BELLO Creative Minds: Kelly Mi Li

From Screen to Sauce: The Bold, Unfiltered World of Kelly Mi Li

She’s the kind of multi-hyphenate who doesn’t just wear many hats, she reimagines them, embroiders them with legacy, and sets them aflame with purpose. Whether she’s producing award-winning television, launching a culturally-rooted food brand, or speaking truth in boardrooms and on-camera, Kelly Mi Li doesn’t follow trends, she stirs the pot, literally and metaphorically.

A trailblazer behind Bling Empire and the creator of the heartfelt, heat-infused talk show Stir The Pot, Kelly has built a cross-industry empire where identity, culture, and authenticity aren’t accessories; they’re the foundation. Her entrepreneurial journey is laced with passion, grit, and a determination to spotlight stories and flavors that have long been left off the mainstream menu.

In this exclusive BELLO interview, we dive deep into the heart of her storytelling, from the emotional power of visibility to the spicy rise of Hot Jiang, and what it truly means to lead with intention across industries. Kelly opens up about the real work behind the scenes, the lessons hidden in failure, and why she’s done asking for permission.

This isn’t just a conversation. It’s a blueprint for building a legacy with heat, honesty, and heart.

Let’s start with the roots of your storytelling. What drew you to producing in the first place, and what kind of stories are you most passionate about bringing to the screen?

Kelly Mi Li (KM): I’ve always been fascinated by the power of storytelling. Producing gives me the opportunity to champion stories that are often overlooked and to bring narratives to life that reflect the complexity and richness of real people. I’m especially drawn to stories based on true events and lived experiences, particularly those from underrepresented voices.

What drives me is a deep passion for stories rooted in identity, resilience, and transformation: whether it’s a documentary, scripted drama, or unscripted format. I’m interested in what lies beneath the surface: the real people, the cultural context, and the emotional depth that make a story not only compelling, but necessary.

“Bling Empire” was a cultural moment. Looking back, what did the show teach you about representation, visibility, and the power of reality TV?
KM: Bling Empire taught me that visibility can be truly transformative. It was the first time we saw an all-Asian-led cast on a global reality series, and that visibility mattered. People from around the world reached out saying, “I’ve never seen a family that looked like mine on TV,” or “I didn’t know it was okay to be both Asian and unapologetically bold.” That kind of impact is something I’ll never take for granted.

It also showed me that reality TV can be more than just entertainment. It can shift narratives. Yes, the show was fun and full of glamour, but it also subtly challenged stereotypes and broadened the conversation around Asian identity.

On a personal level, sharing my own journey on camera, especially going to therapy, was deeply vulnerable, but incredibly important. Mental health is still stigmatized in many Asian cultures, and I wanted to be part of changing that. If even one person felt encouraged to seek help or felt less alone because of what I shared, then it was all worth it. The show reminded me that representation also means showing the hard parts, not just the polished ones.

You’ve recently won three Telly Awards for Stir The Pot. Can you tell us more about this project and what winning those awards meant to you personally and professionally?
KM: Stir The Pot is a project that came straight from the heart. It combines two things I love deeply: meaningful conversation and food that brings people together. The idea was to create a space where guests could be real with each other, opening up over hot pot while we gradually turn up the heat, both literally and metaphorically. It’s a playful format, but also one that creates room for deeper dialogue.

Winning three Telly Awards for Season 1 was such a proud moment, especially because Stir The Pot is something I created from the ground up as both an executive producer and host. Personally, it reminded me that audiences are craving authenticity. Professionally, it was validation that shows created from a place of cultural truth and vulnerability can still connect with a broad audience. It also proved that you can lead with heart and still build something award-worthy.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible team at GoldenTV for believing in the vision from day one. Season 1 was just the beginning, and I’m excited to keep building on what we’ve started.

From film to food, Hot Jiang is such a fun, bold concept. How did the idea for launching your own food brand come about, and what’s been the most surprising part of growing a consumer brand?
KM: Hot Jiang started with a very personal inspiration: my mom’s homemade chili oil crisp. I grew up with those bold, comforting flavors from Yunnan, and for years, I wanted to find a way to share that piece of my culture with the world. During my pregnancy, I spent a lot of time thinking about legacy and what I wanted to pass down, not just to my child but to others as well. That reflection gave me the push to finally bring the idea to life and turn a family recipe into something we could bottle and share.

One of the most rewarding parts of building this food brand with my mom has been seeing how deeply people connect with it, even if they are experiencing Yunnan flavors for the first time. There is something powerful about sharing a taste that is rooted in tradition but still feels fresh and exciting. I have had people tell me that Hot Jiang sparked curiosity about Yunnan cuisine or gave them a new sense of connection to their own cultural roots. It has been incredible to see how a jar of chili oil can open the door to storytelling, identity, and belonging.

I have also learned how different the consumer packaged goods world is from entertainment. It is a completely different kind of hustle, from managing supply chains to navigating retail logistics. But at its core, just like storytelling, it is still about creating something meaningful that connects with people on a deeper level.

While we started with our signature chili oil crisp, that is only the beginning. We have more items in development that continue to celebrate bold, nostalgic flavors with a modern twist.

There’s a strong thread of culture and identity in everything you do. How do you stay grounded in who you are while expanding across different industries?
KM: For me, staying grounded starts with knowing my why. In my younger days, I often did things just for the sake of doing more. I equated being busy with being productive, but over time I realized that growth without intention can feel empty.

Now, whether I am working in film, television, or business, I always ask myself if the project aligns with my values and reflects something meaningful. I want to build things that are rooted in purpose, whether that means amplifying underrepresented voices, preserving culture, or creating space for more honest conversations.

I also stay connected to my roots by surrounding myself with people who keep me level-headed, including my mom, my partner William, and close friends who are not afraid to check in with me. The industries may be different, but the intention behind the work is always the same. I try to lead with authenticity and trust that when something is true to who I am, it will resonate no matter what form it takes.

Balancing creative work with entrepreneurship is no small feat, and then there’s motherhood. What does a typical day look like for you now, and how do you navigate the many hats you wear?
KM: There really is no such thing as a typical day anymore. One moment I’m reviewing a pitch deck, the next I’m wiping mashed banana off the floor. My mornings usually start with toddler time—which is both the cutest and most chaotic part of the day, before I shift into work mode. After that, it’s a mix of meetings, creative development, managing Hot JIang operations, or whatever else the day throws at me.

Motherhood has completely reshaped how I prioritize. It gave me clarity on what truly matters and taught me to let go of the pressure to do everything at once. Some days I’m in full business mode, and other days I consider it a win if I manage to answer a few emails and keep the house somewhat intact.

What helps me most is having a great support system. I’ve learned to delegate more, ask for help, and be okay with things not always going to plan. I’m not chasing balance or perfection anymore. I’m just trying to be present, laugh at the chaos, and maybe finish a cup of coffee while it’s still hot.

In a world that feels increasingly unpredictable for entrepreneurs, what are the key values or strategies that guide your business decisions today?
KM: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how to be comfortable in uncertainty. As an entrepreneur, things rarely go exactly as planned, and trying to control everything only leads to burnout. Instead, I focus on staying grounded in my values and flexible in my approach.

Before I say yes to anything, I ask myself if it aligns with my purpose. Is this meaningful? Does it serve a greater mission? If not, I let it go, even if it looks like a great opportunity on paper. I’ve learned that saying no is just as powerful as saying yes.

I also believe that the people you build with are just as important as the ideas themselves. Trust, respect, and shared values matter more than ever in unpredictable times. At the end of the day, I try to let purpose, not pressure, guide my decisions, and I trust that clarity will follow, even when the path ahead is uncertain.

For women, especially AAPI women, visibility in leadership roles is still evolving. What does being a role model mean to you, and how do you approach mentorship or advocacy?
KM: To me, being a role model means showing up fully as yourself, even when it is uncomfortable and even when it is not perfect. Growing up, I did not see many people who looked like me in leadership positions, and that absence had a quiet but lasting impact. That is why visibility matters. It is not about being flawless. It is about being honest, being present, and showing others what is possible.

I try to lead by example through the work I do, the stories I tell, and the way I show up in the world. Whether it is sharing my entrepreneurial journey, speaking openly about therapy, or being candid about the struggles and unfairness I have faced in the past, I hope it helps other AAPI women feel seen and inspired to own their narrative.

When it comes to mentorship, I believe in paying it forward. I have been fortunate to have people guide me along the way, and I try to create those same opportunities for others. Whether through direct mentorship, collaborative projects, or simply making space at the table, I see advocacy as something that can be quiet and consistent. It does not always have to be loud or public. Sometimes, the most meaningful impact happens behind the scenes.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice before launching your first major venture, what would it be?
KM: I would tell her to trust her instincts and stop waiting for permission. In the beginning, I often second-guessed myself or looked to others for validation. I believed I had to have everything perfectly lined up before taking the leap, but the truth is, no one ever really does.

I would also remind her that failure is not the opposite of success. It is part of the process. Every setback brought lessons that helped me grow, not just as a businesswoman but as a person. You are allowed to start before you feel ready. You are allowed to figure it out along the way.

And finally, I would tell her to protect her energy. Not every opportunity is meant for you. The people you choose to work with matter just as much as the work itself. Choose wisely, lead with intention, and do not be afraid to walk away from anything that does not feel right.

What’s next for Kelly Mi Li? Are there any projects, on screen or off, that you’re especially excited about bringing into the world soon?
KM: There are definitely a few exciting things on the horizon that I am working quietly on. But right now, I am focused on being present. Whether it is creating, parenting, or building, I want to move with intention and enjoy where I am in the process.

You’ve built a cross-industry career—film, TV, tech investments, and CPG with Hot Jiang. What through-line or core belief connects all of your ventures, and how do you decide what’s worth your time and energy?
KM: The common thread across everything I do is impact. Whether I am producing a series, launching a product, or investing in a company, I ask the same questions. Does this tell a meaningful story? Does it uplift voices or bring value to people’s lives? And most importantly, does it align with who I am and what I care about?

I have learned to be very intentional with my time and energy. If something does not align with my values or excite me creatively, I do not force it. I believe that when you lead with purpose, the right projects find you.

Stir The Pot is such a clever concept, part entertainment, part conversation catalyst. What was your intention when you developed the format, and how do you see the show evolving in future seasons or formats?
KM: The intention behind Stir The Pot was to create a space where people could be real. Hot pot has always been something that brings people together in my culture, and I wanted to pair that warmth and connection with conversations that go deeper than surface-level interviews. As the broth heats up, so does the conversation, and that contrast between comfort food and vulnerability was very intentional.

Looking ahead, I see Stir The Pot expanding beyond a talk show. I would love to explore live events and even travel episodes that bring the format into new cultural spaces. At its core, the show is about connection, and there are so many ways we can grow that into something even more dynamic and inclusive.

The food space is saturated, but Hot Jiang is already making waves. What were some of the biggest lessons you learned from entering the CPG world, and what advice would you give to someone launching their first physical product today?
KM: One of the biggest lessons I learned is that building a physical product takes patience, grit, and a completely different mindset than producing a show or investing in a startup. It is not just about having a great product. It is about building a strong foundation, from supply chain and packaging to margins and distribution. Everything matters, and every detail counts.

I also realized how important it is to build community early. People do not just buy a product. They buy into a story, a vibe, a mission. With Hot Jiang, we were intentional about leading with culture and authenticity, and that helped us cut through the noise in a very crowded space.

Another key lesson was to know your core customer. When you try to build for everyone, you are really building for no one. The clearer you are about who you are speaking to, the stronger your brand becomes.

And honestly, I am still learning and figuring it out each day. There is no perfect blueprint.. For anyone launching their first product, my biggest advice is to test often, listen to feedback, and be willing to pivot. Stay close to your customer and do not rush the process. If your product solves a real need and reflects who you are, people will feel that.

You’ve spoken in the past about failures being just as important as successes. Can you share a moment that felt like a setback but ultimately became a turning point in how you operate as a businesswoman?
KM: There was a time in my career when I did the work, delivered results, and still did not receive what I was promised on paper. I ignored red flags for years and let one man bully me into thinking I should just be grateful for the opportunity, even though he never paid me for my work. He even told me not to take credit in public for things I had led behind the scenes. That kind of experience stays with you.

It became a wake-up call and a turning point. I realized I had to stop waiting for others to validate my worth. I had to know what I brought to the table and stand firmly in it. Now, I walk into every room with clarity and boundaries. I ask the hard questions up front. And most importantly, I speak up when something does not feel right.

That chapter taught me that failure is not always about a deal falling through. Sometimes it is about not standing up for yourself. I stopped accepting less than what I deserve and started only building with people who value what I bring to the table.

We live in an era of fast pivots and digital-first everything. What are three things you believe every entrepreneur must cultivate to stay relevant, sane, and resilient in this kind of landscape?
KM: First, adaptability. Things move quickly, and you have to be open to change while staying rooted in your core values. What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow.

Second, self-awareness. Know your strengths and your limits. Learn when to delegate, when to ask for help, and when to take a break. Burnout is real, and being honest with yourself is essential if you want to build something sustainable.

Third, the ability to embrace tools that make your life easier. Whether that is AI, automation, or smarter workflows. Working hard is important, but working smart is what keeps you moving forward.

Above all, having a clear sense of purpose is what ties it all together. Trends will come and go, but knowing why you do what you do is what keeps you grounded through all of it.