Meet Keli Chau: Visual Storyteller and Lifelong Learner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Keli Chau and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Keli, what role has risk played in your life or career?
There is a complex human response when it comes to risk. It is natural to want to stay on the path most traveled because fear is what helps keep us safe from the potentially dangerous unknown. This is where the importance of finding and executing a balance comes into play. For instance, if there is an awareness that the avoidance of risks is created from a fear of failing, then all that is left to do is to implement a proper plan before making a “risky” decision. It was certainly a journey on the way to develop my relationship with taking risks. I learned to believe in myself, continue learning, and made thorough decisions that are not based on fear. Each time I “failed”, I would integrate what I learned when I tried again. When it was the opposite result, it would be that much more rewarding because I decided to do things my way. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When you get down to the nitty gritty, it has always been about the decisions I made that did not make sense to those around me. Like I mentioned earlier about risks, the fear of the unknown also affects whether or not your community support you. With that said, the fight against the traditional path will be a lifelong one for me. It is not easy, but it has definitely been an adventure. Obstacles come and go but what you take from your experience is what will help you grow intellectually and emotionally. Everyone has a brand, but what I find to be the most important is whether or not it is authentic. I believe the world is changing and transparency is key.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When the world has fought off COVID-19 and a friend came to visit, I would: …feed them until they can no longer eat: • Quốc Hương for bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwiches) • Bobo Garden for authentic Chinese food (none of that westernized nonsense) • El Rey Del Taco for delicious beef tongue tacos and then some • Sushi Hayakawa (one of the best omakase experience I have had) • Royal China for brunch, dim sum style • 9292 for Korean BBQ • Abundance of bakeries and boba shops • Home Cooked Meals …show them some of my favorite activities/spots: • Pioneer Camping and Hiking at Tallulah Gorge (or any Georgia state park) • Tennis/Swim/Badminton/Fishing • Karaoke Night • Game Night • Anime Weekend Atlanta (October) …and yes, do the tourist stuff with them too: • High Museum of Art • Fox Theatre • Georgia Aquarium • Coca Cola Factory • Centennial Olympic Park • Rock City Gardens/Ruby Falls • Six Flags

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I believe that there is always something you can learn from each person you meet in your life and experience you gain. Every person I have met has taught me something, whether it was a happy or painful memory. Not only that, but any living organism can have the same effect. My dogs have taught me loyalty, freedom of expression, living in the moment, and appreciation (yes, I am that crazy dog lady). On a more serious note, I would like to highlight my family and what they have taught me. As all families go, we have our ups and downs, but when it comes down to it, I can count on them. They taught me what it means to show up, not settle for less, and more importantly, to always give back.

Website: www.kelichau.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kelichau
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kelichau
Twitter: www.twitter.com/kelichaullc
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kelichaullc
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm9juCzg3VC9hihrZreaELA
Other: Blog: www.madebykeli.com Natfluence Interview: https://thenativeinfluence.com/interview/keli-chau-visual-storyteller-content-creator-lifelong-learner/ Voyage ATL Interview: https://thenativeinfluence.com/interview/keli-chau-visual-storyteller-content-creator-lifelong-learner/ Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/lawrenceville-ga/keli-chau-llc

Image Credits
Keli Chau