Vivian Tu, widely known as “Your Rich BFF” with an impressive following of 3 million on Instagram, never initially planned to become a financial guru on social media. Her rise to prominence began with a single viral TikTok video featuring financial tips, propelling her into one of the most influential voices in financial literacy today. Through her platform, Tu educates and empowers millions of Gen Z’ers, particularly women, to make informed financial decisions and take control of their financial futures. Her influence now extends beyond social media, partnering with brands to merge financial empowerment with beauty, demonstrating that investing isn’t limited to Wall Street but extends to self-care as well.
As a young Chinese American woman from an immigrant background, Tu started her professional journey on Wall Street after graduating from the University of Chicago. She faced numerous challenges in the male-dominated corporate environment, encountering both misogyny and cultural insensitivity. Reflecting on her experience, Tu recounted a pivotal moment when her superior made a racially insensitive remark, prompting her decision to leave. “The final straw for me was when I came into the office wearing a cardigan, and he looked at me, pressed his hands together, bowed, and asked, ‘Is that a kimono?’ That was the moment I realized I couldn’t stay. I deserved to be in a place where I was treated with dignity and respect,” Tu shared.
Leaving Wall Street behind, Tu transitioned to a digital media strategy sales role at BuzzFeed, where her hard work was recognized and rewarded. “It was so different because I ate what I killed. Sales was the ultimate meritocracy, and if I put in more effort than the person next to me, I would see better results,” she explained.
In 2021, Tu decided to start sharing financial tips on TikTok as part of a New Year’s resolution. Her approachable and relatable style of breaking down financial concepts resonated with Gen Z, rapidly gaining traction and millions of followers. Encouraged by her success, she left her full-time job to focus on building her financial education platform. “I didn’t want to look back and wonder what could have been. I knew I had a small window of internet fame to make Your Rich BFF a full-time reality,” Tu shared. Since then, her platform has become a go-to resource for young professionals seeking practical financial advice.
Tu strongly advocates for making smart, holistic investments—not only in finances but in self-care as well. Recently, she partnered with SkinCeuticals to promote the launch of their new wrinkle-modulating peptide serum, P-TIOX. The campaign aligns with Tu’s core message of long-term planning and informed decision-making, encouraging people to view skincare as a crucial investment, much like financial planning. The initiative brings together skincare professionals, financial experts, and influencers, including Megan Boni, known for her viral hit “Looking for a Man in Finance.”
As part of a diverse group of “Skinvestor Advisors,” including Simran Kaur of Girls That Invest Media and dermatologists Dr. Daniel Sugai and Dr. Mamina Turegano, Tu aims to empower consumers to make informed choices about both their skincare and financial well-being. She draws a clear connection between financial literacy and skincare, emphasizing the importance of long-term planning for optimal results. “Investing in your skincare is just like investing in your portfolio—you make smart choices today to reap the benefits in the future, just like a retirement account,” Tu stated.
Vivian Tu’s journey from Wall Street to TikTok underscores the power of resilience, education, and adaptability. Through her platform, she continues to inspire and equip a new generation with the tools they need to build a secure and prosperous future.
