the pandemic but the pandemic got me thinking that I want to live in NYC in my 20s before I feel tired in my 30s.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/6866a8b3-debb-4d44-8c0f-84afd2a7eca9/Screenshot+2023-04-11+213044.png Kim - In the next 3 to 5 years I will publish my graphic novel ‘Origins of Kin and Kang’ about my bisexual coming out story and continue following what makes me happy in my work.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1681267176035-VEY2MERRXBVHJV6V9SPK/unsplash-image-koy6FlCCy5s.jpg Kim - “A perfect day to me looks like how I spent my 27th birthday. I went to a black trans youth lives matter rally, visited the zoo, bought tickets to go to the aquarium and basically planned fun things to do the rest of the month. I really like to use my birthday month as a time to indulge in play. I love city adventures and spending time with friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/703b9ffc-bad7-4a65-9399-178a4e12526a/Screenshot+2023-04-11+214049.png Kim - “I embrace Lao culture by doing things that make me happy. I love that Lao culture is about being together and sharing happiness.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/518582ae-48ff-4dcf-8447-22e761ad62b9/Screenshot+2023-04-11+214542.png Kim - “I’m Lao, Viet, genderqueer, bisexual and fat. Nothing is black and white for me and I think it’s beautiful to be on a gradient of experiences. Because I have a lot of identities, I can offer a range of perspectives.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/4620eea8-0aa2-4acd-ae9b-31cf326e862d/Screenshot+2023-11-18+181915.png Kim - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.vekonda.com/tito daily 0.75 2023-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/f2c141b3-57d0-46bf-b34b-8f00526c357d/21EA5D42-A0C2-4535-86D7-6F9D5580D4FA.JPG Tito - “My Name is Tito Linhsamout and I am from San Jose, CA. I set out to pursue my goals and all life endeavors to be able to provide and give back to my family and friends as much as possible while working towards self actualization.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1700351484302-JUYO92OI8DUMVFYMWFF6/image-asset.jpeg Tito - “I did not necessarily have a mentor per say with my pursuits since they have been so taboo growing up, but I have been fortunate to have amazing parents and siblings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1700351575040-4CQ49P2IHPCVZKEPEE3D/image-asset.jpeg Tito - “My inspiration for starting my guitar and musical journey is my Uncle who is blind. He taught himself how to play guitar at an extremely high level. It amazes me how talented and proficient he is at guitar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1e2c7c90-f669-4419-aaab-42daafca4a31/29C4D446-3C2D-4E1A-905A-CC8DD51280EE.JPG Tito - “I have learned to focus on the things I can control and do everything with passion. The advice that I would give to my younger self is to fall in love with the process and not be hyper focused on the desired end result. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/8ed08990-e656-40d4-9bff-c30eb4e11906/86DDEBFE-EEDD-4120-B57B-093CABF8069E.JPG Tito - “I hope that in the near future, I am still able to enjoy sharing my love for music by still releasing albums and touring with my band “The Trims” and also be able to provide help or mentorship to other young Asians who wish to pursue a life in music. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/dac222f2-f7d7-4d05-bd3b-535407873275/through+the+years+album+photo.png Tito https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/586809b0-51b9-4a90-8479-8d9add308580/The+Trims-8251.JPEG Tito - “The most difficult decision in pursuing my goals is an ongoing daily decision. That is deciding how much time and effort I can dedicate towards my passions without hurting my ability to be a good son, spouse, brother, and friend to those I love. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1700352148849-PW0AUDLEAMMB40Q6VK6K/image-asset.jpeg Tito - “I do not believe I am unique or stand out from others, but what I am proud of is the respect and humility my parents and siblings instilled in me. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/71cadb22-cc79-4a7d-90c7-72cfb1d1e681/52C43DEF-71F8-4AAA-B5A3-FF95BA9FA068.JPG Tito - “They taught me that life is not about what happens to you, but how you respond to the things that happen. The thing that I have the most control of is my attitude and actions towards others.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/b8938ba7-ddbe-43f6-b06d-c45afa781cfa/the+Trims+group+photo.png Tito - “If I had a whole day to myself, it would not be the ideal day for me. Although I have many hobbies and passions, it is the people I share those things with that make me happy.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1700352605046-901D4JNQFRL2DX7RD222/image-asset.jpeg Tito - “What I embrace most about being Lao is being proud of where my parents came from. They are the most amazing souls that I know and I am proud to be their child and a product of the Lao culture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/fd0987ef-0e70-4b9f-8a77-cb2d5b473bf7/tito+insta+ss.png Tito - “What I love most about the Lao culture is the humility and respect we show others and all living creatures. The best way I embrace the Lao culture with my friends is through the cuisine and hospitality.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/b8a8ed4f-0300-47a1-9d90-af5f5f15b1b0/TLP+LINK+PHOTO+SS.png Tito - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.vekonda.com/tina-meetran daily 0.75 2025-05-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1746207646210-1KPMHOOC7GUMLLWCNX68/unsplash-image-W5XTTLpk1-I.jpg Tina Meetran - My name is Tina, I’m 31 and from Rhode Island, where I’ve lived all my life except for my college years in Massachusetts. I hold a Bachelor’s in International Development and Social Change and a Master’s in Community Development and Planning. I’m a community advocate, artist, children’s book author, daughter of immigrants, and proud dog mom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/f73bf3e8-e50e-4b57-a9bb-d98badcfb481/IMAG1497.jpg Tina Meetran - When I was younger, this meant feeling ashamed of being different and disconnected from my roots. But now, it means fully embracing my culture so it lives on beyond my parents and me, learning our traditions, cooking our dishes, and speaking Lao as much as I can, because our culture is beautiful and deserves to be preserved across many generations. This is something I still wrestle with today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1590187541581-IXU3YE1SFR8DV5VZLB7T/466C5969-9BD7-47FE-A9CC-6B9A83184C74.jpg Tina Meetran - “What I value most about Lao culture is the deep importance of family and coming together across generations.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/795291a4-01dd-476e-ab3e-25c4350e5309/IMAG1487.jpg Tina Meetran - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/0b8c6d87-3b9f-44ec-b8da-5a32fd194eba/TLP+LINK+PHOTO.jpg Tina Meetran - “I think that’s so beautiful; it reminds us that no matter where life takes us, we always have family and community by our side. It’s taught me that with each other, we can get through anything—and I treasure that immensely.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1746209202279-R04QE37OC6M67X79HAKO/unsplash-image-kDo57E2qOE4.jpg Tina Meetran - I often talk about my family’s experience in the U.S. and the challenges my parents have faced. I share what it’s like to feel invisible when people don’t know about Lao culture or even where Laos is—which only drives me more to talk about our food, speak Lao in public, celebrate Lao New Year, visit the temple, and invite others to join me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/fb137790-7560-4599-9919-942a5df03cf8/IMG_1776.jpg Tina Meetran - “In 2022, I released my first children’s book, Nana Makes Spring Rolls, about a little girl named Nana (pronounced nah-nah) learning to roll spring rolls with her mom.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/4b9eeb35-073c-4f4f-a29f-f291a09adb3e/IMG_1774.jpg Tina Meetran - “The book includes Lao words throughout and a recipe at the back for families to try together. My plan is to create a series of Southeast Asian children’s books, starting with a Lao series focused on Lao language and food, to boost Southeast Asian representation in kids’ literature.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/25832716-6de4-4a08-a355-72a855f2469f/IMG_1816.jpg Tina Meetran - “ This project matters deeply to me because I see younger generations drifting from our roots. They’re speaking less Lao, struggling to connect with grandparents, and missing traditions and recipes.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/b7f8301b-828e-47d1-bb9e-1144088cbece/IMG_5596.jpg Tina Meetran - “My hope is to help preserve Lao culture for future generations and share its beauty with both Lao and non-Lao communities.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1746210552412-AN5M64DWHZ3KTGSGTSU0/unsplash-image-rHlaMHAzfYM.jpg Tina Meetran - “How do I relate to my Lao identity, culture, and community, and what do I want that to look like?” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1746210448591-27HKJILWB29O01DWJ8A3/unsplash-image-kmtfOtHb3FQ.jpg Tina Meetran - “Surrounded by 14 incredible Lao women from my generation, I experienced a profound sense of belonging, being understood without explanation, something I’d only known with cousins and family friends. That experience showed me how much I want to strengthen my ties to the Lao community and build a stronger foundation, and that’s what I’m continuing to work on now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1746210886910-CGY2NRKXSYCI96KAXUXH/unsplash-image-tYq6MoiTR-E.jpg Tina Meetran - “Professionally, I’ve always worked in the nonprofit sector, focusing on social and racial justice, immigration reform, education equity, college access for first-gen students, arts education, and more.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1746210776155-S7G97S5KCNNUB8KCETSG/unsplash-image-ETRPjvb0KM0.jpg Tina Meetran - “Though I didn’t expect to stay in this field so long, my passion for community and equity keeps me here.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/bdcfba44-dc65-48f3-8d5f-c715ceef9dfa/IMG_0707.JPG Tina Meetran - “As a daughter of immigrants from a low-income household, I’ve seen firsthand how this country often fails communities like mine—and I know too many others face the same. I believe everyone deserves to have their basic needs met, be treated with compassion, and live with ease, and that belief fuels my fight against the injustices my family and community still face today.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/024c9815-6379-458e-ac1f-8e0745e2e165/IMG_3525.JPG Tina Meetran - I approach life with openness and love, grounded in my core values that include community, compassion, creativity, understanding, and equity. I believe everyone carries a story and hardship, so whenever we can choose kindness, why choose hate? I’m also ambitious and resilient, shaped largely by my upbringing. Growing up with parents who came here for a better life meant constant pressure, good grades, high expectations, no room for failure. While that didn’t always come with grace, over time (and with therapy), I’ve learned to release that pressure and meet my ambitions with more care and love. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/c14f2b48-a39a-4bce-bf14-ef694b139d4e/IMG_5597.jpg Tina Meetran - Learn more about Tina’s amazing work on IG @littlenanacooks https://www.vekonda.com/sunisa daily 0.75 2025-09-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/493fe515-3143-45e9-aa44-da45f00e8381/image5.jpeg Sunisa - “I’m Sunisa Nuonsy (she/her), though many know me as Nisa or noi-noi. I’m 40 years old and currently live in Brooklyn, New York. I was born “in the camps” in Soun Napho, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand; an area considered Isaan, just across the river from Thakhek, Khammouane, Laos. My family was resettled in Danbury, Connecticut, before moving to Binghamton, New York, where I grew up. I also spent nine years in Sacramento, California, before returning to the East Coast to earn my master’s and begin teaching high school in New York City.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1757009726630-2WQ6VKBGDRT7O3Z3NYIC/unsplash-image-Q8HfuO9udts.jpg Sunisa - I’ve always been an educator, in many ways by necessity. Growing up, my English skills made me the family translator, administrator, and tutor, like so many children of immigrants.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1757010552500-XWI5FC9XHU08Y3GNA0J5/unsplash-image-D9pNX2tGcVM.jpg Sunisa - “Navigating this “third culture” space was rooted in fear of not belonging, especially as I watched my aunts and uncles struggle to stay in school after resettlement.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1757010086986-N3NXDPH93WMCIU07LGLJ/unsplash-image-iggWDxHTAUQ.jpg Sunisa - “…and today I’m a PhD candidate in Urban Education. My dissertation centers justice, the Lao concept of ໃຈ (jai), and the intergenerational language practices of Lao diaspora refugee women.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/6d21dfd1-0f0c-42c9-9f7e-e3b6a3d6858c/image3+%281%29.jpeg Sunisa - “Identity has always been complicated. As a child, I was curious about Laos, searching for information wherever I could find it, until I realized how little was accessible beyond basic geography.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/4a05f59b-3f74-448c-be96-90a86d9804a8/image2+%281%29.jpeg Sunisa - “ In xenophobic spaces, it felt safer not to explore. Yet, when I returned to Laos for the first time in 2017, I recognized the sounds, smells, and tastes immediately. My family and the diaspora had preserved so much for us 1.5 and 2nd generation kids. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1757025656466-UAREGDNY0HJ69WRTXPLZ/unsplash-image-BlMHVluzWPA.jpg Sunisa - “Still, I long for deeper, more embodied connections: thinking in Lao, feeling in Lao. My advice to others navigating this space is to embrace the in-between, while also making the journey back to the land and the people.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1757026736214-RJPA1QMYEKK14DK307TP/unsplash-image-RTh_A8XNsN4.jpg Sunisa - “Here in New York, I stay connected to community through LAONYC, a small but growing circle of Lao peers. I also founded LAOboratory, a hybrid community space for Lao womxn. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1757026987685-DDH1BV54T6GHM13Q9CDP/unsplash-image-Sj0iMtq_Z4w.jpg Sunisa - “Together, we play, create, rest, and support one another. We’ve hosted retreats, workshops, podcasts, giveaways, and collaborations—a holistic educational space centering the knowledge and well-being of Lao diaspora womxn.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1757027268975-48OWYDEZ9PLWN8OPA5IV/unsplash-image-wk8ilTaXqw4.jpg Sunisa - “Growing up as a ‘forever foreigner’ in America, I often wished people wouldn’t ask about my ethnicity at all. That shame was real, and rooted in deep structures. Over time, though, I’ve come to see how essential it is to assert my Lao identity in authentic ways.“ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/b88e1aa4-45a9-4e2a-b7a2-5244a21a3e83/image4.jpeg Sunisa - “Whether it’s situating my family’s refugee story when teaching about immigration, contrasting other languages with Lao in my phonology class, or working to decolonize education by centering our diaspora’s practices, I carry Laos with me.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/5ed5e3bb-db1d-4929-b2b4-605feabfaaee/Sunisa+1.jpg Sunisa - “Spiritually, I connect most through conversations with ancestors, especially my grandma. Lighting incense, praying, journaling, or meditating are moments to be in dialogue with them. While I’m not active in a Lao temple here, I always make a point to visit temples in Laos and Thailand.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/980b4f10-6012-4f4c-aefc-f4947175bbc5/image1+%281%29.jpeg Sunisa - “As I think about legacy, I hope for a future where Lao history is fully included within ethnic and Southeast Asian studies. Too often, the stories told abroad diverge from those told within Laos itself. Bridging this gap, with care for still-fresh wounds, can open pathways toward reconciliation and healing.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/08ffa96d-d365-47ee-9dfd-5d71f7caa920/IMG_7741.jpg Sunisa - “The values I hold closest are rooted in sabai—sabai jai, tham sabai, sabai sabai. I’m not interested in the rat race or material wealth. Instead, I’ve learned to move slowly, “at the speed of trust,” and to unlearn American ideals of competition and exploitation. After forty years in the U.S., three degrees, and decades of reflection, what I want most is simply to continue relearning Lao.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1757029371034-HMENN4EQT4LXVL7RDG3K/unsplash-image-jKmmu9YV7Mw.jpg Sunisa - “I am proud to be Lao because of our history of resistance, anti-imperialism, and socialism, and because our civilization has endured for centuries. Reframing Laos not as an object of pity but as a site of resilience and brilliance shapes how I see myself and my people.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1757029452696-82OYU9XB0B3IWOOYIEUA/unsplash-image-ojDrHitTU6k.jpg Sunisa - “Our language and culture hold immense wealth, far beyond what the Western gaze imagines.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1757029504768-81NICOGK2G4K6KMSG7LW/unsplash-image-_rcrgZMeEAU.jpg Sunisa - “For me, success has never been about money. My visits to Laos and the Global South remind me that peace, both personal and communal, matters just as much.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/28fe44cc-5d38-42a7-aaf5-c95d95af9196/Screenshot+2025-09-04+at+7.47.58%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg Sunisa - “That truth keeps me grounded in my work of affirming the beauty and value of our people, dismantling fantasies of Western superiority, and embracing what it means to be Lao, fully, proudly, and with sabai in my heart.” https://www.vekonda.com/amber daily 0.75 2025-11-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/61cce13a-a378-4467-81a4-86ea8ee85436/IMG_0793_Original.jpeg Amber https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/20f0da39-9808-46b5-ba69-c4e476ef88c0/9.4.JACKETCOVER.png_Original.jpeg Amber - “When I began writing this memoir three years ago, it felt like a full-circle moment.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1762614783352-046KXGJJZNMKNEIJ2040/unsplash-image-TPfb_75tekA.jpg Amber - “After years of freelancing for local magazines, this project seemed like the perfect opportunity to take on something bigger. I wanted to challenge myself, to grow as a writer and move beyond the confines of short articles.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1762615011233-5S67EFGM2KRE3S58P2F1/unsplash-image-wcMysLw5ROM.jpg Amber - “Writing a book, though, is no easy feat. It demands countless hours of rewriting, reshaping, and sometimes discarding entire sections, only to start over again. There were times when I had to step away from it completely…..” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/a622355f-d1c1-44eb-b760-849392f04d75/IMG_8018.JPG Amber - “…but this year, I committed to seeing it through. The importance of honoring my heritage and telling our story kept me grounded throughout the process. It’s a story that needs to be shared, to spark meaningful conversation and help us reconnect.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/6b5b597b-1190-4479-9fbc-3e99c9e659a6/IMG_4637.jpeg Amber - “Growing up in a Colorado suburb, navigating my identity was one of the hardest parts of childhood. The first part of my book focuses on my parents, their story, and their journey to this country. The second part is dedicated to my own experiences, with a chapter titled ‘Lao-American.’” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1762654902485-K6Z7Q950S8VPC77L0QY2/unsplash-image-P2QtvgS9TlA.jpg Amber - “I realized early on that I didn’t quite fit into the Lao community any more than I did the American one.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1762655093417-GPTBHUN5NXZNJ4V31L4Q/unsplash-image-lECj_ApWuVs.jpg Amber - “I developed a strange habit of adjusting how I spoke and presented myself depending on who I was around. That constant shifting left me feeling disconnected and inauthentic to who I really was.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1762656979634-RSYPD8VKKI7893V0GA21/unsplash-image-iRON0g6iO0k.jpg Amber - “A few years ago, I attended a Buddhist 101 class at my local Lao Temple. At first, it felt awkward since most of the class was made up of kids. But I wanted to understand what I hadn’t as a child.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1762657120512-4VAZ5UTL1R8CN8JC3VN2/unsplash-image-RQ4jsBc4uL8.jpg Amber - “ Growing up, my parents often had us participate in ceremonies and prayers that I never fully grasped.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1762657231293-CXVGVWP0N3GTGCKN708D/unsplash-image-pkaEMnquFDw.jpg Amber - “After completing the course, I gained a deeper understanding of Theravada Buddhism and the origin story of the Buddha. It gave me a profound respect for our culture and traditions.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1762659890010-YNI6OELAJRLJTHR8WLLO/unsplash-image-Bm0q06u2ib8.jpg Amber - “When people ask where Laos is, I’m always happy to share. I’m proud of our food, our culture, and everything that makes us who we are.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1762659603359-XKFX1LPFGNGCY5F0HW12/unsplash-image-NyMqkY7BCBc.jpg Amber - “I’ve learned that the pride you feel in your identity plays a big role in whether you’re willing to share it. To do so without shame is powerful.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1762660226930-JG3L0RZESD7E5FZ0OHEE/unsplash-image-8mqOw4DBBSg.jpg Amber - “For me, that pride didn’t come until much later in life, through experiences, self-reflection, and growth.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1762660759396-DMIKKIN98ONMEZAR9LB0/unsplash-image-dXYE1d08BiY.jpg Amber - “One of the teachings I value most in Theravada Buddhism is the idea that nothing is permanent. Our tendency to cling to things is often what causes suffering. This lesson resonated deeply with me because so much of our pain comes from resisting change.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1762660949798-R400MIJASU0FSVI48M9T/unsplash-image-MdQlczZR9sU.jpg Amber - “Whether it’s unexpected shifts in jobs, relationships, or even within ourselves, change is inevitable and often uncomfortable. But when we embrace impermanence, we gain a more hopeful perspective on life and a clearer path toward peace.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1762661313027-FHIOKJVZTIBHDQ8SZR7O/unsplash-image-KCFQnbkv77k.jpg Amber - “What matters most to me now is the legacy I leave for my daughter and for her children and theirs. Preserving our traditions is crucial because without them, we risk losing the essence of who we are.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/e489a9bd-cf34-4454-b428-f0e190adf11f/IMG_6299_Original.jpeg Amber - “ That’s why I make it a point to cook with my mom and include my daughter in the process. She also danced for the Lao Temple for nearly a decade, a tradition our family takes great pride in.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1762661787601-2LU8BKNFC7VH5IT92AQW/unsplash-image-ek92BkvL1-I.jpg Amber - “I try to live now with less shame than I once carried. Still, committing to publish this book was terrifying. It’s one thing to write a story; it’s another to be both the creator and the subject of it.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1762662268600-PJ4AZPEMJ7CXNWPU0AHB/unsplash-image-x6Th316vROI.jpg Amber - “There were moments I had to remind myself why it mattered. Whether I sold one copy or a hundred didn’t matter. At a time when stories like mine by Lao authors are rare, this felt like the right moment.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1762662384877-MEGKXVLPO8DPBZZXE17D/unsplash-image-BVuF7933Pog.jpg Amber - “I hope to carry that same bravery into the rest of my life because without it, I know I’ll hold myself back from what I’m meant to do.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/44827094-c381-4992-a99c-bc6d016c6bdf/laoswdad.JPEG Amber - “I am most proud of our strength, our ability to wake up each day with relentless purpose and build a better life. I saw it in my parents every day as a child, no matter how hard things got. I inherited their work ethic, and it makes me proud to be the child of immigrants.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1762662737272-VR2C08YARDBY97JV0S48/unsplash-image-yJR-BvLDYbw.jpg Amber - “Our nation was built by immigrants from all over the world, and they deserve to be honored and seen. My hope for this book is that it gives others, especially those born of immigrants, a perspective they can relate to and helps them see their parents through a different lens.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/1762663148455-K40QRWKBESAN5GSC9BV5/unsplash-image-yDSe7sggb9Q.jpg Amber - “I love how Lao culture celebrates every milestone, from the birth of a baby to a graduation. These moments remind us how beautiful life is, surrounding us with love and support at every turn. I’ve seen friends from other cultures overlook such moments, but I can’t help but celebrate them. It’s how I was raised.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/5daba4f1-d340-417e-aa01-6dbd294fb44f/IMG_4724_Original.jpg Amber - “I want others to experience that joy too, to see how we honor every occasion, no matter how small. Because life is beautiful, and it should always be celebrated.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bcd2b6c755be23bf77c1040/20f0da39-9808-46b5-ba69-c4e476ef88c0/9.4.JACKETCOVER.png_Original.jpeg Amber - Grab Amber’s Book!