ABOUT Emily N
I proclaim myself to be
MULTI-FACETED
Because I am.
Would you be surprised to know
That you are, as well?
— Emily N.
Younger years
I was not a planned baby. I came to exist because I was ready— I chose my timing.
The first-born child of hard-working parents from completely different cultural backgrounds, I am the physical representation of the east merging with the west— some call that ‘hapa’.
Born in California, I moved at a young age to just outside Seattle, where I lived until the end of high school.
I may have been pale as a ghost, but I remember not being bothered by the weather too much. I have always felt content being indoors and cozy.
Go Seahawks.
athletics
At 13 years old, I made a commitment to myself and my parents that I’d become a club swimmer and get a scholarship to college. I had no idea, at the time, how much that decision would shape my future.
Yes, I did get the scholarship to a D1 program and ended up swimming competitively for 10 years. Excelling in this grueling sport taught me:
I know without a doubt that my grit is high.
My athletic foundation is strong even when I take breaks from working out.
If I dedicate myself to something that I do not truly love, I will end up burnt out with little satisfaction (I would not actually understand this lesson until years later).
early career
I attend college in Los Angeles and after graduating, I still had little idea what I wanted to do “when I grew up.” After all, I’d buried my head in water for a decade.
I dove into corporate America like I dove into a pool— not actually wanting to and hoping it wouldn’t be too cold.
While working full-time, I founded a Master’s (adult) swim team where I was the head coach.
I also wrote a blog and held events under a pseudonym, Cleo, where I focused on dating and relationships. This led me to meeting an angel investor who encouraged me to start a mobile app company— which I ended up doing.
Ultimately, imposter syndrome would win.
I closed the business after a couple years telling myself, “I’ll never start a company again.”(Never say never).
grad school
After experimenting with entrepreneurship and various jobs, I decided business school would help me get on a new path. I chose to move down to Orange County and complete my MBA at UC Irvine.
Fresh start.
Soon after relocating, I also started volunteering with a start-up, non-profit consulting group (SeedCG). Eventually I would become their inaugural CMO— so much fun.
going viral
Around the time I started grad school, I inadvertently go viral.
I had filmed the show over a year prior as a fun thing to try while I was studying for the GMAT.
survivor
While in business school, I celebrated my 30th birthday in Las Vegas at the Route 91 music festival.
I’m still not sure that I’ve fully processed this event and I often think of the 60 people who lost their lives and the hundreds who were injured.
But, I can say with confidence that I am calm under extreme pressure.
Medtech
I completed my MBA having spent deliberate time researching my next career move. I networked, visualized, and found mentors. I decided to pursue medical device product management because it excited me the most while also fulfilling my desire to work toward a greater good.
And that’s where my path took me next.
I worked for multiple global companies, both with the broadest product portfolios in their respective industries (diagnostic capital equipment and neuroendovascular).
Big players.
I learned a lot— about launching products, the health care system, corporate politics, advocacy, and so much more.
spirituality
My MedTech career was stable and busy, and so was my social life. But, deep within me lived a growing seed of unrest.
When the COVID pandemic hit, I was essentially forced to explore meditating— since I now had to sit at home with my anxiety.
This was just the beginning of my spiritual awakening and transformation.
Retreats. Plant Medicine. Ego deaths. Rewiring my subconscious. Shadow work. Inner child healing.
Too much to write on a website, but my favorite topic to discuss over matcha.
I become inspired to start a soul-led business offering two of my newly certified skills: Reiki energy healing and tarot card readings. I knew this might not be my ultimate end game, but I was excited to explore and harness my intuitive abilities to help people feel soothed— like aloe for your soul.
I developed the Soul Aloe brand and services while maintaining my 9-5 Medtech job.
DJ-ing
Part of growing spiritually involves trying new things and expanding the concept of who “you” are.
After taking salsa and bachata dance lessons for a few months, one of the dance clubs posted about needing a DJ and would train for free. I had just bought myself a DJ controller to teach myself as part of my I’m-not-too-old-to-learn personal campaign.
And DJ E-clipse was born.
coaching
After a few months, I decide to pivot Soul Aloe to focus on life coaching. While one-off Reiki/ Tarot sessions were rewarding, I wanted to influence real change with my clients.
My belief is that true transformation happens in the micro changes we make to our daily habits and thought-patterns.
I have seen all my clients overcome major obstacles and shift their lives in just a few months.
I had not envisioned becoming an independent consultant until start-up CEO’s began approaching me for support in commercializing their products— my specialty.
This is also what happens when you clear old belief patterns and align your energy— opportunities find you.
Now, as a full-time consultant, coach, and speaker, I get to utilize my skills when, where, and with whom I choose.
I can proudly say that I have never been more centered, self-confident, present, or free than I am today. I engage only in activities that align with my values, and I attract countless serendipities all the time.
I am energized by the vibrant life blooming around me
Multi-faceted. And continuing to expand.
Thank you for reading my story.
