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Meet Ruby Gao of Dropshyp in West LA

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruby Gao.

Ruby, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Chengdu, China… Like an emblematic Chinese child, I had been doing nothing but studying and going to piano lessons through all those years until I began life in college. Isolated in my little bubble, I have not been to any foreign country, yet I’ve always wanted to explore beyond my reality. In the last year of my college life, I had an opportunity to study with my best friend in Malaysia. This is when I started “wandering” abroad.

I have lived and studied in Southeast Asia, Australia, and finally to my current home, Los Angeles. I came here first in 2016 to study music business at the University of California, Los Angeles. What better place than LA to study entertainment. I met some amazing friends and mentors during my study. My first mentor, Michèle Vice-Maslin, was an Emmy Award-winning music producer and songwriter who led me into the film and music world. I have also had the surreal chance to perform on the Sunset Strip as an amateur guitar player, playing at one of the best known live streets is such a dream come true.

I was fortunate to have started working at Zonestone Music where we specialized between the Chinese and U.S. film-music industry. Working here afforded me to build a sizable network and create valued friendships with established film composers and music supervisors, active film producers, and directors, as well as entertainment executives, etc. After I gained some experience on the business side of entertainment, I decided to go to school again and am now pursuing my MBA.

Has it been a smooth road?
In the United States, especially big cities like Los Angeles, the core of society and the economy are very competitive. Not only is it about being the best at school, writing the best code, or being the hardest worker, I have discovered it is also a society that benefits extroverts. Many relationships have a hidden principle: you have to be able to make others happy. When the opportunity comes, you have to be ready and capable of making a conversation to network with anyone.

I love the idea of “Elevator Pitch” that I learned at business school. You could meet your future business partner or someone significant in an elevator, but the only time you have to impress them is a minute and a half before the lift opens again. Whether it’s about investing, buying flowers and vegetables, or even dating, every conversation can be crucial. You should always be prepared with clear logic and to pitch ideas in the face of any unexpected scenario.

This kind of social convention rules is actually at a disadvantage to me who grew up in a country where everyone behaves in a very disciplined manner. The Oriental thought of “communism” is not quite accepted out here. I am more of a “Buddhist Youth,” whereas I am passive regarding possessions and sometimes can be too “nice”. You can’t be too easy about anything in this society.

Over the years, I’ve pushed myself to learn and become a “peach” with a lovely pink cuticle but always have a tough core. You have to stand up for yourself and not be an agreeable person, whether in work, school, or relationships. You can’t be easy about everything in this society; you can’t be too sweet. In large enterprises, in particular, you should always know how to protect your rights and interests.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Beginning this summer, I gained the opportunity to join a young startup company – Dropshyp.

We are an eCommerce platform that aims to reinvent drop-shipping and quality supply chain for eCommerce”. We work with suppliers based primarily in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe to offer goods to consumers at a price lower than our competitors. We accomplish this by shipping straight from the manufacturer to the consumer while maximizing profits by providing support and hassle-free setups.

As the Head of Supplier Relation – China, I’m working on Communication with business professionals worldwide to recruit e-commerce suppliers and investors towards the Chinese region, as well as managing all the Chinese suppliers registered on our platform. Thanks to the previous experience working within a cross-culture environment, I can interact effectively with professionals from different backgrounds. Transitioning from entertainment into business, I am acquiring more new experiences from work with time while learning and retaining the practical experiences. I believe it is a great chance to grow as an individual throughout this exciting journey!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
One of my favorite characteristics of Los Angeles is how cosmopolitan it is here. This city encourages all kinds of entrepreneurship and welcomes people of all backgrounds., Having Silicon Valley just a short flight away is an added benefit. The geography of Southern California makes it possible for one to enjoy a healthy balance of city dwelling and nature-loving.

It is never easy to leave your place of comfort, but when you challenge your fear of stepping outside your comfort zone regardless of not quite knowing what you’re doing, you will discover something incredible. Coming to LA has been one of the most enriching and rewarding journeys in my life.

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