Sora Lee, 34, became a self-made millionaire in 2024. She spent the next ten years building for herself through smart career moves and savvy investments. She began her journey from an entry-level salary of $40,000. Thanks to her hard work and thoughtful career moves, she’s finally on track to bring in a whopping $400,000 total annual pay. Lee’s story is about much more than the money. It highlights her drive to improve herself as well as her mission to empower confidence through entrepreneurial endeavors.
Lee’s career has rocketed through almost every major firm in the tech sector. Her influence is felt at companies such as Netflix, Meta, and TikTok. In each of these roles, she drew six-figure salaries, making that a big moneymaker for her financial portfolio. It was her extraordinary ability to convert these experiences that made her truly great. As she acquired new insights and skills, she was able to command higher salaries and increase her market value.
Along with her professional experiences, Lee made a big leap into producing content, which became a formative experience for her. This side hustle supplemented her income by over 230%. It had a profound effect in helping her feel more comfortable and confident in her own skin as well. Content creation quickly became her creative outlet. Supporting her artistic practice not only allowed her to express herself more fully, but improved her work performance in her full-time careers.
In addition, Lee created additional streams of income through speaking engagements and other content creation projects. In doing so, she created an integrated career framework where corporate and individual entrepreneurial energies co-exist to provide aligned benefit for both she and her company. This multidimensional approach, including educational advocacy, community building, and entrepreneurship, has been instrumental in her financial housing stability.
Lee’s academic credentials are strong — she holds a degree in economics and political science from the University of California, Berkeley. Ironically, she didn’t intend to go into the tech sector when she first started her undergraduate studies. As she continued down the job market path, she discovered the wealth of opportunities offered by tech positions.
Thinking back on her experiences, Lee compared the job interview process to dating. Specifically, she argued that “Interviewing for jobs is basically the same as dating.” This analogy illustrates that connection and compatibility are the keys to flourishing, successful relationships—romantic or business.
All of her career, Lee has focused on understanding which skills are most valuable and where they can lead to a return on investment. She’s passionate about the idea that knowing what the market wants—and finding your unique talents that fit those needs—is the key to success. In an interview with CNBC Make It last year, she spoke out against the conventional wisdom to “pursue your passion.” She even criticized it as the worst advice she ever got in her four years of college.
Her tactical approach to the game has allowed Lee to amass an influential network and sharpen her business sense. This potent mix of skills made it possible for her to rapidly increase her salary at an exponential rate during her career. In 2023, she took the leap of faith that would prove to be a major career pivot by leaving TikTok to found Kurated Agency. This latest endeavor brings together Korean beauty brands and US-based creators and outlets. Perhaps most importantly, it highlights Lee’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to fostering cultural connections on a global level.
While Kurated Agency continues to develop, Lee is doing other beautiful things in the beauty industry. Throughout this process, he speaks to the importance of empowering others. Her story is an example for anybody hoping to find their way through a career with purpose and find financial security along the way.