We recently connected with Bernice Ye and have shared our conversation below.
Bernice, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Growing up under China’s one-child policy, my conservative and old-fashioned grandpa held biases toward girls. He thought girls were less capable, and that ticked me off. But instead of getting discouraged, I saw it as a challenge to prove him wrong. From elementary school, I worked my butt off, getting top grades and winning all sorts of contests. With each success, I gained confidence and belief in myself.
So, when I moved to Indiana from China for my Master’s in Computer Science, being the only one who looked like me in the room didn’t scare me. I embraced it as a chance to shine. Later, as a woman in tech and now a first-generation Chinese female comedian, again, I was often the only one in the room that looks like me. But the early belief in myself helped me stay strong, and I felt comfortable being outside my comfort zone.
Through that I learned to not be afraid to stand out and be authentic. Being true to who I am has connected me with different people in meaningful ways. It’s about being proud of my identity and sharing my unique perspective.
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?
Hey there! I’m Bernice Ye, a multi-talented comedian, dancer, martial artist, and content creator, originally from China and now based in Los Angeles. My journey from being a clueless immigrant to a full-fledged comedian has been a wild ride, and I’m thrilled to share my story and what I’m up to with you all!
As a comedian, I have a passion for connecting with people through authentic and relatable stories. My style is all about spreading love, hope, and positivity while adding a touch of comedy magic. Whether it’s through stand-up comedy, rap, or dance routines, I aim to bring laughter and joy to audiences wherever I go. Fans have lovingly dubbed me the “Jackie Chan of Comedy” because of my martial arts background and ability to share my culture in a universally relatable manner without being raunchy.
Now, let me share something super exciting with you all. I’ve been cooking up an epic project called “Asian Chicken Salad” comedy rap. Teaming up with the uber-talented rapper, Cole Connor, we’ve created a hilarious and infectious blend of comedy and rap that has left audiences chanting “chop chop chop” in unison.
The response to our live performances has been nothing short of amazing, and we wanted to take it to the next level. So, we launched a GoFundMe campaign to produce an epic music video that captures the essence and energy of “Asian Chicken Salad” and shares it with the world. And guess what? We just wrapped up the shoot in July, and it was a blast! Despite our small budget and ambitious schedule, we accomplished everything above and beyond.
This project means the world to me because it’s not just about entertaining people; it’s about breaking barriers, embracing diversity, and celebrating creativity. “Asian Chicken Salad” represents the essence of my journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported this vision so far.
I cannot wait to share the final results with you all and see “Asian Chicken Salad” take flight! It’s a testament to the power of pursuing your passions fearlessly and believing in the magic of storytelling. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone who has shown support on this project, and thank you for being part of this exciting journey with me. Stay tuned for more laughs and surprises!
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, skills, or areas of knowledge have been the most impactful:
1. Resilience: Throughout my career as a comedian and artist, resilience has been my secret weapon. It’s the ability to bounce back from setbacks, criticism, and challenges. Early on, I faced doubts and obstacles, but I never let them deter me from my dreams. Instead, I used each setback as a learning opportunity, pushing myself to improve and grow. My advice to those starting their journey is to embrace resilience. Believe in yourself, stay focused on your goals, and don’t let negativity derail you. When you encounter roadblocks, view them as stepping stones toward success. Keep going, keep pushing, and remember that every failure is a chance to become stronger.
2. Authenticity: Being true to myself and embracing my unique voice has been pivotal in my success. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to fit into molds or meet others’ expectations, but authenticity is what sets you apart. As an immigrant comedian, I discovered that my cultural experiences and personal stories resonated with audiences in a powerful way. My advice to fellow creatives is to embrace your authentic self. Your experiences, perspectives, and quirks are what make you special. Don’t be afraid to showcase your genuine self in your work and interactions. Embrace your individuality, and you’ll attract like-minded people who appreciate your uniqueness.
3. Adaptability: The ability to adapt has been crucial as I transitioned from a tech career to a full-time comedian and pursued my passion in the entertainment industry. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and being adaptable allows you to navigate change and seize opportunities. My advice to those starting out is to cultivate adaptability. Be open to new ideas, embrace change, and be willing to explore different paths. Life rarely follows a straight line, so be agile and open-minded. Embrace uncertainty as an exciting adventure, and you’ll discover opportunities you never imagined.
For those starting their journey: Stay passionate, work hard, and surround yourself with supportive people. Trust in your journey, and enjoy the ride!
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I have a few strategies that help me regain focus and perspective. Firstly, I avoid comparing myself to others and instead focus on competing with my own progress. Reflecting on my growth and celebrating even the smallest accomplishments keeps me grounded and motivated to continue moving forward.
Moreover, I find strength in knowing the bigger purpose behind my work and the value it brings to other people. Hearing from someone that I’ve made their day better is a powerful reminder of the positive impact my art can have. It fuels my sense of fulfillment and purpose, especially during challenging times.
Lastly, having faith in myself and the journey ahead is essential. Believing in my abilities and trusting the process allows me to navigate through overwhelming moments with confidence. Taking a step back, breathing, and remembering the incredible connection I have with my audience keeps me inspired to keep pushing forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.berniceye.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernicecomedy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BerniceComedy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/berniceye/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bernicecomedy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@berniceComedy
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bernicecomedy
Image Credits
Nicole Casaletto Richardson Reigart
