ATHENA MEET XUAN
Wang, Li’s journey is one of fusion, where the boldness of Western ambition meets the elegance of Eastern philosophy. It’s a life shaped by two vastly different cultures, each leaving an indelible mark on her personal and professional identity. Through lessons learned from hardship, triumph, and everything in between, Li’s story is not just about business success—it’s about creating a bridge between cultures, offering others the chance to experience and embrace the best of both worlds.
Athena Meet Xuan, the name that embodies her travel business, reflects this duality. Athena, named after the Greek goddess of wisdom, represents Western clarity and intellectual depth. Xuan, a name steeped in Chinese tradition, carries the grace and timelessness of the East. Together, they form a perfect balance—Xuan’s strategic prowess complements Athena’s wisdom.
This union of Eastern and Western philosophies shapes Li’s business vision, creating a space where both cultures are celebrated and invited to meet, connect, and learn. In this blending, Li finds her true strength.
Through patience, resilience, and a sharp eye for the details that matter, she has built a business philosophy that speaks to both her heritage and her aspirations. However, perhaps what sets Li apart the most is her deep understanding of the value of time and connection, and the meaningful way these concepts intertwine with her identity.
A WATCH THAT SPEAKS
For Li, her watch is a reflection of her journey. Her Lady Bird watch from Blancpain holds a special place in her heart, far beyond its role as a mere accessory.
“This watch is special to me because it reflects who I am. It’s elegant, designed to show my love for beauty and details,” Li explains. “I focus on the small things, the details, and I like to present myself as elegant. It reminds me to stay strong and keep moving forward.”
The watch reminds Li of her first successful business—the takeaway pizza shop she started with little more than determination and focus. She gave it to herself as a present to commemorate that success.
“I came from a small town in China, and when I arrived in Australia, I had nothing. No connections, no shortcuts. But I stayed focused,” she reflects. “That experience is something I carry with me in everything I do. I appreciate this watch because it proves how far I’ve come and the value I bring to everything I do.”
BRIDGING CULTURES
Li’s story of cultural fusion combines the beauty of her Eastern upbringing with the opportunities available in the West. Running cafés and other hospitality businesses, she’s made it her mission to bridge the gap between the two cultures that shaped her. She has built a connection between these seemingly disparate worlds in her professional and personal life.
“I see both cultures have such beautiful things. I want to bring all of this together. I want to be a bridge for people to experience both cultures,” Li says. This deep appreciation for the richness of both Eastern and Western traditions motivates Li to create opportunities for others to do the same.
According to Li, to be successful in business, you only need two things… focus and patience. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is managing things step by step. Whatever I’ve learned, I practice. It’s not just about reading or following someone else’s success. I have to learn and grow on my own,” Li explains. “I’ve learned that focus and patience are key. I carry these values into every aspect of my life—whether running my business or raising my children.”
LESSONS FROM THE DARKNESS
Li’s journey, marked by the collapse of businesses, the end of her marriage, and personal loss, is a testament to her resilience. Instead of letting these hardships defeat her, she has used them as stepping stones for growth, inspiring others with her unwavering strength.
“From childhood, my parents taught me one thing: you must be strong. You have to fight by yourself,” Li reveals. “In this world, no one can really help you. Only you can help yourself.”
This mindset carried her through the darkest of times. After selling her pizza shop and moving into the café business, Li encountered many new challenges. From managing staff to dealing with fluctuating customer numbers, she faced each obstacle head-on, determined to make her business a success.
“When things go wrong, you can’t stay down. You need to stand up again, learn from your mistakes, and grow,” Li says. This philosophy has defined her approach to business and life—each setback is an opportunity to learn and improve.
A FOCUS ON COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION
At the core of Li’s business philosophy is a deep commitment to the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she transformed her cafés into havens for connection and support. This provided people with a place to gather and share their emotions. Her business has thrived by creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
“Human beings are usually alone. We need a place to go and share our emotions with others. We share the good ones, and we pass them on,” Li explains. “The café is where people can connect, share their vibes, and feel a sense of belonging.”
Li’s new venture—Athena Meet Xuan—a travel business designed to connect China and Australia, also reflects this focus on connection. Through her travel agency, she expands her impact by allowing people to experience both cultures more profoundly and meaningfully.
TIME TO REFLECT
As Li looks ahead to the future, she focuses on helping others. She is dedicated to creating spaces for people to learn, grow, and connect—whether through her cafés, her upcoming travel business, or the lessons she imparts to her children about resilience, hard work, and cultural exchange. Li is driven to leave a lasting impact on those around her.
Reflecting on what success truly means to her, Li says, “It’s not just about the money or the material things. Success means being a good person, helping others, and creating positive energy around me. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. I know I’ve done it because of my heart. That’s the most important thing.”
Her approach to life is rooted in the belief that setbacks are simply stepping stones. “When things go wrong, you can’t stay down. You need to stand up again, learn from your mistakes, and grow,” she says. This mindset is not just a business philosophy; it’s how Li lives daily. She instils this same resilience in her children, teaching them the importance of focus and patience.
As Li continues to build her legacy, she’s driven to create opportunities for others to connect, learn, and grow. “I want to show people how different cultures work, how daily lives differ in China and Australia, and how we can all learn from each other.” Her travel business is one way she aims to share her journey with others.
“We all have dark times, but they do not define us. It’s how we rise that shapes who we become,” Li says, embodying the strength that has carried her through life’s challenges. For her, it’s not about avoiding hardship but learning from it and using it to become her best version.
