Mai
2023
NYC
Our new Featured BossMama is: Mai Truong, Founder of Bo & Mei.
Learning more about Mai…
Meet Mai, founder of Bo & Mei, a seasoned human rights activist. When becoming a mother, Mai found that her map was completely rewritten, and she needed to change her focus from distant struggles to the microcosm of her own home. The rising of anti-Asian hate over the past few years inspired her to contribute more to her immediate community, especially for her daughters. She realized she needed to counteract shame with pride. So she committed to cultivating pride in their cultural roots.
Balancing the demands of being a mother and a mom entrepreneur hasn’t been easy for Mai, she says she’s lucky to have her mother-in-law who helps her with the house and children. But it’s still not easy, working with a non-profit, running Bo & Mei, and taking care of 2 children leave her with very little time for other things.
About Bo & Mei…
Mai, after years of navigating cultural assimilation, found herself struggling to pass down Vietnamese traditions to her daughters. The lack of readily accessible resources and feeling overwhelmed by the task fueled a mission: to make cultural celebration easy and joyful for busy families like hers.
Thus, Bo & Mei, named after her children, bloomed in October 2023. These curated kits aren't just a business; they're cultural bridges. Each themed kit, brimming with authentic items and clear instructions, empowers families to immerse themselves in traditions like the Lunar New Year with confidence.
Balancing a demanding career, a new business venture, and a young family is no easy feat. But Mai skillfully navigates these responsibilities with the invaluable support of her live-in mother-in-law. Their harmonious relationship creates a strong foundation for Mai to thrive.
Mai's journey has been inspiring, but not without challenges. Marketing and self-promotion, coming from a non-profit background, have been her biggest hurdle. Learning as she goes, a common struggle for many, is compounded by cultural norms that discourage asking for help. Yet, Mai perseveres, fueled by a desire to empower families and cultivate cultural pride.
Next Milestone
Her immediate milestone is the successful launch and reception of her first collection of cultural kits. A huge success was a bulk order from a large tech company to support their Lunar New Year 2024 plans. For now, "Success," for Mai, doesn't translate to skyrocketing sales or overflowing bank accounts. It's about breaking even on her initial investment.
Advice for Fellow Boss Mamas
