We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bella Yu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Bella, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
As a 19-year-old Asian woman entrepreneur, I’ve often found myself being the youngest, and sometimes the only woman or person of color, in the room. Early on, that made me feel like I had something to prove. But over time, I’ve come to see that difference as a strength, not a disadvantage.
What’s helped me most is being deeply prepared and intentional. Whether I’m pitching Brallium or sitting at a strategy table, I make sure I know my product, my vision, and the unique value I bring. That preparation gives me the confidence to show up fully, even when I’m underestimated.
Building Brallium has taught me to stop minimizing my differences and start owning them. My identity gives me insights that others might miss. And rather than trying to fit into the mold, I’ve learned to shift the conversation—to challenge assumptions, and to lead with empathy and vision.
Brallium itself was born from that same perspective. It’s not just a brand—it’s a mission. Inspired by my grandmother’s breast cancer journey and the stories of so many patients and caregivers, I saw how overlooked the needs of diverse women often are in the healthcare and wellness space. Brallium is about reimagining skinwear with dignity, comfort, and inclusivity at its core. It’s about making all genders feel seen.
Being the only one in the room has taught me resilience, self-trust, and the power of representation. Every step I take with Brallium isn’t just about building a company—it’s about creating space, elevating voices, and making sure the next young woman like me knows she belongs in the room, too.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m the founder of Brallium, a brand rooted in purpose—creating inclusive, sustainable nipple covers and skinwear designed for all genders. Our products are thoughtfully engineered to be safe for sensitive skin, including those undergoing medical treatments or recovery.
Brallium is deeply personal to me. It began after witnessing my grandmother’s experience with breast cancer and listening to stories from patients, athletes, and everyday people who felt overlooked by the undergarment industry. I realized how often traditional products ignore both the emotional and cultural needs of wearers. Brallium was created to change that.
We’re not just designing products—we’re reimagining what undergarments can be. Every detail is intentional: soft, breathable, flexible, and made from innovative, sustainable materials that promote both comfort and confidence. For athletes, we’re developing sweat-resistant options with odor control. For patients, we prioritize gentle, skin-safe textures that provide a soothing experience. And for everyone, we offer an inclusive, eco-conscious alternative that centers body comfort without compromise.
Currently, we’re preparing to launch our ecommerce platform, where you’ll find our debut collection of nipple covers, skin patches, and heel protection. It’s just the beginning—but our mission is clear: to create wearables that truly care for the people who wear them.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Empathetic Design Thinking has guided how I build products and tell stories. Brallium wasn’t just created to be functional—it was created to feel right for people whose needs are often ignored. Whether you’re building a product, a service, or a community, lead with empathy and build from your story.
2. Intentionality shaped how I approached everything from product development to pitching Brallium. I realized early on that showing up prepared. Be intentional with your time, your voice, and your brand. Ask yourself: “Why this? Why now? Why me?”
3. Resilience. There were moments of doubt and rejection, but learning to view setbacks as stepping stones helped me keep moving forward.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Leverage tools to handle repetitive tasks so you can focus on what truly drives you. One tool I rely on is ClientLoop (https://clientloop.io/)—it’s been incredibly helpful for managing client communication and follow-ups. By streamlining those routine processes, I’m able to spend more time on the creative and strategic parts of my work that I’m most passionate about.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.brallium.com/
Image Credits
Photos © Brallium. Do not copy, use, or share without authorization.
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