A lil’ about me.
My name is Alisa, but you can call me Tango! If you’re curious, my Thai name is Tangmo (it means watermelon) and my friends at a young age shortened it so it was easier to say…and basically it stuck. It’s a little weird, but I love it; it feels very me.
Professionally, I’ve dabbled in many different places. I started off as a UX designer out of school, went into management consulting with a UX focus, then hopped around to graphic design and freelancing while starting a small business selling my art. It was during this time my friends and I founded Kiwi Design Studio—a UX design studio focusing on digital design for the human experience.
Needless to say, I find design almost in every aspect part of my life. And more than anything, I have a thirst for growth.
Growing as a designer—exploring new disciplines and sharpening my eye.
Growing as an artist—being inspired every day, and letting that inspiration take me places.
And growing as a human, the most important of all—every day you can only try to be the best version of you that you can be. Which is why I always reach for new experiences, meeting new people and learning about their lives. In my opinion, there’s no better way to grow than to gain a little more perspective. (It’s no surprise that I’m such a fan of Design Thinking!)
The value I bring.
Empathic, developed through actively seeking perspective
Analytical (as a consultant) and creative (as an artist)
Adaptable and experienced in a variety of environments
The things I value.
Honesty, which is of course the best policy
Enthusiasm and the willingness to try things out
A good sense of humor (or the ability to tolerate mine)!
I’ll chat your ear off about…
🏋🏻♀️ Why my favorite compound lift is bench.
Or why my bench is as strong as my squat…and conversely why my squat is as weak as my bench. 🙃
🧈 Why butter is the apex condiment.
Next to orange sauce from La Vic’s…if you know, you know.
🌮 The best eats around San Diego.
Ever since graduating university, I try to visit 2-3 times a year. Every time I hit the same trusty spots (plus a couple new ones!) and have the time of my life.
🎧 Why electronic music is misunderstood.
Or, you can read this opinion piece by Brian Baker which provides some great insight into this as well. Seriously, do it.
📖 Why Hunter X Hunter is the best manga.
That’s right I said what I said.
💛 How grateful I am to all my friends.
I could seriously talk for hours—it’s sappy, but true. My friends warm my heart like nothing else. If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I’d do anything for my friends.