Anya Cheng has come a long way from her blue collar roots in Taiwan, coming to the United States to earn multiple degrees, and having led teams at eBay, Target, Facebook, and more. She is the founder of Taelor, a clothing rental subscription service, and she joins Paula today to talk about non-traditional holiday gifts.

One trend is people caring more about experiences than physical stuff. We’ve talked about this in a previous episode. A loved one will remember time spent with you much more than they will remember a gift card. Also, throughout COVID, we’ve learned we all have too much “stuff.” It becomes clutter. People don’t need more clutter; they need to get out.

Another trend is sustainability and the circular economy. This can refer to the products you buy, and also how they are packaged. More and more elements of the process can be sustainable. Anya tells us about a clothing line that was created with cinnamon, and a performance line of suits in London that was created from repurposed coffee grounds! Because of the nature of the grounds, the suits are odor resistant. (And no, they don’t smell like coffee.)

Anya’s had quite a journey, really living the American Dream. Paula asks her what advice she’d give her younger self. You’ll hear what Anya means when says that life isn’t a mountain, it’s more like surfing. Also, be curious and invest in yourself.

Anya tells us about her clothing rental company, Taelor, and it’s many applications. Some folks use the service when they go on vacation. They simply drop the prepaid shipping in their hotel lobby when they leave, and they don’t come home with dirty laundry. Or, if you’re living in Florida but visiting family in Michigan over Christmas, you could have warmer clothes sent directly to your in-laws.

You can check out Anya’s website at https://taelor.style/

And for listeners of the podcast, be sure to use code PAYCHECK for 10% off!