Meet RYAN CHUA

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

Finding my purpose was a journey in itself. I initially thought I wanted to become a pharmacist and help patients get better, but I realized that a career in healthcare was a very demanding profession. You really have to dedicate your time, energy, and health to putting others first. Throughout undergrad pursuing a biology degree and five years working at the hospital, I realized I wasn’t really pursuing the life I wanted. The entire time, I was following someone else’s dreams (let’s just say a parental figure). It was when I allowed myself to gravitate towards activities and interests that I was more eager and passionate about that I started to find my calling. I then imagined the life I wanted, thought of the ways I could make it happen, and stopped worrying about failing if I made the career change. I embraced the joy and satisfaction I got from creating photos with other creatives. I knew this was it.

The moment I got my hands on a digital camera, it just felt right. I love capturing memories, showcasing an artistic viewpoint, and collaborating with other talents on creating a sensational piece of art. I knew photography and content creation were my calling. I feel my happiest when my models and I collaborate on a concept and pull off amazing pictures to share with the rest of the world.

It helps to start listening to yourself, embrace your passion, and envision the life you want. You may find your purpose from there.

I am a Los Angeles-based fashion and lifestyle photographer, social media manager, content creator, and co-founder of a tea company called Rich and Pour Co. I began to realize that photography was my passion when I got my hands on one of the earliest digital cameras back in 2002 and fell in love with capturing moments and the beauty in the world around us. I also got into social media ever since Facebook first came out, just for college campuses while I was at UC Berkeley. I was already dabbling in Myspace, Tumblr, Twitter, and so forth. But when Instagram came out, I knew I had to jump into it. That’s when I started posting my photos and collaborating with other fashion bloggers and models. It was through this experience that I discovered what I really love to do: content creation and social media management. Since then, I’ve worked with top fashion influencers and several small to big brands in the past 11 years.

I have also been into health and wellness recently and decided to start a tea company with my business partner, Shirley, to promote a healthier lifestyle with tea.

Network, network, network. Those would be my top three things you need to focus on in your journey. Your network is truly your net worth, as cliché as it sounds. I landed my first corporate job because I knew the daughter of the CEO. (Of course, it helps to have the qualifications.) I haven’t had to look for work in the past eight years because I keep getting referrals from previous clients or from industry friends and acquaintances. It’s who you know that matters.

To make and maintain your network, you do have to be these three things: 1. genuine, 2. value-driven, 3. caring. You don’t have to be funny or charismatic all the time; you just have to be yourself, be kind, and understanding. Sometimes it’s offering to help or connecting them with someone you know who would be valuable in helping them achieve their goals. Sometimes they just want someone to listen to their problems and help them navigate through it.

So try to make as many connections next time you go to a party, an event, or even at weddings or bars. You never know who you might meet. They could be an important connection in the present or future, or just a good friend at the least.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ryanbyryanchua.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanbyryanchua/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanchua/
• Other: My tea company: https://richandpourco.com/