Bulova’s BOLD Changemakers: Mel Hwang

Prior to becoming a full-time digital entrepreneur, I worked in advertising technology at companies like Meta and Adobe. Outside of content creation, I consult on digital advertising, engage in public speaking, and am currently launching an e-commerce venture.

Beyond work, I’m obsessed with traveling, learning new languages, and diving into people’s diverse stories. I’m based predominantly in Toronto but I split my time between here and my European base in Lisbon, always chasing new experiences and meaningful connections. The internet may be my playground, but the world (and its people) are my inspiration.

Being a Changemaker is all about knowing where you come from and to have the courage to take a new step forward. What gives you courage to live out your story?

My family is my rock. Both of my parents were immigrants at young ages so they had a hybrid parenting style of maintaining tradition whilst encouraging exploration. They were both respectively brought up in different cultures and religions which is what made me find beauty in the different ways people live and think. They always taught me that if you work hard, stay curious, and never limit your imagination, that you can do anything you set your mind to. I’ve lived every life milestone and change online and no one tells you what that’s going to look like or how it will feel. It’s had its challenges but at the end of the day, I circle back to what made me start in the first place, meeting new friends and trying new things. Life is all about change, whether you live online (although it seems like we all do) or not. It’s about having the courage to accept change, embrace it wholeheartedly, and trust yourself that it’s all a part of the beautiful journey. 

Photo provided by Mel Hwang

Everyone’s story is comprised of many chapters, what was one of the most influential ones in your journey?

I had this ambitious goal when I was 18, of purchasing my first home by the age of 25 and then an international home by the age of 30, all with my own hard earned money. They felt like really lofty goals at the time, but I figured if you shoot for the stars, even if you don’t land there, maybe you’ll land somewhere close? I ended up purchasing my home in Toronto at 25 and my home in Lisbon at 30. A lot of chapters have influenced my life, and more importantly incredible people, but those moments that I signed closing papers on each home, I felt like it really reminded me that we really can get to the stars.

What would your 15 year old self be most proud of that you have accomplished?

Fun fact! When I was 15, I dreamt of working at a magazine – creating and sharing stories of things that I loved with others. Insert a political science degree, a few corporate advertising roles, and a love affair with tech in between, I landed, somehow, doing  exactly what I wanted to do, just in a different format. 15 year old me would be so proud that I carved my own path and never gave up on myself or the core of my dreams.

What do you hope is the legacy you will leave behind?

I believe that people will never remember what it was exactly that you did, but rather, how you made them feel. If I could make even one person feel something positive each day, whether it’s courage, inspiration, companionship, empowerment, kindness, or even just warmth, wow… what a legacy that is to leave behind.