We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cherry Tung. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cherry below.

Alright, Cherry thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Growing up in a traditional Chinese immigrant family, I was taught that Corporate American was the only way that’s worth pursuing. So I took my parents’ advice and kept working towards getting a job in Big 4 Accounting and climbing up the corporate ladder. I was miserable, but I kept telling myself that this is just how it is. This is just part of adulting. I kept going, until the pandemic happened. As I was isolated at home with the shelter in place order, my mental health took a nosedive, and I had a “dark night of the soul” moment. Corporate might be the way for some, but it’s not the way for me. My mental health always takes priority over money, prestige or societal respect. The pandemic was a wake up call for me to finally pursue a route that diverges from corporate, the traditional stereotypical successful path. I eventually quit corporate altogether in 2021 and I haven’t been back since.

Cherry, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I studied accounting in college then worked in Big 4 Accounting, then went into working for a publicly traded tech company in their finance department. Aside from my education and professional background, I’ve always had a deep interest in money. I started my first e-commerce business in 8th grade, and launched my Youtube channel at 18. Both of these entrepreneurial efforts helped shape my current business, helping creatives create their own version of freedom.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

This is a story that’s still ongoing. I’ve been battling with depression and C-PTSD that’s stemming from childhood and various incidents of sexual trauma, including rape. There were various moment when I considered ending my life, but I chose to fight through the urges and instead, obtain the tools that give me liberation. In the earlier stages of my life, that was money. Now, it is healing.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

There’s a great irony in money. Many of us are lead to believe that money equate to freedom. The more money we have, the more “free” we become. yet, when we get obsessed over the pursuit of money, that is when money actually enslaves us. The more obsess we are over money, the less freedom we have. This is a lesson that I’ve learned through the years, but I still need to continue reminding myself of it because of all these years of conditioning.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cherrytung.co
• Instagram: cherrytung.co
• Youtube: Cherry Tung

Image Credits

The single photo is by Danica Carver.