Meet Sherri Tan

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sherri Tan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sherri, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

My purpose stems from my own personal journey and the opportunities I’ve been fortunate to have. As an alumna of the Sponsors for Educational Opportunities (SEO) Career Program, which focuses on recruiting and developing talent from underrepresented communities for investment banks, I experienced firsthand the impact that access and support can have on one’s career trajectory. The program not only helped me break into Wall Street and build my investment skills, but it also instilled in me a deep desire to give back to my community.
After honing my skills on Wall Street and later earning my MBA from Wharton, I knew I wanted to combine my passion for investing with my commitment to uplifting minority communities. This led me to focus on investing in minority-owned startups and small businesses.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I focus on investing in minority-owned startups and small businesses through my company StarX Hospitality.
By providing capital and support to these often overlooked entrepreneurs, I aim to create a ripple effect of economic empowerment and wealth creation within underrepresented communities.
Profit with purpose is something I care deeply about. I made sure to instill the same values in the businesses I’ve invested in. In my personal entrepreneurial venture, Fleurish L.A., I have built it into our mission. For every wedding dress sold, Fleurish L.A. donates a prom dress to a high school girl experiencing homelessness. We do this in partnership with the L.A. Unified School District Assistance League who identifies the girls in need. Fleurish’s brides love that we are spreading the joy of their wedding day via gifting a deserving girl in our community to help her flourish into womanhood, rounding out a beautiful cycle of femininity.
I feel that the most exciting (and rewarding) part of what I’m doing is the impact on under-represented communities while still being a financially sound investment.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities and skills stand out as being the most impactful:

1. Adaptability and willingness to learn: Throughout my career, I’ve had to navigate various industries and roles, from Wall Street to entrepreneurship. Being adaptable and open to learning new skills has been crucial in successfully transitioning between these different environments. My advice would be to embrace a growth mindset, be proactive in seeking out learning opportunities, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

2. Building and leveraging networks: The connections I’ve made throughout my career and schools have been invaluable in opening doors and providing support. I believe that building strong, diverse networks is essential for personal and professional growth. My advice would be to actively seek out mentors, engage with your communities, and always look for ways to add value to your relationships.

3. Resilience and perseverance: The path to success is rarely linear, and I’ve certainly faced my share of challenges and setbacks. However, developing resilience and maintaining a sense of perseverance has allowed me to push through tough times and stay committed to my goals. My advice would be to cultivate a strong sense of purpose, surround yourself with supportive people, and view failures as learning opportunities.

For those early in their journey, I believe focusing on developing these qualities and skills can lay a strong foundation for future success. Seek out diverse experiences and learning opportunities, build relationships with people who challenge and support you, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Remember that growth often happens outside of your comfort zone, so embrace the challenges and stay committed to your vision.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

I believe that it’s important to strike a balance between leveraging your strengths and addressing your areas for improvement. While it’s essential to capitalize on your natural talents and developed skills, focusing solely on your strengths can lead to blind spots and missed opportunities for growth.

For me personally, being well-rounded has been crucial in navigating the complex and ever-changing business landscape. For example, when I transitioned from Wall Street to entrepreneurship, I had to learn new skills in areas like marketing, operations, human resources etc which were outside of my core finance background. Small businesses and startups, especially minority founded ones, do not have access to as many resources as larger businesses/corporates. It is important for the growth of these businesses to initially have key personnels that can wear multiple hats. In addition, I believe employing various skills in your day to day responsibilities helps you become a more creative out of the box thinker who can come up with more unique solutions in problem solving.

That being said, I also believe that it’s important to prioritize and focus your efforts. Trying to be exceptional at everything can spread you too thin and prevent you from truly excelling in any one area. The key is to identify the skills and knowledge that are most critical for your goals and to allocate your time and energy accordingly.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.starxhospitality.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fleurishla/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherri-tan-9974016
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fleurish-l-a-los-angeles