Q 1.What was your reaction when you won the BLOS HEART OF GOLD award?

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*I was completely shocked and incredibly emotional. As an only child, BLOS has become the sisterhood I was craving for so long. I remember feeling overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion because BLOS is filled with so many incredible, giving women. To be seen, supported, loved and recognized by this community was deeply humbling. My heart felt so full, and being my emotional self as always, I tried really hard to hold my tears back. It was overwhelming in the most beautiful way, and it reminded me how powerful genuine connection can be when women truly show up for one another.

 

Q 2. What does this award mean to you and what are some practices that you think you do well that helped earn you this award?

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*This award means more to me than I can put into words. As an Asian woman where English is still my second language, being recognized in a space full of strong, accomplished women means more than you know. It’s a reminder that heart, intention, and kindness speak louder than words.

 

I truly believe in supporting others without expecting anything in return. Some practices I try to live by are making time for people, showing up for others as much as I can, celebrating other women’s wins loudly, listening with care, checking in on people beyond business, and offering support even when it’s behind the scenes. Leading with heart has always been important to me, something I value deeply, and this award reassures me that it matters. I also try to create spaces, through my businesses and my presence, where people feel seen, safe, and supported. If that’s what earned this award, then I’m incredibly honored.

 

Q 3. You may have an opportunity to help choose next year’s BLOS BOSS and HEART OF GOLD. What are some things you are keeping your eye out for in our members?

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* I would be looking for women who lead with authenticity, integrity, and kindness. Those who uplift others without needing the spotlight, those who stay true to their values, those who show up consistently (not just when it benefits them, but because they truly care about the community).

 

For the Heart of Gold, I’d be watching for the quiet supporters: the women who check in, encourage others, make introductions, and hold space without needing recognition. For BLOS BOSS, I’d look for someone who balances ambition with kindness and success with humility.

 

​​Q 4. As the winner, how would you like to see yourself used for the betterment of our BLOS community?

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I clearly remember coming to my very first BLOS event not knowing anyone. As an introvert, I was incredibly nervous walking into that room. Because of that experience, I’ll always have a soft spot for anyone attending their first event.

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I would love to do my best to make sure no one ever feels alone when they show up to BLOS for the first time, to help them feel welcomed, supported, and able to truly enjoy the event. If I can be a familiar face, a warm hello, or a safe space for someone new, that would mean everything to me.

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I would love to continue being a connector and a safe space within BLOS. If my experience whether in business, community building, or navigating hard seasons, can help another woman feel less alone, then I’m all in. I’d also love to help amplify other members’ voices and wins, because BLOS shines brightest when we celebrate each other.

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Q 5. Is there anything you want to add and make sure we know about you?

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I’d love it to be shared that this award is truly a reflection of the BLOS community itself. This group has poured into me just as much as I’ve poured into it. It has given me so much: confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging.

 

Being surrounded by women who lead with heart, authenticity, and generosity has shaped who I am both personally and professionally. I’m endlessly grateful to be part of a community where kindness is celebrated, where women lift each other up without competition, and where showing up as your true self is not only accepted, but honored.

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BIO:

Hi, my name is Mai. My journey into entrepreneurship didn’t start with a business plan, it started with my own wedding. While planning our big day, I chose silk flowers because I wanted something that would last forever, just like the love we were celebrating. After seeing the bouquets come together, my husband looked at me and said, “These look really good… you should start selling them.” And just like that, a seed was planted.

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I started Happily Ever Flowers by selling custom wedding bouquets on Etsy and local. One order turned into another, and before I knew it, I was fully decorating weddings, from centerpieces and wedding arbors to bridal and bridesmaids bouquets and boutonnières. I fell in love with creating pieces that became part of people’s most meaningful moments. Over time, that creativity expanded into laser-engraved décor and gifts, creating meaningful pieces for milestones, celebrations, and everyday moments.

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At the same time, I had another passion, barbering. I’ve been a barber for 16 years, spending many of those years working in other barbershops while running Happily Ever Flowers as a side hustle. For a long time, I poured into other businesses while quietly building my own behind the scenes. In 2024, I finally took the leap and stepped away from barbering for others to focus fully on my own business. What I didn’t expect was the outpouring of love that followed. Many of my haircut clients reached out, sharing that they had followed me from shop to shop over the years and weren’t ready to let me go. With that demand, I began cutting hair out of my home in Marysville and doing house calls for months, just me, my clippers, and a whole lot of gratitude. That season confirmed what I had always known in my heart: this work is about more than hair. It’s about connection, trust, and relationships built over time. Eventually, that journey led me to opening my own studio in Lynnwood: Syrup’s Barbershop, a space I created with intention, warmth, and care to specialize in men/boy’s haircuts, beard trims, and hot towel shaves, a space where clients can truly relax, feel seen, and leave feeling confident. My belief is simple: hairitage matters, and every detail, from the service to the experience, counts.

 

Today, I live in Marysville with my husband Adam: my biggest supporter behind every idea and business venture, along with our dog Mochi and cat Anakin. After a long IVF journey, we are joyfully and gratefully waiting to welcome our first baby girl this April.