By Iris Yim
What does it take to leave everything behind, arrive in a new country with no English, quit nursing school, and—through grit, creativity, and sheer determination—build a thriving career as a full-time artist?
Meet Yu Shu, a Chinese immigrant, former nursing student, and now a celebrated realist painter based in Denver. I had the honor of interviewing her for my YouTube channel, and her story moved me deeply.
Yu Shu’s journey is one of reinvention:
- She took on odd jobs to survive
- Taught herself how to invest and manage her finances
- Studied classical painting under master artist 冉茂芹 (Yim Mau-Kun) in Taipei
- And most recently—was featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal
If you’ve ever wrestled with the idea of switching careers, pursuing a passion, or carving your own path against the odds—Yu Shu’s story is for you.
What’s the boldest career move you’ve ever made? Or the one you’re still dreaming of?