We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Malissa “Lissy” Poeut a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Malissa “Lissy”, thanks for joining us today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.
I feel like I start over every day. I intake and learn from new experiences and apply them to daily life and how I view and approach situations. We’re in a state of constant change if we accept them as opportunities for growth. I started my career at 21, I’m almost 27 now. The way I think about the world and myself is completely different, especially when it comes to how I invest my time into.
Grateful for it all, though I would think “What if?” I went to college and studied arts and business. I think that would’ve made a difference. The business side of this, can be tricky if not having the right guidance. Though definitely look for referrals for those contracts and tax season. That makes a huge difference.
Malissa “Lissy”, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a second-generation Cambodian-Chinese American, my parents escaped and immigrated from Cambodia during Khmer Rouge and restarted their lives here. I feel the pressure to make something out of myself yet in a non-tradtional approach. I feel that my background and seeing what my family had put on the line, pushes me to want to give back to my family one day.
I’m a photographer by heart, though I like to expand on my skillset and challenge myself. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in experimental marketing events, collaborative event production, PR marketing, Digital Marketing, et al. That has helped me grow as a person and creative person.
You are capable of more if your heart desires it, put in the work, be consistent and rest will follow after.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
This may be an unpopular decision through the mindset of hustle and grind. There are many layers to it though I believe in hustle and rest. Remembering to be kind and reward yourself after working long hours and give yourself space to breath and do nothing sometimes. The balance will always be beneficial and being able to reset and come back to it will be more effective than being completely burnt out.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Ah, exciting news actually. This past month has been surreal. My business partner is Julie Nguyen, she’s a Chicago-based Nail Artist that just moved from Memphis.
We recently just opened up a 300 sqft multi-functional studio space in the West Loop neighborhood! We are creatives and we wanted to have a space where we are able to work on our craft and also share the space with other creatives. We’re still furnishing though ready to take new clients for photography, videographer, creative work, nail art, etc!
We met because her cousin is my partner.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lissyxcam/
- Other: TikTok: @/lissyxcam
Image Credits
First four images taken by Estevan, in the frame: Ally, Julie, Lanez Last four images taken by myself Fifthh photo: in the frame, Ally Sixth photo: in the frame, Julie Seventh photo: in the frame, Julianna Eighth photo: in the frame, Lanez