Founded with intention and edge, TYVY is the reflection of Tina's belief that personal style should feel as powerful as it looks. Built at the intersection of creativity, culture, and confidence, the brand channels a modern, unapologetic vision one that challenges norms while staying deeply rooted in authenticity. In this feature, we step into Tina's journey of building a brand and becoming a female founder.
ALLY Shoes: Tell us about yourself.
Tina: Hi, I’m a mom of two based in New York City. I’ve lived here my entire life through school, my career, and raising a family. I was born in Hong Kong and arrived in NYC before the age of 3, growing up in Chinatown with my mom and three very energetic siblings. Being raised in an immigrant family in the ’80s and ’90s shaped a lot of who I am today: resilient, scrappy, and deeply appreciative of hard work and community.
My career began in retail and eventually evolved into leading eCommerce and digital growth for global brands including Saks Fifth Avenue, Armani, Estée Lauder, and UNIQLO. In 2024, I made the decision to leave corporate to launch TYVY New York. It’s been a whirlwind - challenging in ways I didn’t fully anticipate but one I have zero regrets about.
What fills my cup these days: pushing myself outside my comfort zone (starting a business definitely qualifies), having meaningful conversations with women, learning from their stories, being fully present for my friends and family, and trying where I can to make a difference. And yes, still working on actually filling my cup.
ALLY Shoes: What inspired you to start TYVY?
TYVY was born from my own experience as a working mom who travels, sometimes across town, sometimes across time zones. For years, I searched for a bag that was lightweight but polished, casual yet structured, functional without looking overly utilitarian. Something I could carry into the office and then straight to the airport without switching bags or sacrificing style.
After spending decades in retail, I knew exactly what I didn’t want: a standard, purely functional bag that felt generic. I wanted something with a downtown sensibility, minimal, but with edge. Stylish, but not precious.
When the opportunity presented itself in 2024, I decided to pivot. I left corporate and took the leap into building something of my own.
Tina: TYVY was born from my own experience as a working mom who travels, sometimes across town, sometimes across time zones. For years, I searched for a bag that was lightweight but polished, casual yet structured, functional without looking overly utilitarian. Something I could carry into the office and then straight to the airport without switching bags or sacrificing style.
After spending decades in retail, I knew exactly what I didn’t want: a standard, purely functional bag that felt generic. I wanted something with a downtown sensibility, minimal, but with edge. Stylish, but not precious.
When the opportunity presented itself in 2024, I decided to pivot. I left corporate and took the leap into building something of my own.
The Aviator Clutch Pouch
The Aviator Medium Tote
ALLY Shoes: How did your 30-year background in retail and beauty influence TYVY?
Tina: Working across luxury and commercial brands had a huge impact on how I approached TYVY. I started my career on the sales floor in high-end retail, where I learned the fundamentals of clienteling, craftsmanship, fabric, fit, and storytelling, long before email marketing or social media existed. You had to know your product and your customer deeply.
As I transitioned into more commercial brands, I learned how to scale, how to design for real life, and how functionality can coexist with timeless style - not trend-driven design.
TYVY sits at the intersection of those worlds: thoughtful design, quality materials, and real functionality, without losing personality.
ALLY Shoes: What was the biggest challenge transitioning from corporate to founder?
Tina: Letting go of titles. Hands down.
After spending decades in corporate environments, it’s easy to tie your identity and self-worth to your role. Stepping away forced me to confront that and redefine what success looks like without a title attached to it.
Shifting my mindset from “employee” to “business owner” has been one of the hardest parts of this journey and it’s still a work in progress. But it’s also been one of the most important lessons so far.
ALLY Shoes: How does TYVY differ from other products on the market?
Tina: TYVY is designed for women who live full, layered lives - work, family, travel, everything in between. Our bags are intentionally lightweight, thoughtfully organized, and designed to move seamlessly from one part of the day to the next.
What sets TYVY apart is the balance: function without sacrificing style, structure without stiffness, and polish without feeling precious. The design language is minimal but distinctive, inspired by classic outerwear rather than traditional handbags.
These are bags meant to be used, every day, without looking like you’re carrying a “work bag” or a “travel bag.” Just a great bag that keeps up.
ALLY Shoes: Who is your ally?
Tina: My “Ally” are some of my closest girlfriends - from school and beyond. They’re an incredible group of women: moms, sisters, career-driven, strong, creative, and everything in between. I’m deeply grateful for them. Even when we’re not in the same room, we show up for one another, support each other, and help each other grow.
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