Meet Bee Vang | A resilient challenger

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

Hi Bee, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had dreams of doing big things for my community, but i was always afraid that I would fail so I played it safe and stayed at a regular 9 to 5 until my sister passed away. She was a dreamer, an entrepreneur, a free spirited individual. After she passed, I promised myself to never be a 9 to 5 person again. I am still breathing, that means I get to finish the race. I get to live her vision.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I started my own tshirt business in 2019 after the passing of my late husband to suicide. During the midst of the pandemic in 2020 I lost my oldest sister- my 2nd mother and it almost drove me to my end. I thought to myself, if I am no longer afraid of death, then what’sthe worse that can happen to me if I tried? I wanted to remind people that they meant more than just an “essential worker”
My shirts were all custom to order, but with each package, I would put an inspirational quote so that when people read it, hopefully it would spark a smile and continue to remind people that there are better days ahead. I vended at several festivals and it just discouraged me because I felt like no one cared about me or what I had to offer. That business was a flop and I just couldn’t find where I belong in a vast world of tshirt printing. I was sad when it ended and I spent 3 years crying about how I could make it work, but I knew I wanted to continue the line of work, where I could bring just a little bit of joy into the lives of those impacted by the realities of the world.

I contributed to several more festivals after shutting down my t-shirts, and I concluded that I wanted to change this feeling of being neglected and being alone in my endeavors. What I sought, I couldn’t find. So I decided to use my hosting abilities for the purpose of supporting small businesses, much like my tshirt business, and creating opportunities to be seen and heard.
Now I host festivals. This is my first year and I have done 2 to date and am in the process of planning many more for many years to come. I took everything I learned about running my tshirt business and applied it to the festivals I’m currently planning. We are a festival planning business dedicated to the success of our small business vendors. They are the reason why I plan festivals. They will continue to be the reason why every event I plan is successful.

I learned that what happens to you is really for you and to never let the worst things get the best of me. I want people to know that I have been battered, I am still bruised, but I will not allow myself to lose. You get to choose. The path to now is never easy, so keep your eye on the prize and continue to rise.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Korean BBQ places in Georgia have to be the best spots I’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying. 770 and it’s sister restaurants are by far the best places. I judge based on service. The food can be great anywhere, but if the service is horrible, I’ll never come back. Sweet hut bakery is my guilty pleasure. I know I’ve donated too much of my money to their pastries! Jeju- Korean bath house is always a good spot and I recommend it to everyone looking to destress and recollect their spiritual well being.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband and little sister for always inspiring me to become a better person.

Website: Www.myriadeventsllc.com

Instagram: @MyriadEventsLLC

Facebook: @MyriadEventsLLC

Image Credits
Snap Genius Photography, Dennis Holt Jr and Willie Daniels