We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sutichai (chai) Savathasuk a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sutichai (Chai), we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Honestly, I still feel like one of those wanderers searching for meaning. I bounce between moments of deep engagement and spells of dissociation, like a browser with 37 tabs open—except none of them are loading. Finishing my degree in Engineering at California State University, Northridge, and landing a job in my field felt like completing the last set of instructions to become a “functioning” adult. But after crossing that finish line, I was left staring into the void, wondering, “Now what?” It felt like I’d been running on a pre-programmed code, only to realize the program had ended, and there was no manual for what came next.
Then, I took a risk that changed my life forever. I went to an open mic, chasing after a crush, and decided to confess my feelings by singing a song I made up on the spot. Equipped with a loud brain and a quiet mouth, I didn’t have the tools or the skills to spill the universe hanging in my head, but there I was, standing at the mic at Sunday Jump on November 3, 2019. My four minutes of stage time to open my heart to a room full of strangers passed quickly, yet stretched into an eternity in my mind. And it was… so incredibly bad. However, in that terrifying, awkward moment (for both me and my crush), something clicked. Despite my stumbling words, my shaking hands, and my silly delivery, I felt right. For the first time, I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be: confidently awkward, and unapologetically goofy. That mic gave me something I didn’t know I was missing—freedom.
Through that mic, I found my voice, and through that bold leap, I later found my people: a community of oddball artists, singers, poets, and comedians at Palms Up Academy who welcomed me with open arms. At the intersection of the marginalized and the privileged, the open mic became a space for evolution and humanity. It was a space where I could create anything I wanted—from stories to jokes to bars to bits—and they cheered me on every step of the way. For the first time, I felt seen, supported, and celebrated for exactly who I am.
Writing and performing became my outlet—a way to channel the infinite words swirling in my head into something tangible. My purpose wasn’t handed to me; I found it in the act of creating, failing, and learning. Every time I tripped, I fell forward, stumbling into new possibilities. Now, I see my work as an artist as a series of “immortality projects,” leaving lasting impressions through stories that matter.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
By day, I’m an engineer; by night, I’m a poet and comedian. What excites me most about what I do is the intersection of art and humanity. I get to explore the worlds of poetry and comedy, connecting with people through raw, authentic storytelling. I call myself “introvirtuous”—an introvert who somehow thrives in the chaos of public speaking. It’s a strange joy, but it keeps pulling me back to the mic.
You can usually find me performing at open mics and mixed-creative events across Los Angeles, from Sunday Jump to Da Poetry Lounge, Tuesday Night Cafe, and Palms Up Academy. These spaces are home to poetry, comedy, music, and storytelling, and they’ve introduced me to some of the most talented and inspiring voices out there. I’m always exploring new venues and would love to meet more spoken-word artists along the way—so if you’re in town, let’s cross paths!
Beyond performing, I’m passionate about uplifting AAPI, BIPOC, queer, neurodivergent, and other marginalized voices through my work. I want to tell stories that feel vulnerable, authentic, and funny while sparking connection and empathy. Whether it’s poetry, comedy, or just the small absurdities of life, I want to help people see the beauty and humor in the chaos. I want to help people feel seen and heard, finding themselves in these stories as a reflection of their own experiences.
Last year, I launched my debut poetry book, How Chai Tea is Made, which chronicles the messy, beautiful journey of my life. It’s a collection of poems that explores my childhood, my career in engineering, my adventures, and my struggles with mental health, autism, and depression. It’s also a celebration of finding community, artistry, and a deep sense of humanity. You can find it on the internet somewhere—or in the back of my car.
In addition to writing and performing, I’ve also explored the world of production and filmmaking. I’ve directed a music video, assisted in audio/visual production, and even done some background acting. Some of my work can be found on my website.
Creativity isn’t just something I do—it’s how I live. I have this itch to keep writing, performing, and experimenting with new forms of expression. I don’t know what the next five years will look like, whether I’m on stage, behind the camera, or collaborating with others, I’m always seeking to grow as an artist and storyteller. I’m also eager to connect with fellow creatives—whether it’s co-writing, co-working, or diving into something completely new together. If you’re an artist with a wild idea, let’s link up and see what magic we can create. The journey is unpredictable, and that’s what makes it exciting. Let’s keep exploring, one story and one project at a time.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
A desire to learn and self-improve
One of the most impactful traits in my journey has been an insatiable curiosity and drive to improve. I love exploring a wide range of subjects—3D printing, rock climbing, poetry, comedy, board games, anime, philosophy, politics, and more. I may not always enjoy talking to people, but I can talk about these topics for hours. This openness to learning has helped me discover common ground with others while also challenging myself to engage with people I might disagree with. My advice: Allow yourself to embrace your gaps in knowledge. A bowl is most useful when it’s empty, so leave room to fill yourself with new insights and perspectives. Learning is a lifelong journey, so approach it with humility and a willingness to evolve.
Empathy and open-mindedness
Empathy has been my compass in navigating the world. I try to approach every person and situation with the question: Where is this person coming from? Most negative emotions—anger, hate, judgment—stem from ignorance or trauma, so I strive to understand someone’s perspective instead of reacting defensively. Even when I encounter hate or negativity (especially online), I remind myself that hate is wasteful and rarely productive. My advice: Step outside your bubble and seek out unfamiliar spaces and perspectives. Replace fights with meaningful debates, arguments with conversations, and bitterness with curiosity. You’ll be surprised by how much it softens your worldview and expands your understanding.
Resilience and creativity
If there’s one thing that’s kept me going, it’s the ability to bounce back from failure and find creative ways to adapt. Resilience and creativity go hand in hand. When life has knocked me down, I’ve learned to fall forward, whether that’s by taking a leap of faith onto a stage or picking up a new skill I never thought I’d need. Creativity isn’t just about art—it’s about problem-solving, seeing possibilities, and thinking outside the box. My advice: Don’t let fear of failure stop you. In every mistake, there’s an opportunity to learn and innovate. Be bold, experiment, and keep pushing forward.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
People who know me in real life or follow my Instagram often ask, “How do you do it? How do you balance two full-time jobs, going out, and doing everything?” Well, here’s the secret: I don’t. I’m always tired. That’s the trick. In a city that never seems to stop moving, it’s hard not to get caught up in doing it all. I’m a workaholic who gets restless doing nothing—even when I’m in bed lounging and playing some weeb games like Genshin Impact.
When I feel overwhelmed (which is often, let’s be real), I switch gears. My life feels like a stockpile of endless to-do lists: my 9-to-5 job, creative writing, performing at mics, maintaining relationships, keeping up with hobbies, and attempting to have fun while surviving the growing apocalypse. It’s a lot.
So, when my brain feels like it’s about to short-circuit, I pause and ask myself: Do I need to do this right now, or can it wait? The first thing I do is close my eyes and take three deep breaths. Then I check in with myself: Am I hungry? (If yes, eat.) Am I tired? (If yes, sleep.) Sometimes, when the world feels like it’s going to explode if I don’t keep moving, I remind myself: Even if I put my phone down, step away, and rest, the world will keep spinning. Worst-case scenario, I go to bed. And if I wake up and the world hasn’t ended? That’s a win. I can start fresh.
When I restart, I try to keep it simple. I’ll tackle an easy task first or break a big project into smaller, manageable chunks. Steamrolling through small wins gives me momentum. If I’m still stuck, I take a walk, hop in the shower, or do something I want to do instead of something I have to do. Clearing your mind doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes it’s just about shifting your energy.
And if you’re dealing with something like writer’s block, step outside of your comfort zone. Try a new experience, even if it’s small.
At the end of the day, remind yourself: You’re right where you’re supposed to be. You’re not behind; you’re not failing. You’re just human, navigating life one step (or one breath) at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mrchaitea.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr.chai_tea
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.chaitea839
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=gMp_NsEAHank-BkO_AVslA
- Other: https://morty.app/@yay842 (like Yelp, but for escape rooms)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8DJiRte2HsLs1ECG9 (map of boba shops I visited) https://www.printables.com/@yay842_440078 (3D-models I designed that can be downloaded for 3D-printing) https://a.co/d/01rjR3KJ (my book, “How Chai Tea is Made”)
Image Credits
Raelene Rizo, Sutichai Savathasuk
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
