Creative Industry

In 2009, Joyce Tsang decided to leave her job in engineering to pursue her creative passions for video and filmmaking. Tsang’s journey to becoming a filmmaker began with shooting weddings as a way for her to learn the ropes of a new trade in a new (to her) industry. Her work eventually caught the attention of an NFL executive, which marked a massive turning point in her career. Tsang began working for the NFL and CBS Sports, while earning an impressive collection of awards in the process. Today, the Portland, Oregon-based creative is proud to have grown a production company, Only Today, out of that body of work. And to help, she’s hired 14 talented employees who are “immigrants, veterans, parents, underdogs, those from the queer community and other walks of life.” Here's our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project. Tell us about your biggest success so far. We've done big commercial productions, Super Bowl spots, and we've won Emmys for our work - but my view on success is a bit different. I am most proud of our ethos, how we work, and why we operate the way we do through our commitments to our community, governance, and the environment. It means turning a mirror on ourselves and not just doing more, but doing better. What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? Like many women, especially minority women, I have to work extra hard just to get a seat at the table. But hard work alone is not enough – we also need community. We need people to lend a hand or make an introduction, because no one can do it all alone. And, it’s way more rewarding to do life with others. And that’s why I’m always working to build a network of supporters and collaborators who believe in what I believe. Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions? During my early days in this industry, I worked a job that had no boundaries, and it took a real toll on me. I was completely burnt out. I took a sabbatical and spent time in therapy doing a lot of self work. This time certainly contributed to how we at my company shape our policies and core values. What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? Invest in building long-term relationships with both clients and collaborators. How do you find inspiration on your darkest days? A tasty meal. A stroll through the neighborhood. A conversation with a good friend. What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days? I don’t really turn to music when things are tough – I go into problem-solving mode. But we have had “Eye Of The Tiger" by Survivor on the production pump-up playlist for years now. Who is your most important role model? I’m not sure I have a singular role model, but I see my story and journey shaped by many who came before me: Family who risked so much to come to this country in search of a better life; women I’ve met or worked with who charted their own path just to get a seat at the table; marginalized people whom I’ve had the privilege to meet or tell stories with. Those interactions often give me fuel and inspiration in what I do. Instagram: @OnlyTodayFacebook: @OnlyToday Share your story! Check out our Advice + Tips for entrepreneurs starting-upWatch our latest videosSubscribe to our podcast

Creative Industry

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