Meet Zyi Li

We recently connected with Zyi Li and have shared our conversation below.

Zyi, 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.
Discovering one’s purpose is a result of a complex interplay between upbringing, influences, and the present surroundings. It’s often the most profound and emotionally charged moments from these factors that guide the journey toward understanding one’s unique calling. This individuality is shaped by a fusion of personal encounters, amalgamated with the current life circumstances encompassing aspects like profession, location, income, and societal pressures.

Ultimately, your purpose is a construct crafted by your own actions and intentions. Reflecting on my own journey, the guidance from family and friends during my formative years, coupled with diverse encounters, particularly my early immersion in music, led me to the path of establishing communal music initiatives and spaces. These endeavors aim to illuminate people’s creative potential.

Recognizing that purpose extends beyond personal boundaries, I realized that the influence I gained from my upbringing, combined with my skills and experiences, naturally evolved into a mission centered around enriching the lives of others. Thus emerged “Zyi Li Music and Entertainment,” a manifestation of the purpose I’ve nurtured over time.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am known as Zyi Li (pronounced “Z Lee”), a fusion of my Chinese heritage (I speak Mandarin) and family names (Zheng & Li). My English name is Andrew. A proud native of STL, I began my musical journey at the tender age of 5 when a picture of a saxophone-playing bear in a park ignited my fascination with the saxophone. Guided by my mother’s colleague, who had played saxophone for Ray Charles, I embarked on a lifelong connection with music, presently playing on Mr. Allen Merry’s personal saxophones.

My childhood was steeped in music, collaborating in diverse ensembles across STL under the guidance of my mentor. In high school, I founded innovative groups like Aerofluct Creed, spanning various disciplines including dance. Upon graduating from Parkway North High School, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a saxophonist, stationed at Camp Lejeune. This stint saw me participating in a range of bands, performing for varied occasions and even forming my own groups.

While pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Campbell University, I honed my musical skills, paralleling a journey that later embraced a J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law and a M.B.A. from Webster University. My path also encompassed a foray into a start-up social venture, Patch Life Utilities.

Embracing my entrepreneurial drive and diverse education, I founded Zyi Li Music and Entertainment LLC. Rooted in a deep love for music and creativity, my brand aims to not only deliver entertainment but also to address the gap in opportunities and experiences available to aspiring artists and enthusiasts. With a passion for community empowerment, I believe in the healing power of art and entertainment to mend the soul during challenging times.

The city of St. Louis, though rich in potential, often remains undiscovered beyond its iconic landmarks. My aim is to infuse STL with a vibrant cultural scene, bolstered by the collective efforts of local talent. Recognizing the challenges faced by artists, I aspire to create a hub that nurtures growth, supports business acumen, and fosters unity.

Zyi Li Music and Entertainment LLC stands as a beacon of this vision. We’re committed to elevating the musical and entertainment landscape in STL through community-driven initiatives. Our goal is to provide platforms, networks, and innovative groups for entertainers while orchestrating exceptional events that blend genres and embrace technological advancements. As we evolve, our aspiration is to establish an iconic entertainment destination, unifying cultures, promoting local artists, and fostering education while redefining the city’s artistic identity.

Most recently we have begun building our first venue “Luvwoo Bar” and also founded a relationship support nonprofit “Love Found STL” locally.

Let’s transform St. Louis into a vibrant artistic hub that draws people from all corners, bridging gaps and nurturing a thriving creative community.

Finally, I express my heartfelt gratitude to my wonderful wife, Jenny Wu, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in realizing and manifesting my aspirations.

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 reflect on my journey, three qualities that have significantly shaped my path are my proficiency in playing the saxophone, my strong foundation in military professionalism, and my deep sense of empathy. These three elements might seem disparate, but they have remarkably complemented each other. My musical journey with the saxophone taught me discipline, dedication, and the importance of continuous practice. Translating these principles to my military career instilled a sense of responsibility, attention to detail, and effective teamwork. However, the standout quality that tied everything together was empathy. Whether through the emotive notes of my saxophone or in my interactions with others, understanding others’ perspectives and emotions proved crucial. For those embarking on their own journeys, I encourage you to embrace your passions fully, be it music or any other pursuit. Approach your endeavors with discipline and dedication, seeking constant improvement. Cultivate professionalism and teamwork, drawing inspiration from various sources. Most importantly, never underestimate the power of empathy—developing the ability to connect with and understand others will enhance every aspect of your journey, both personally and professionally. Live life proud and live by the golden rule of respect.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to create an environment of unwavering support and openness. Their boundless acceptance and encouragement allowed me to explore my interests freely, develop a strong sense of self, and cultivate a diverse range of skills and passions. By granting me the autonomy to pursue my aspirations without interference, they instilled in me a profound sense of confidence and independence. Their provision of stability and understanding laid the foundation for my personal growth, enabling me to embrace challenges and make the most of opportunities. Their selflessness, never asking for anything in return for their love and guidance, taught me the true essence of unconditional care. Thanks to their open-mindedness, I was able to forge a unique path, confident in their unwavering belief in me.

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