Faces of Entrepreneurship ft. Ryan Tu

Ryan Tu is a third-year Marketing student at the Telfer School of Management. In July 2020, he started his own videography/ photography service, Ryan Tu Creative, in which he has freelanced for local businesses, social media influencers, and wedding vendors. Ryan is also a content creator with Studio79E, a marketing media production agency, where he has gotten the opportunity to work with brands such as the Ottawa Redblacks, Rabbit Hole, and Saunders Farm.

In 2020, Ryan took on the role of Creative Director at CASCO Charity Organization where he produced a series of music, dance, and modelling videos, raising over $53,000 for the CHEO Foundation.

He is pursuing a career in digital marketing where he can apply his creative abilities in order to leave an impactful legacy with his work.

What does entrepreneurship mean to you?

Taking risks and not being afraid. Fear is something that is deeply ingrained into people — the fear of judgement, uncertainty, or failure. Entrepreneurship to me means embracing this fear of the unknown and pursuing something that not only empowers you, but others as well.

How are you entrepreneurial?

I take pride in taking a leap of faith in something I am deeply passionate about. You don’t know how much you can accomplish unless you try, which means playing it safe could be more risky in the long-run. For me, this was starting a career in the creative field where I was pushed out of my comfort zone, which has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. Don’t feel obligated to stick to a traditional career path or follow someone else’s journey. There will never be a perfect time to start something — do what makes you happy and the rest will eventually fall into place.

How does an entrepreneurial mindset contribute to your life?

Applying an entrepreneurial mindset has helped me contain my own self-doubts and allowed me to see my life and work in a more positive light. This mindset has reduced my fear of judgement, uncertainty, and failure since I constantly reflect on why I do what I do. Especially on the days when I’m down, I remind myself of the growth and the positive impact that comes from the experience. Trust the process and never trust your bad days over your good days.

*This feature was published as a part of the Faces of Entrepreneurship Campaign, 2021.