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

Hi WeiWei, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I am pretty risk averse but I also believe in taking calculated risks. I took a couple years off of my tech career to pursue music and that was probably the biggest risk I’ve taken in my life. I hedged my risk by find sources of income that were more flexible. I am still making music but have found my way back to technology and am building two careers alongside eachother. I think whenever you take a risk, you have to hedge it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It definitely is not easy and I face challenges every day but there are celebrations along the way that also keep me going. I think what sets me apart is that there aren’t a lot of Asian people in music. A lot of it is our own culture pressuring us to be doctors, lawyers or engineers and also society just now being ready to see Asian people in media.

I have learned to appreciate the journey. Every time we achieve something we want in life, we are happy briefly then we move onto the next time. We all have life goals. But what happens when you reach them? I think we have to create our own happiness and realize that the path to getting to where you want to go is just as important as getting there.

I want people to feel inspired to pursue the things they are called to do. I want people to be brave enough to step outside of the box. I also want people to be able to be seen as creative AND analytical and not just one or the other.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to see nature and to my favorite neighborhoods. First, we would go for a hike at Runyon, then we would go to get tacos in Hollywood. My favorite taco truck is Fiesta in North Hollywood. Next would be dessert at Cheesecake Factory and for nightlife, I’d bring them to WeHo. I live in Venice so we would go to the beach in the morning and get lunch at Zinque (I would suggest the le bowl) then go for a walk on the boardwalk! I love window shopping on Melrose (because I usually buy clothes online) and would take them there as well! I moved to LA in July so honestly I am also looking for recommendations for spots to hang!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My friends have been my biggest supporters. They are my family and without them, I would not be able to continue creating because it gets so hard sometimes.

Website: www.weisquared.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/xoxo_weiwei

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weiweiding/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCydNOTSwad5W8liYiK-zdBg

Image Credits
Breana Monet

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