Taiwan Trip

I want to write a bit just to talk to myself.

1 more week and I get to be back in Vancouver! I can hardly wait 🙂

Why do we do such things? Why does Mia care so much about her mom and her mom didn’t care about her? Mia takes 2 trips back per year, and sacrificed getting PRP when her mom was rushed to the hospital.

Why do I feel the need to come back to see Dad once every year or two years? He is not the worst, but rather rude and annoying to be with. He is so pathetic in so many ways, and such a liar.

I know now that his siblings will take care of him. Big Auntie will.

I also know now that $30000 TWD is enough to cover one’s expense if one doesn’t have to pay rent.

So why is Dad so poor?

He’s had too many secrets and lies. I think he needs them.

He told XiaoShu that I was starting my biz and needed money, so he ask him for money. Such a lie.

I’ve never got any money from him, exepct for $10K a few years ago. But he told me Grandma gave that to him. He said he got $80K USD from Grandma.

Taiwan Trip 2017

I’m in Taiwan now. 11th day of my 21 day trip.

I can’t wait to go home! Next year I think I’ll either skip this trip or make it 10 ~ 14 days.

My ring sales have been so shitty. I’m stressed. I have plans on how to bring the numbers back up, and I have Amazon Exclusives. I will have a great come back and be able to expand my ring sales I’m sure. I will rise to top three in this market.

Alex has been great. He had an eye-opening trip in China with his boss Steve. I’m so thrilled that we can relate on many things now. He has been good to me. He is so sweet. He is a quick learner too. He is becoming more and more of a large-minded entrepreneur, and he adores me. I’m looking forward to spending more time with him. He is so perfect for me. Thank you for bringing him into my life! I think he is the one 🙂

I don’t love spending time with Dad. But I know I have it pretty good as it is. Some people have parents that are way worse. I want Dad to be able to gain rights to his land and sell it, and make at least $1MM USD from it. This will ensure he lives a good life for his remaining time on Earth.

I also hope that he goes to community classes. It’s amazing. I was looking into it yesterday and didn’t find it, then today Aunt Melody told me about exactly what I was looking for!

We get to stay at Aunt Melody’s place for the next 10 days! It’s such a beautiful place. The surrounding community is really beautiful too. I had no idea that a community can be this nice in Taiwan.

Overall I’m grateful. Thank you so much, my angels, my darling.

 

 

Win BIG this Christmas

How to win big this Xmas?

Timeline:

October 21~29:
– Give Martin all ring designs
– Go to point roberts to sort out striped green/blue rings
– Have a plan for AE deals
– Get on call with Sarah @ AE
– Get on call with Jerry @ Wesol – form distribution plan
– Give striped rings to Elena; give her printed bow tie barcodes too; drop off bow ties with Elena
– Pick up bow ties from Elena; Take photos of bow ties
– Go through marketing agencies and contact a few for ideas, possibly meeting

October 30~Nov 15
– Tinker Knot Theory website
– SEO Etsy website too

Nov 15~22
– Set up interviews with marketing agencies

Nov 22~
– Interview marketing agencies

1. Really take advantage of Amazon Exclusives
– Get on phone with Sarah to devise Launch Plan
– Set up Lightning Deals
– Set up Deal of the Day
– More lifestyle photos (winter ones) Close of up hand holding for AE

2. Have a user friendly website that converts sales
– Better menu
– Attractive and informative splash screen with action button

-SEO (blog, etc)

3. Have great offers for existing customers
– Have separate mailing lists for ring customers and other
– Email offers

Bow ties:
– new ones
– pretied ones
– Elena: Sew labels
– Me or Alex: Take bow tie photos
– Available on my website by Nov 25th

Rings:
– new stackable women’s
=>braided, olive victory rings, mobius, vintage style, heart rings, butterfly bow ring
– new mens rings
=>tire rings, hammered rings, standard rings if can custom engrave, checker plate, wood grain(see desktop image),
– new matching rings

Alex Ramon – my new boyfriend!

Wow, some amazing things have happened lately.

Meeting Alex is one.

We met just over 1 month ago, September 17th.

We had an amazing first date playing pool and foosball.

Then we had an amazing second date where he cooked me scallops and bacon at his apartment with an amazing view.

Then we ran into each other while I was in my car, no hair and no makeup, and we made out.

Then we had our 4th date, where we ate meatballs at IKEA, and had sex at my place.

We had dinner at Guu for our 2 weeks anniversary. And dessert at Freshmeet Taiwanese dessert.

He had lost his job at the bike shop, and started a job at a film equipment company. A week later he quit that job, because it was just hard labour work.

One good thing that came out of it was that he stayed with me that week, since my place is close to his work.

Then he was so stressed about money after quitting. While I was in Victoria for 4 days, he applied to everything possible. By Tuesday, he got a job driving the little ferry boat to Granville Island, but it paid just as lame as this previous job, $16/hour.

It was to start 10 days later. He had to first take some courses, which cost $1000 and the ferry company would only reimburse him on half of it.

We celebrated our 1 month anniversary. He bought me a bunny mug and made a bunny origami for me. I gave him the bunny card I bought on Valentine’s Day. The card was about two bunnies who do a bunch of cute things together. It fit us perfectly!

We ate a big meal at Sushi Loku. I paid for it. He felt bad. It was a hard time for him.

I wished to the Gods that he finds a good steady job, full time, that allows him to start a business on the side.

He was definitely trying for it too. He said he was inspired to make lots of money after meeting me.

Through a chain of unbelievable events, he got a job offer today with Motorino! At $25/hour, being a bike mechanic for electric bikes, and a bike designer with royalties to gain! Plus he might be able to use his skills as a photographer, as well his experience with developing websites and making videos.

He was so happy, and I was so happy, and Mom was so happy too! And his mom too!

I’m so proud of him for getting to that next level. It’s definitely good effort on his part. I’m also so grateful and amazed that my wish came true! Thank you thank you thank you 🙂

The day before he got his job offer, I asked if he’d like to be my boyfriend. It’s now official haha. We are boyfriend and girlfriend. It’s been less than 5 weeks since we met.

Today he kept saying I’m the one. I hope so. I hope I’m the one for him, and he is the one for me.

I want to wait at least 3, 4 months before I’m fully committed though. I want to know that our honeymoon high is more than just a phase. I hope we will always be attracted to each other, be exciting for each other, and be passionate with each other.

I hope in the near future I move into that nice apartment of his. It’s not new, but it’s still very good. The view is amazing.

I’d be paying a lot more than now though….$1200 + parking. But then, it’s cheap for that location. It’s a good deal. And I’ve wanted to live downtown again. And I’ll get to be with Alex.

 

 

Links for Alex – retirement

https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/40-with-no-savings-retire-a-millionaire

https://twocents.lifehacker.com/what-to-do-when-you-re-40-and-have-nothing-saved-for-re-1665477939

https://www.datalounge.com/thread/9931534-i-have-absolutely-no-savings-or-retirement.

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/02/22/heres-how-much-money-you-should-have-saved-at-every-age.html

Updating knotheory.com About page

Here’s the old one:
I look like O-ren Ishii from Kill Bill. My necktie army.

The Knot Theory Story

Hi, my name is Tanya Huang, designer for Knot Theory.

I was a software engineer who woke up one day and decided to become a fashion designer. Why bow ties and neckties? Because it was a neglected area in fashion with so much potential for creativity! It got me really excited.

I was a geek who wore no makeup and knew nothing about starting a fashion label, so the transition into a designer for formal neckwear as you can imagine was smooth like melted butter.

…Not exactly.

There were lots of oh-shit moments, lots of ooohh-shiiit moments, and eventually, there were some a-ha moments.

From unexpectedly going topless in Knot Theory’s first photoshoot, to strutting into Dragon’s Den and slaying five dragons, to winning a design award, to completing 3 successful Kickstarter projects, to getting contacted by GQ UK magazine…. It’s been a wild ride.

I’m really proud of Knot Theory, and I hope you enjoy looking too handsome wearing Knot Theory. (You’re welcome ;))

Can you be too good-looking for your own good? Yes. (If you do get into trouble this way, I’d like to hear from you, for your safety.)

And for all the sexy ladies trying on Knot Theory – good for you! If you need styling tips, just give me a shout. You know, I happen to wear bow ties and neckties all the time!

Love,
Tanya
p.s. You can reach us via our contact form, or email me directly at t[dot]huang at knotheory.com

Press, Interviews, Media Requests

Knot Theory currently has loyal fans from 24 countries worldwide. In 2013, Knot Theory completed its third successful project on Kickstarter. In 2012, designer Tanya Huang pitched Knot Theory to the dragons on Dragons’ Den, enticing all five dragons to make her offers. However the segment didn’t air on TV possibly due to a technical error (though you can find the webisode online), so Tanya flew to Shanghai and explored for 6 months instead.

For interviews, press coverage, and media requests, please contact us via our contact form.

Knot Theory Press Coverage:

– GQ UK magazine
– Kickstarter
– Dragons’ Den
– Oops! Japanese Magazine (cover)
– CBC News
– Vancouver Sun (cover page)
– CTV
– Global TV
– CityTV (Breakfast TV)
– Vancouver Television
– CBC radio
– VIFF 2012 Red Carpet Closing Gala
– Leo Awards 2012
– Vancouver Men’s Fashion Week
– Kenton Magazine New York
– Fame’d Magazine
– Homorazzi.com
– Straight.com
– UnfinishedMen.com
– ChristieLohr.com
– The WE

 

How to NOT outlive your money

As of today I have about $950,000 CAD in the bank.

I used this calculator and figured that if I have $2MM in the bank at 4% return rate, and spending $5K/month at 3% inflation, I’ll never outlive my money.

http://www.calcxml.com/calculators/i-am-retired-how-long-will-my-savings-last?skn=119#calcoutput

I should be able to have $1MM in the bank by end of this year.

However, there are other things:

  • Parents. I need to support Dad. Mom too. Though Mom might have leftover money for me. I won’t include that in my expectations though.
  • USD to CAD exchange rate
  • Investment – right ones will make me even more money; property investment might give me monthly income
  • Fun stuff – travels, luxury
  • Health stuff
  • Boyfriend/Husband – I need to find one who, together, we’ll make more rather than less.
  • Most of my money is not invested to make 4%
  • Taxes – corporate and personal
  • World economy

Basically, if I can accumulate $2MM in the bank, and perhaps $500K ~ $2MM for other things, then I will never run out and can have lots of fun too.

The reason why I’m thinking about this is that, Alex is 42 years old with no savings. He just got a job for $16.5/hour, and he is excited. It’s in film. There will be overtime. He’ll get to meet people and make connections.

I don’t think he is thinking long term however. He needs to make enough money to live for another 40 to 50 years.

He’ll have to start from scratch.

If he makes on average $45K/year for the next 25 years, and saves 1/3 of it (there’s tax to account for too), then he can accumulate $375K. If he lives ’til 95, then he will have $1K per month to spend, plus probably $600 from the government.

That’s the best case scenario, and it ain’t go great.

Looking at Cat, who is in the same boat. 40 and no savings, making very little.

Nicole, even worse. 40 and in debt. But she has her mom to lean on. So about the same.

Tyler? Brodie? Cyndi? Tina?

Vanessa didn’t start making good money until her late 30s. She is probably making $60K/year? But she made good investment and had savings.

Anna is doing probably $55k/year. She has savings.

Summer is doing well, but she was miserable at 40. She pretty much had to start from scratch. But she had a running business, so not really.

The point is, do I have respect for Alex? He is excited about this film job, and with guidance can probably find even better opportunities. If he was 10 years younger, this is awesome, but he is not.

Right now he doesn’t want to focus on a side business. That’s fine. But if in say half a year, he still hasn’t found something paying more than $80k/month, he should probably do a side business.

I don’t know what to think of the situation. I guess I’ll just be supportive at least until I go to Taiwan.

JL’s 24th birthday, Richmond Oval game, dating Alex, future

Mixed feelings about today and life in general.

Sales were down to 35 today. Maps are no catching on after a VL campaign. I’m a bit worried. Ying’s containers aren’t making a lot of profits, but she is selling 10 a day without PPC ads!

I need to find a way to revive Knot Theory rings on Amazon, and sell lots maps! C’mon brain. You can figure this out!

Of course, best bet is getting Amazon Exclusives. Fingers crossed!

Played in a Richmond volleyball tournament today with Elan, Mary, Jerrod, Tim, and Kelly. Got slaughtered. These teams were so good! Tim is really funny. Jerrod and Elan too actually. Elan is becoming more and more likeable. Though he hit me in the head today with a ball, by accident.

I didn’t play very well today. Sigh. I played ok at Fortius on Thursday though. I didn’t like Elan that much, but he was the one who invited me to both games!

The Richmond oval is amazing. It’s so big, so new, and full of activities.

JL’s 24th today! He is so young. But he is so loveable and mature. I really like him. I like Kaelynn too. And Steve.

I took 2 Katy love pills before going. I also took 2 After Party Pal, and one after. I think they are all very helpful!

I did feel a bit more loving with the Katy love. And more alert. I also felt a lot less tired with the APP pills. I’m not sure if it was just one or the other that brought on those good feelings. I shall try again soon.

We played stack pong. It took me 5 drinks to learn the game, and I was a bit hammered.

JL and K’s place has the most gorgeous view. Even better than Alex’s! And their rent is $1400! On the 23rd floor.

Drinking and talking and playing that stack pong game was fun. After that, we went to Portside. I’ve been there before, when it wasn’t called that. There was a fashion show there. Way back when.

I’m definitely in a different place now. These things don’t interest me that much. We’ve gone clubbing 2 times together now….both times, no on hit on me. Is it because I look old? Is it because I’m Asian? Or is it because I look too hot? Haha. Either way I feel a little sad. Not that there were cute guys…but it seemed like every girl got hit on except for me. Even Steve.

I felt pretty good physically though. Those pills are good.

I felt that no one wanted to touch me. People keep a bit of a distance from me. Why is that?

Alex is coming over tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it, but at the same time not too attracted to him anymore. I was very attracted to him on our first date, but…sigh. 1. too skinny, 2. old / older looking than I thought, 3. unsuccessful at 41 almost 42, which makes him seem pathetic at times, and 4. unambitious.

But he is great is many ways too. 1. Funny, 2. likes Sci-fi, 3. Tall (6 foot 1), 4. kind, 5. blue eyes, 6. touchy feely, 7. totally open-minded about my hair and thinks I’m gorgeous.

I did pray to God to give me a guy for the mean time. Someone I enjoy making out with, because it’s been so long. It’s been 6 months since Jeffrey. And, Alex is so much like what I prayed for. I wish he was a bit cuter I guess. Less scrawny. If he was less scrawny and more successful in his career venture (and has a career), he’d be perfect.

Why is he unsuccessful at 41 though? Not smart enough? Not skilled enough? Not lucky? Not resourceful? Wrong direction? Lacking certain traits such as follow-through or perseverance? I can’t tell yet. I’m quite sure I need a successful boyfriend though. I want to be a power couple together!

I want someone very good at marketing, and can help me market my products. Maybe I shall hire a marketer. A cute one haha.

 

Alex: First Date

Had a really fun first date with Alex yesterday!

Met him on OkC. I really didn’t plan on meeting anyone any time soon… in part because I feel like giving up, and in part because of all the travelling coming up.

He seemed like a normal and fairly good looking guy who likes sci-fi, and was very straight forward about setting up a date.

I met up with Julianna and her friend Shotty(sp?) for sushi, and they dropped me off at Soho Billiards for my first date like parents dropping off their kid first day at school.

I like how tall Alex is. 6’1. Perfect height. He is 41, but he is skinny and fairly youthful looking. There were no surprises in how he looked..he looked like the photos…maybe a bit cuter.

He wore a black leather jacket, jeans, and a blue plaid shirt.

I thought he was gonna be boring, because he was very concise on his messaging prior to the date. His profile was brief too. Said he had a great sense of humour, but there were no hints of that in his profile.

Turned out he really was a lot of fun. He was great at carrying a conversation, and he was a good listener. He was pretty good at pool, but he tried really hard to let me win. I was so bad at it that day for some reason.

He ended up playing with his left hand, with only one eye open, while standing on one leg. Haha.

I kept complaining about the game. How would you change it? He asked. I said, I would hit the balls directly, instead of hitting the white ball. So he let me do that 😀

Still he won. But we had a great time, and laughed so much. And all is not lost. I spotted two foosball tables, and we played 5 games of foosball – and I won! hahaha

He paid for everything. I was surprised it was $40.

So I offered to pay for Pour House. He was very polite and didn’t order much. I added some food and it came to $70ish plus tips and such. $86 I think. But that’s ok. (Just that the food tasted awful and the waiter was a bit rude.)

I really like him. And I want to be an equal couple.

He is an INFP-T, but he didn’t seem very introverted at all.

I like that he likes sci-fi, self-improvement, and has a good sense of humour. He likes trying new things. He has a youthful presence. He seems very gentle and sweet. Oh and very blue eyes…based on the photos. It’s hard to tell in person because we were in somewhat dark places all throughout the night.

I am a bit concerned that he has no high nor steady income. At 41, almost 42…he hasn’t got this sorted….

Sometimes he says incredibly stupid things about science…and I wonder just how smart he is. I’ve yet to find out.

His ideas of ventures are very small and limited. That can change though.

I wonder how talented, smart, and sincere he is. I wonder if we can be a power couple. I wonder if we can be a sweet couple.

He told me the plot of a sci-fi story he had in mind. There was a boy and a dog. I asked if the dog can be a giant rabbit. He was pretty good at going along with my “plot twists” on his story haha.

He walked me to the skytrain, and just as we arrived, he pulled me in for a kiss. That was pretty hot.

We kissed for a while. I had longed to kiss someone for months….finally! It was so nice. Exactly what I wanted. <3

We kissed passionately for probably 10, 15 minutes. The skytrain had shut down. Probably during our kiss haha.

I had to take a cab home. He shouted at the driver, “Drive safe!” So cute.

I got home at 1:30am. I was so turned on and filled with hormones I couldn’t sleep until sometime past 4am. I had two extremely good orgasms..and another one today.

Today I felt exhausted. Not sure if it’s because of the raging hormones.

He messaged me in the evening and invited me to his place on Wednesday. He’ll cook for me! I asked what, he said, scallops and bacon of course! I was so surprised that he remembered that being my fave!

Part of me am so worried about all the ways this might not work out….but part of me very excited. There’s potential at least!

Oh and I didn’t very clearly state that I have alopecia in my most recent profile. I just wanted a tame profile without saying too much, and that means saying just “alopecian” instead of going into details. It also meant removing all the fun photos, leaving just photos of me sitting in restaurants, etc. I don’t like having to have the alopecia conversation later on..but…that’s just the way it is.

One thing I learned about him is that he was a foster kid growing up. He had 3 brothers, and they are all foster kids. I’m interested to find out more.t

I really like that he doesn’t shy away from expressing himself. He was like, “I can’t wait to see you!” “I’m so excited!”

And he’ll download a sci-fi movie for us to watch. How amazing is that?

 

 

 

Promote Map

Things I can do to promote my beautiful scratch map:

  1. VL – expensive (remember to set max to 1) $400 + 150*$13 = $2350
    1. If can sell $2350/15 = 156 then it’s break-even
  2. Amazon Exclusives – need to wait 2 weeks to find out if doable
  3. FB ads – might take time
  4. FB video ads – need to make video; need to learn to do ads anyway
  5. Contest: Grand prize: a trip?
  6. Raise price to $37.5
  7. Start VL. $2.63 each
  8. Create and run FB ad, FB page; 50% off (2 days?)
  9. Create video (3 days?)
  10. Run FB video ad; 50% off (1 day)