VoiceoftheAsianAmerican&PacificIslanderCommunity
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Hustle& Heritage
Hustle& Heritage
CollidingArt&Culture withCameronJeong
InterviewbyLeiaMahiya
Cameron Jeong, an Arizona native and musician, grew up in the small border town of Nogales, Arizona surrounded by Mexican culture, but often feeling like an outsider as one of the few Asians in the community. Navigating their mixed cultural identity, Jeong found freedom and belonging through music—a space where they could simply exist and be appreciated for their art, rather than questioned for how they looked.
Do you incorporate elements of your culture into your business or creative work? If so, how?
Cameron Jeong: I’ve been figuring out how to make music that feels true to me. When I went to school for music, I felt like I had to present myself a certain way, especially around branding, or working with other Asian American artists. It didn’t feel natural, like I was forcing my roots into the work instead of letting them flow naturally. I started using meditative instruments like Tibetan singing bowls and the Arlo, things I discovered through friends or artists whom I admire. I haven’t explored Chinese instruments yet, even though that’s my background, but these sounds really inspire me. They’re so different from Western music, and experimenting with them brought back the excitement I’d been missing. I realized I was becoming bored because I wasn’t expanding into the sounds that truly resonate with me.
My family is a big influence too, everyone on my Asian side runs a business. My dad had an accounting firm; my cousin has a pool company; my aunt ran a piano and vocal studio, and my grandfather opened some of the first retail stores in our hometown. It feels like entrepreneurship is in my blood. I want to do the same with my music, by introducing people to meditative sounds in a fun, mainstream way. For example, by having singing bowls layered under a groovy beat with playful lyrics, you might not even notice, but the energy is there.
What inspired you to pursue this creative path, and was there a moment that solidified it for you?
I have always dreamed big, since I was a child, I wanted to be a star on stage, with everyone holding up their flashlights. I started dancing at the age of three and played the piano at five, so I knew I wanted to perform. But growing up in a small town, far from a big city, I didn’t really know how to get there. There wasn’t much of a music scene beyond recitals, so I didn’t understand things like gigging or getting paid to perform. I was just going through the motions. In high school, I joined jazz band and realized how much I loved performing with a group. I had never sang with a band before—just voice lessons—and I felt like, wait, this is it. I loved jazz because it felt safe for my voice. I wasn’t like Katy Perry or those big pop vocalists; jazz felt like home. But I still had no idea how to turn that into a career.
When I started looking at colleges, I thought about New York or LA, but I ended up staying here. Funny enough, the degree I graduated with didn’t even exist when I first applied. I originally chose digital culture with a music emphasis because I wanted to study how music affects the brain. I had read the book This Is Your Brain on Music by Daniel Levitin as a kid, and I was fascinated by frequencies and brain states. But the program I was enrolled in focused on coding and calculus, and it just didn’t feel right. I felt guilty because college is such a privilege, but it felt wrong, so I left. Then COVID happened, and it gave me space to just be. That same year, ASU launched the Popular Music major, and I was like, do I go back? I decided to audition, even though no one had gone through the program yet. I figured if I get in, it’s meant to be— and I did. I am so glad I took that leap.
How do you stay connected to your community—whether through collaboration, mentorship, or cultural exchange?
After moving to Phoenix and studying music, I realized there were so many different artists here, and it felt like we were all meant to meet. I connected with a few other Asian American artists such as —WLFTOWN, Ang Sirena, Shell Shaker—and we all shared that same feeling of being caught in between, questioning, “Am I Asian enough? Am I American enough? I don’t really feel like I fit fully in either.” We thought, it’d be so cool to create a collective WavCo, a safe space for Asian American artists in Arizona to just express themselves freely without feeling
like they had to be one thing or the other, or worry about being judged. We have been fortunate enough to work with AANHPI, who sponsored one of our events, and the experience was amazing.
Outside of that, I stay connected to my roots by cooking more Asian meals and bringing Eastern practices, like meditation and holistic healing, into my daily life. Growing up in a small border town by Mexico, I wasn’t really exposed to those things, so reconnecting with that side of me has been such an important journey.
What do you hope people take away when they engage with your work?
I have had a hard time figuring out how to make my art my main income or feel like I could be a full-time artist. That’s really why I started my business—I thought, if I really honed in on marketing myself, managing my finances, and investing back into my music, I could make it sustainable. Because honestly, these days, it’s not enough to just be talented or creative, you need drive, organization, a network, and you have got to know people.
What I really want people to see is that no matter my age or what I’ve been through, I’ve kept pushing toward what I feel is my purpose. It makes me sad when I hear people say, “I’ll just get a nine-to-five and do art on the side,” and then they never do it—they lose that part of themselves. Yeah, it’s hard. You might struggle or be uncomfortable for a few years. But what matters is being aligned with your path.
If people see me and think, “Oh, if she can do it, I can do it,” that’s amazing. I just hope that whether it’s other artists or people listening to my music, they feel like they have a safe space—a place to come back to. Everyone needs a little healing; we are never fully healed, and we are always evolving. I hope my music helps people dance, feel good, and get out of their own heads, because music has done that for me. Sometimes our minds aren’t the safest places to be, and music can shift that. That’s what I want to give people.
I’m just a girl with big dreams, hoping my music can create a better space in the world—a safe place for people who feel lost or like they don’t fit in a box. I want people to get to know me in that way. I post different things on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, but it’s all under my name, Cameron Jeong.
Check out Cameron on her socials:
Cameron Jeong
cameronjeong0
CameronJeong
District Picks
#TakeOutThursday
First Cup Ethiopian Restaurant
This Ethiopian restaurant is praised for its flavorful dishes and inviting atmosphere.
Milk Run
This boba shop has been praised for it’s high-quality drinks.
Tambayan Filipino Food
A Filipino eatery known for its wide variety of authentic Filipino food.
Pepe’s Taco Villa
This Mexican restaurant is known for it’s fresh, vibrant flavors.
Da Vàng
A Vietnamese restaurant popular for delicious, fresh Vietnamese food.
In the heart of Phoenix, the International District stands as a vibrant bridge that connects diverse cultures, traditions, and communities. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment that celebrates multicultural heritage, encourages community engagement, and promotes mutual understanding and respect. The International District is not just a place, but a journey towards global understanding and mutual respect, making Phoenix a model city for cultural integration and community solidarity.
2024 was a transformative year for the International District, marking a period of economic growth, increased community safety, and community visibility, thanks to impactful events such as the International District Night Market hosted in October.
These milestones represent just the beginning of a bold, inclusive future for the International District.
Keep up with the Internation District:
#TakeOutThursday
Nestled next to Pho Thanh in the International District on Camelback, Milk Run is known for its homemade ice cream, creative boba drinks, fruity sparklers, smoothies, and more. The drinks are served in signature glass milk bottles, adding a fun twist to each order. Since winning the Rising Sun Award from the Asian Chamber of Commerce in 2018, Milk Run has become a favorite spot in the community.
1702 W Camelback Rd Phoenix, AZ 85015
Tambayan FilipinoFood
#TakeOutThursday
Tambayan Filipino Food isn’t just about serving great food—it’s about fostering a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether guests come with friends, family, or solo, the goal is to make everyone feel at home. The space is ideal for groups, making it a popular spot for gatherings and celebrations. For those on the move, their food truck brings the same delicious meals directly to the community, wherever they are.
1534 W Camelback Rd Phoenix, AZ 85015
Ingredients
2 lbs. Beef Stew Meat
1 tsp Salt & Black Pepper
2 tbsp Oil
3 Onions Sliced
2 Large Potatoes Cut into Chunks
2 Large Carrots Cut into Chunks
6-8 Cups of Water
ShareYourFlavor JapaneseBeefCurry
Instructions
1. Cut beef into 1 ½ inch cubes and season with salt, black pepper and 2 tbsp of oil. Set it aside for 10 minutes.
2 tbsp Worcestershire
2 tbsp Mirin
1 Pack Curry Cubes
4 Tbsp Butter
2. In a pan, add oil and sliced onions. Turn up the heat to medium-high and sauté for 5-6 minutes or until they turn soft, translucent, and slightly brown. Remove the onions and set them aside.
3. In a large pot, add oil and turn the heat up to medium-high. Add the beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until the outside is brown. Add the onions and mix them together.
4. Add in one pack of curry cubes. Stir constantly until the cubes have melted and coat your meat and onion mixture.
5 Pour in 6-8 cups of water and bring it to a simmer. Once it is simmering, put the lid on and let it cook for 30 minutes on mediumlow heat. Stir occasionally, so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
6. After 30 minutes, add the potatoes and carrots and let it cook for another 30 minutes or until they vegetables become tender.
7. Finally, add the Worcestershire, mirin and butter. Mix until combined and cook for another 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning to taste if needed. Serve with rice and enjoy!
ShareYourFlavor PadKraPao
Instructions
1 Mix together oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, fish sauce, and dark soy sauce and set aside.
2. Turn the heat to medium-high and drizzle 2 tbsp of oil in the pan.
3. Once the pan is hot, add in the minced garlic and Thai chili and sauté together for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
4. Once fragrant, add in the pork and sauté together for 2-3 minutes breaking the pork apart.
Ingredients
1 lb. Ground Pork
1 Cup Fresh Thai Basil
6 Cloves Garlic
2 tbsp Oyster Sauce
2 tbsp Soy Sauce
2 tbsp Sugar
1 tbsp Fish Sauce
1 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
5. Next, pour in the sauce and sauté together for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Finally, add the basil and sauté on high heat for 30 seconds.
7. Serve with white rice. Optional but highly recommended, top with a fried sunny side up egg and enjoy!
1 tsp Thai Chili Pepper optional
1 Fried Egg optional
Ingredients
1.5 lbs. Boneless Chicken Thighs
2 Cups Thai Basil
1 Pack Fresh Noodles
3 tbsp Soy Sauce
2 tbsp Sugar
2 tbsp Sesame Oil
4 Slices of Ginger
6 Cloves Garlic sliced
1 Red Chili chopped
3 tbsp Chinese Cooking Wine
ShareYourFlavor 3CupChickenNoodles
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar till combined.
2. Cook the noodles as per the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
3. In a pan, drizzle in oil and turn the heat up to medium-high. Once the pan is hot, add in the chicken and sauté together for 3-4 minutes.
4. After 3-4 minutes, add in the sliced ginger, garlic, and chopped red chili. Sauté together for another 2-3 minutes
5. Add in the noodles and pour in the sauce. Pour in the Chinese cooking wine and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add in Thai basil and saute on high heat for 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve and enjoy!
We love helping Arizona.
Community involvement and volunteerism have been part of AZ Blue’s culture since we opened our doors 85 years ago. We’re based in Arizona, and we love it here. And when we hear there is a need, we take action. Our mission is to inspire health and make it easy, and with that, we are proud to align our success with the successes of the communities we serve. AZBlue.com/LoveAZ
DrawntoHer OwnPath Interviewwith GirthyGochu
Interviewby AnnikaMiyata
Born in Seoul and raised with the expectations of a traditional Korean household, Hyejin Lee spent a decade climbing the corporate ladder, following the path laid out by her accountant father and sister. But beneath the spreadsheets, she found herself quietly doodling a cheeky character named Girthy Gochu—a playful, penis-shaped chili pepper that sparked unexpected joy. What began as a joke during game nights slowly grew into a full-blown creative pursuit, blending humor, heritage, and heart.
Tell me about the story behind Girthy Gochu’s name?
Hyejin Lee: The name “Girthy Gochu” is a playful nod to my Korean heritage and a bit of linguistic humor. In Korean, “gochu” (pronounced “go-choo”) means chili pepper, but it’s also used as slang for “penis (or wiener.)” Drawing inspiration from both meanings, there’s a touch of whimsy and cultural reference to my art, blending humor with creativity. I wanted to create a name for my art that was subtle enough but gets people’s minds going by having their curiosity wondering “Oh, what could be so girthy?” which usually their assumptions are correct and ends up with a big laugh. And that’s how the Girthy Gochu name came about.
There’s a lot of cultural taboo around sexuality and body humor, especially in Asian communities. How do you see Girthy Gochu fitting into the wider conversation around Asian American identity and expression?
I like to believe that because the creator of this type of body humor and topic of sexual content art came from a Korean American artist, it would encourage the Asian community to not shy away from having a broader conversation about identity and expression. Since Girthy Gochu has an Asian background and inspiration, I hope that it can be an example to those who fear judgment and shame, that it’s okay to fully embody who you are. From experience, I have never felt so free and wish I would have opened up sooner. I hope overall, that my art resonates with all communities that it feels nice to be silly and just laugh at the little things in life.
You've spoken on social media about transitioning from a corporate worker to a full-time artist. What pushed you to make that leap?
Growing up in an Asian household, I believed that the only way to success meant climbing the corporate ladder. Both my dad and my older sister were accountants, so naturally, I thought I should follow the same path. After college, I landed a corporate job and started working immediately. I stayed in the corporate world for a decade because it seemed like the only way to secure a stable income with a “real” job. However, over time, I began feeling increasingly unhappy, as if corporate life was draining my spirit and going nowhere in life. Despite my growing dissatisfaction, my fear of financial instability kept me from leaving. Ultimately, what pushed me to make that leap was that eventually, I questioned my purpose and the reason for my existence. It got to the point where I asked myself, “What am I doing with my life? Why am I here?” I mention the topic of mental health on my social media and I now realize that I fell into severe depression when simple tasks like getting out of bed felt impossible. It truly felt like I was a walking shell of a person simply existing for others. I chose fear over choosing myself for so long that it eventually caught up to me. If I didn’t make a change in my life, I knew things would stay the same and potentially get much worse. I wanted to live a life where my work brought me joy and where I could prioritize my happiness and make others smile with my creations. For me, that meant embracing my unique artistic voice and sharing the message that sometimes “life gets hard, but it’ll get soft again.”
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
One piece of advice I want to share is that no matter what you think about your art, there is going to be space for you and your art in this world. I practically make middle school humor wiener art that I think defines the silliest of all silliness, but I was shown that there was space for Girthy Gochu. There’s going to be somebody out there that will appreciate your art and realize you are the only obstacle that’s been holding you back all along.
How do you define success for yourself?
Success used to mean having a high salary, climbing up the corporate ladder, and obtaining status. But now, I believe success for me means that I have found my sense of self. I think “finding yourself” and figuring out what you love doing is something that people search for their entire life. I was able to find that after 32 years, but instead of thinking how long it took, I feel so lucky that I’m exactly where I need to be.
What do you hope to achieve next with Girthy Gochu?
I have many ambitious goals for Girthy Gochu this year, but I’m going to take it one step at a time and see what I’m able to accomplish. I had planned to invest in new inventory that would require overseas manufacturing, but due to the recent tariff situation, I had to scrap that idea and start over. I decided that I’m going to focus on making art that may take more time, but I believe people always love products that are handmade. My biggest project to date is releasing a blind box series of Girthy Gochu figurines. I want to challenge myself by creating a collection of figurines that people love to collect like the LABUBU, CRYBABY, and SMISKI. My goal is to have the first Girthy Gochu blind box figurines released in the near future. I’ve also discovered a newfound love for acrylic painting on canvas when my submission was accepted into the Tucson Eroticas Gallery Exhibition for the month of March, and was sold on opening day. I hope to open commission orders for bigger pieces in the future. I am so excited to see how big Girthy Gochu can get (pun definitely intended).
Overall, I hope to share my story and continue to make people smile with my art. Ultimately, that will always be my goal and by doing so, hopefully encourage someone to follow their own dreams.
girthy.gochu
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