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

Mae, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back at the decisions you made early in your career, particularly whether to join a firm or start your own, do you feel you made the right choice for that stage of your career?

When I first started in 2015, I chose to join a firm instead of starting my own business. My path was quite traditional—I went to college, earned my degree, and entered the workforce in Corporate America, believing that success meant landing a stable job in a commanding career. At that time, the idea of a business career felt overwhelming, as it seemed entirely tied to sales, a field where I lacked confidence.

However, everything changed when I was recruited into the Financial Services Industry. This opportunity opened my eyes to the importance of personal finance and essential business skills I had never considered before. Looking back, I firmly believe joining a firm was the right choice. Building a business from scratch requires immense time and effort, and being part of a firm allowed me to leverage the skills and experience of others while learning the ropes.

The first few years were crucial for my growth. I benefited from mentorship that provided both accountability and invaluable insights. Being part of a firm meant I wasn’t alone; I had colleagues to collaborate with and learn from. It felt like being under the protective wings of a larger organization that managed many of the operational burdens, from compliance to administrative tasks. This support was essential as I obtained my licenses and found my footing in the industry.

For newcomers considering entrepreneurship, I strongly recommend investing in your professional development by joining a firm for the first year or two. This path offers exposure to the business landscape without the high stakes of starting solo. During my initial years, having business associates in the field eased the financial strain and allowed me to focus on building relationships and skills rather than getting bogged down by the many responsibilities of running a business.

I’ve observed that many startups fail within the first few years due to a lack of support systems and resources. Without the collaborative environment of a firm, it’s easy to become overwhelmed when juggling all roles—from CEO to admin. The camaraderie and friendly competition among peers kept my motivation high and helped me avoid burnout.

While there were trade-offs—like having my compensation set by the firm and not fully owning my book of business—the experience was invaluable. Those first few years served as a crash course in business management, equipping me with the skills I needed to eventually thrive. Joining a firm was the best stepping stone I could have taken, providing me with the foundation and confidence to pursue my entrepreneurial journey and eventually start my own business. It’s all about leveraging people and resources effectively.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Mae Yang, and I am the Founder and CEO of MEG Financial Wellness, where “MEG” stands for Money, Empowerment, and Growth. Growing up in Colorado, I learned the importance of financial independence early on, supporting myself since the age of fifteen. This foundation instilled in me a strong work ethic and a passion for wealth building—not just for myself, but for others.

With over 14 years of experience in public service across various government disciplines, I established MEG Financial Wellness to empower individuals to make informed financial choices and secure their futures. Our mission is to transform financial wellness through integrity and advocacy.

At MEG Financial Wellness, we specialize in compliance and consulting services, focusing on proactive planning tailored to each client’s unique needs. Our offerings include personalized financial and Medicare solutions designed to help clients navigate market volatility, develop strategic financial plans, and access quality healthcare.

What sets us apart is our commitment to comprehensive, personalized solutions. We understand that financial journeys are not one-size-fits-all, especially regarding Medicare. We provide a variety of Medicare products and services, guiding clients in selecting plans that fit their specific circumstances.

I take pride in my diverse background in public service, which enables me to bridge gaps and connect clients with untapped resources. Being fluent in both Hmong and English allows me to better serve the Hmong community, ensuring they receive the support they need.

I am also a proud co-author of “Journey to Now: Stories of Healing, Self-Discovery, and Transformation,” available on Amazon. Proceeds from the Kindle version support the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women, promoting leadership and empowerment for young girls in underfunded communities.

At MEG Financial Wellness, our goal is to provide peace of mind and financial security, helping you achieve your financial aspirations while safeguarding your loved ones. We look forward to partnering with you on your financial journey.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation within my market is built on several key principles. First and foremost, I genuinely believe in advocacy and public service. I engage with individuals from all walks of life, understanding the importance of meeting people where they are. Integrity is at the core of everything I do—it’s the foundation of my business and reflects my values to my family, community, and clients.

I’m committed to giving back and believe in the principle of giving more than you take. I never view interactions as mere transactions; rather, I prioritize building meaningful relationships. People do business with those they know, like, and trust, and this requires time and effort. I focus on nurturing these connections, ensuring I’m available to provide support when needed and always putting my clients’ best interests first.

When it comes to sensitive areas like finances and healthcare, trust is essential. By cultivating relationships based on the principles of knowing, liking, and trusting, I not only foster loyalty but also encourage referrals. This holistic approach has been instrumental in establishing my reputation and success in the market.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been emphasizing the “human touch” and relatability. In my experience, storytelling is key. People don’t just want to know what I sell; they want to understand how it can positively impact their lives and relate to the experiences of others. When I share stories, my messaging resonates more deeply than a traditional sales pitch ever could.

People generally don’t enjoy being sold to; they seek value instead. It’s essential to convey that value through genuine human connection, often leading to those “ah-ha” moments where potential clients think, “I want what she’s having.”

Every industry has nuances, but I’ve found social media to be an invaluable tool for building my audience. It allows me to engage with followers in real-time and share success stories, client testimonials, and relevant information without appearing overly promotional. By focusing on relatability and meaningful storytelling, I can attract attention and foster connections that ultimately lead to growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.megfinancialwellness.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maeyangmegfinancialwellness