We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nini Hu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
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?
At &HER, we are &HER is a forward-thinking intimate brand that merges fashion, technology, and sustainability with a focus on empowering women.
Dedicated to creating chic, high-quality bras, &HER uses advanced technology to elevate the customer experience and refine production processes. The brand is committed to environmental stewardship, sourcing sustainable materials, and embracing eco-friendly practices throughout the supply chain. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity, &HER designs with a human-centered approach, ensuring each piece celebrates individuality and meets the diverse needs of our customers. We hope to build a brand that not only delivers style and fit but also plays a vital role in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive fashion industry.
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?
As I mentioned before, taking a leap into a new field can be exhilarating but also emotionally challenging. The uncertainty and the pressure to prove yourself in an unfamiliar domain can easily lead to stress and anxiety. It’s important to recognize that these feelings are a normal part of the journey. By acknowledging and addressing them, I can better manage the mental strain that comes with such a transition.
I’ve found that effective self-care is essential in managing this stress. Establishing a routine that includes regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and getting enough rest has made a significant impact on my mental well-being. Personally, incorporating meditation and traveling to new places into my routine has been particularly helpful in maintaining mental clarity and emotional balance.
Having a strong support system is invaluable during this transition—and in life in general. I’m fortunate to have a group of sisters who cheer me on and offer constructive critiques from the sidelines. They understand the challenges I face in life, family, and career, and provide both practical advice and emotional support. Engaging with these individuals not only offers encouragement but also helps me gain different perspectives and solutions to common challenges.
Most importantly, I make it a priority to give myself permission to take breaks when needed. Whether it’s taking a moment to breathe, enjoying a massage, or scheduling a short getaway, these pauses allow me to reset both physically and mentally. I’ve come to recognize that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
One of the most defining experiences of my life, and something that sets me apart from others, happened when I was just 13. My parents gave me an incredible choice: stay in Taiwan and continue my education there, or move to the U.S. to pursue a different path. Looking back, I can hardly believe they entrusted such a monumental decision to a 13-year-old. But at the same time, I’m eternally grateful that they did. Their faith in me, their willingness to treat me as an adult, gave me the control and responsibility over my own future.
This decision wasn’t just about where I would go to school—it was a profound message that, no matter what path I chose, my parents would always support me. They trusted that I would take my life seriously, and that trust has shaped me in ways I’m still discovering.
My life was forever changed because I was given the chance to carve my own path. I experienced an education system that valued creativity alongside academics and gained a new perspective on how to blend the strengths of the Western world with the resilience of the East.
I’m not offering this as parenting advice, but I am endlessly grateful for the love that propelled my parents to trust me. That trust has been a guiding force in my life, reassuring me that no matter the choices I make, I’ll be okay.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.andher.us
- Instagram: @Andher.us
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/and-her/
- Twitter: @andHer_us
Image Credits
All images are copy righted by &HER
