Meet Michelle Tu | Scientist turned Serial Entrepreneur

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

Hi Michelle, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
After I earned my PhD in cell biology, I declined job offers in the sciences (to my parents dismay) and decided to start my own business. It’s by far the biggest risk I’ve ever taken. I had little money saved up, zero business experience, and knew nothing about the industry. All I had was confidence and Google Search. I ultimately shut down my first business after 5 years, but I gained so much from taking that leap-of-faith. Sure, the successes were great, but the failures and mistakes were humbling and much more valuable to me. Taking that initial risk has helped me become a more savvy businesswoman.

Like the saying goes, “What’s life without a little risk?” I think taking risks has made my life and career much more interesting. It’s led to some amazing opportunities, unique experiences, hard lessons learned, and plenty of great stories to tell.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m the owner of Modern Theory, a line of chic, eco-friendly candles made with sustainability and social impact in mind. Growing up, creating art was something that came naturally to me, but I also have an undeniable love for science. So I did what I felt like I “should” do: I focused all of my energy studying science, went to grad school, and then launched a skincare company.

Fast-forward years later, and I realized that the skincare industry wasn’t for me. I was weighed down, trying to keep up with a perfect image that I’d created and an industry that I just didn’t fit in with. To relieve my anxiety, I turned to candle-making. I was energized by the creative process and finding joy in what I was doing again. This motivated me to pitch my candles to local boutiques and within a month of launching, Modern Theory was in its first retailer. Now Modern Theory is carried in stores across the US and UK.

I also co-founded Daybreak Vietnamese Coffee with my best friend during the pandemic. Going from the skincare to candle to beverage industry has been such a fascinating journey, both professionally and personally. I’ve gained business experience that no MBA program could possibly ever offer and with every new venture I feel like I’ve leaned more and more into my authentic self.

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?
First up would be Leimert Park to check out the sights, sounds, and flavors of the neighborhood, which is deeply rooted in black culture. Then there’s Melrose for great shopping and people watching. The Observatory is a must for taking in amazing views of LA. I love pizza, so I’d definitely hit up Pizzeria Mozza for their margherita pizza and burrata to start. For late night food and karaoke, Koreatown is the place to be. There’s also a cool, kitschy speakeasy called Break Room 86 that’s great for drinks. No visit to LA is complete without going to the beach and Manhattan Beach is my pick.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom is my rock and has been a shining example of resilience and grit. My graduate school mentor is a brilliant scientist who’s shown me that women are a force to be reckoned with. Lastly, my mother-in-law keeps me grounded and reminds me to appreciate the simpler things in life. The one thing that all of these women share in common is an immense amount of kindness and compassion they have for everyone around them, which I try to model in my everyday life.

Website: www.michellektu.com

Instagram: @modern.theory // @enjoyadaybreak

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