The Venture Capitalist
Julia Wong arrives in my office for a private meeting. Our group will be hearing her pitch tomorrow, but she wants some advice first. She's seeking a 3.5 million dollar initial investment and we're actively looking for more female entrepreneurs to invest in.
What I can say about Ms. Wong is that she's a 27 year old Harvard graduate who majored in business. Thin, regular style of dress, long black hair. Lots of extra-curricular activities at university. Lots of internships. A few accolades. A decent paying Wall Street job that she quit. Overall, an impressive resume for her age.
She's sitting in front of my desk. Next to my laptop is her portfolio regarding her startup bra company, which contains business strategy and distribution plans. The name of their bra line is '
BNP
' which is uninspiring to be honest.
It's our first time meeting and she's an absolute gem. When the time is right and our pleasantries are done, I broach the main topic.
"Why a bra company?"
Julia sits upright as if we're in a classroom and she's the top student. Her eyes light up, her posture is perfect. She takes a deep breath.
"Representation," she says. "Growing up, I never felt like the bra industry spoke to women like me. Asian American women are rarely presented as desirable, without being reduced to a fetish. We've been underserved by traditional bra industries and it's really harmful that so many young girls feel like they need to look a certain way.
She continues, "Body type is also a big factor. The most stylish bra lines tend to cater to bustier women. What we're hoping to accomplish is something that caters to women with my body type. Thin, flatter, who also need to feel sexy. It's geared towards Asian Americans, but of course, we celebrate everyone."
Well-rehearsed. Practiced. I like that. So far this is going well. Julia speaks with conviction, which is always a great sign.
I glance down at her chest. A-cups. No wonder she's so passionate about this. I hadn't noticed how small they were when she entered my office, because I always focus on the eyes and posture and manner of dress.
"Your business partner is also Asian, I'm assuming."
She nods. "That's right. We were roommates at Harvard and we majored in business. We're best friends, basically."
"Interesting. And I'm assuming your business partner knows you're here."
"That's correct. I actually have an awkward question for you."
"Ah, I was wondering when you'd get to the point. What's on your mind?"
"The name of our business," she says. "Well, the potential name. We're still tinkering with the meaning."
"
BNP.
Not bad. Not great, either."
"Officially, it stands for Bras North Pacific, which pays tribute to our Asian roots, along with being raised on the west coast of America."
"What's the unofficial meaning?"
"
Big Nipple Problems.
"
I laugh. "Cute. I like that."
"Not exactly a name that can be displayed in department stores, which is why we went with BNP, a much safer choice."
"You've piqued my interest," I say.
This conversation breathes new life. My eyes go down for a split second, those small breasts present something different. If she's making a bra for big nipples, then I wonder how big hers must be.
"Thank you," she says. "What do you think about the name? Should I mention the true meaning tomorrow in front of the other investors?"
I think for a moment. "Not yet. Too provocative."
"Makes sense."
"I'm assuming you have big nips."
She nods. "Yep."
"Tell me more about your product. Does it truly cater to big nippled women as the name suggests?"
"It does. Before it used to be difficult for large breasted or heavy-set women to find bras that fit. The industry evolved. Now heavy-set women are prominently displayed on posters at Victoria's Secret, with a variety of bras made for them.
She continues, "Our goal is to do something for women, particularly Asian women who are built like me. Slender, small-chested, often equipped with big nips. In the current market, if you buy a thin bra for A-cups, you risk having pokies while wearing a tshirt. If you buy something with thicker padding, then it almost looks like body armor that shifts around. Our bra solves these problems. We'll bring a variety for tomorrow's pitch meeting."
"You amazing me."
"In a good way, I hope."
Her voice squeaked when she said that. Her smile is warm. She's well-rehearsed in the points she wants to make. I like that. I tap the folder on my desk.
"The business plan in your portfolio is solid. You're well-spoken. Would you like some advice?"
"Sure, please."
"Lean more towards a personal story. Tell me more about your passion. I'll help you craft a better pitch for tomorrow's meeting."
"Where should I start?"
I gesture to her chest. "Start there, without being obscene."
Julia looks down, covers her chest with the palms of her hands, then looks at me and blushes. I see the love/hate relationship she has with her body. She wants to delve deeper, but something is holding her back.
"That's borderline impossible. In some cultures, the very topic of breasts are obscene by default."
I smile at her. "Give it a try. This is between us."
"Only if you insist."