🌟Your Image. Your Power. Your Brand.

AAWEA NC Presents Business Portrait & Networking

In today’s hyper-visual world, your image isn’t just how you look — It’s how people decide to trust you, hire you, invest in you, or recommend you.

On August 6, 2025, AAWEA North Carolina is proud to debut its newest initiative: Business Portrait & Networking: An Executive Private Salon.

This is not “just a photoshoot.” It’s a full-circle experience of personal brand refinement and high-level connection — curated to help you become seen and remembered in the right rooms.

📈 Why Your Image Matters More Than Ever

✔ Instant trust or lost opportunity — in 0.1 seconds

According to Forbes, people decide whether to trust you in the first 0.1 seconds. And on platforms like LinkedIn, company websites, speaker pages, and media kits, your profile photo is your digital handshake.

A study by PhotoFeeler shows that having a high-quality professional photo can:

• Increase profile views by 21x

• Improve callback/interview rates by over 40%

✔ Real People, Real Impact

🔹 Yuki Li, a former Morgan Stanley strategist turned education consultant, felt stuck after her career pivot. She invested in a photo that felt warm, professional, and approachable. Within one week, her LinkedIn traffic spiked by 800%, and she booked 12 new client calls — now generating over $300K in annual revenue.

🔹 Kevin Zhao, a software entrepreneur in North Carolina, prepped for a healthcare tech summit with a new, thoughtful headshot. He printed it on his business card — and handed one out in an elevator. That 30-second visual impression led to a 7-figure SaaS partnership.

🔹 Lily Wang, a digital creator, saw her first viral moment not from a video — but from a new profile photo and tagline: “I help ordinary people tell extraordinary stories.” She gained 4,000 followers in two weeks and multiple speaking invitations.

Behind every strong image is an opportunity waiting to happen.

🎯 Why AAWEA Launched This Event

At AAWEA (Asian American Women Entrepreneurs Association), we believe:

“In an unequal world, being visible is already an advantage.”

This event was designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, and creators living and working in North Carolina — those ready to elevate their presence without the overwhelm of managing it alone.

We don’t just want you to be seen — we want you to be seen by the right people.

This private experience creates a safe, refined space for:

 ✅ Expressing who you are — and who you're becoming ✅ Connecting with strategic peers, mentors, and collaborators ✅ Crafting the first impression your brand truly deserves

💼 Meet the Experts Behind the Experience

We’ve assembled a cross-disciplinary team of highly credentialed professionals in beauty, photography, media, and executive coaching — each with years of experience in elevating personal brands.

💄 Fen Lin

NY Fashion Week Lead Makeup Artist｜Stylist for International Magazine Covers A veteran artist for brands like Uplive, Custo Barcelona, and Keppi at NYFW, Fen’s work has graced the covers of Anastasia, Sheen, Hollywood, Joli en Style, and more. As founder of the “100 Real People Transformation Project,” she combines runway creativity with real-world confidence — helping clients show up both authentic and unforgettable.

💄 Meijia Li

Central Academy of Drama Trained Stylist｜Makeup Director for Stage & Diplomacy A graduate of China’s top drama school, Meijia has styled actors, diplomats, and performers for Cover Girl, international cultural galas, and embassy events. In North Carolina, she is a beloved educator, consultant, and backstage expert for festivals, galas, and youth arts organizations.

💄 Ping Ma

Mao Geping-Trained Bridal Director｜30-Year Fashion & Beauty Veteran From Beijing to North Carolina, Ping Ma has led bridal teams, taught beauty workshops, and directed fashion show makeup for over 30 years. Her approach is minimalist yet timeless — blending natural elegance with subtle power, ideal for professionals seeking a clean, credible look.

📸 Guangyong Mao

Founder, Chinese e Life North America｜Portrait Photographer for Community Leaders As both a media creator and visual storyteller, Guangyong captures more than just a face — he captures presence. Known for highlighting calm strength and leadership charisma, his work is trusted by business owners, community figures, and emerging executives across the region.

💬 Kelly Zhou

Global Outstanding Chinese Awardee｜VP, Chinese-American Business Association of NC As founder of GV-Edu Tech and an expert in high-trust introductions, Kelly will facilitate the networking salon. From icebreakers to positioning, she ensures every participant makes meaningful, lasting connections that go beyond small talk.

✨ What Makes This Event Unique?

 ✔ More than a photoshoot — a brand clarity experience ✔ Hands-on guidance from professionals in beauty, photography & communication ✔ A room filled with high-quality, opportunity-minded peers ✔ A high-value experience worth $500+ — partially subsidized by AAWEA for its community

👥 Who Should Join?

This event is designed for professionals of all genders who are:

• Launching or repositioning their business or brand

• Preparing to speak, pitch, or be featured

• Seeking new opportunities and high-trust collaborations

• Wanting to upgrade their public image with ease and support

📞 Registration & Contact

🔹 Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025 

🔹 Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM 

🔹 Location: Frontier RTP, 800 Park Offices Dr, Research Triangle Park, NC

Limited to 15 participants only to ensure quality, comfort, and customization.

📩 To inquire or register, please contact Lin Fen

WeChat: iv8868 Phone: (718) 696-8528

✅ Register with Credit Card: https://form.jotform.com/251985778623171

💳 Zelle Payment: info@aawea.org

💄Makeup Portfolio

🌐 About AAWEA

The Asian American Women Entrepreneurs Association (AAWEA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to empowering Asian American women through entrepreneurship, leadership, and community.

Founded in 2019, AAWEA has built a national network of over 1,300 members, with regional chapters across the U.S. and over 100 high-impact events hosted.

With core values of Cognition, Connection, Courage, and Creativity, we provide platforms for personal and professional transformation, including: HerPower Forum, Elite Peers Advisory Group, Industry salons, mentoring programs, and global innovation summits

Whether you’re a founder, builder, speaker, or dreamer — AAWEA is your ally in visibility, growth, and impact.

🌐 Visit us at: www.aawea.org