“A man should learn to detect and watch that gleam of light which flashes across his mind from within, more than the luster of the firmament of bards and sages.” — Ralph Waldo EmersonTumblr (3.0; @alexsok)http://alexsok.com/<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/cf13836816b98f07ddb8ce2e442e6157/tumblr_mn4u3mLRQW1qgtgqto1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Thank you adobe, mailchimp, and the many other awesome sponsors of web afternoon! It was an incredible honor! I’m just a poor boy born in a refugee camp. Hey mom! Look at me now! We’re winning!</p>http://alexsok.com/post/50969795274http://alexsok.com/post/50969795274Mon, 20 May 2013 22:04:34 -0700<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/3382914eb4154992ded6778fc6e8c798/tumblr_mlgx68pDrf1qgtgqto1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Request an invite today to our private beta. elluva.com we have our first live deal running with Nefelie’s, a charming little Greek restaurant in Brevard Court. Their burgers are amazing! They grind all of their own meat!</p>http://alexsok.com/post/48299510486http://alexsok.com/post/48299510486Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:34:55 -0700<iframe src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F85376873&liking=false&sharing=false&origin=tumblr" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" class="soundcloud_audio_player" width="500" height="116"></iframe><br/><br/>http://alexsok.com/post/46533320551http://alexsok.com/post/46533320551Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:15:30 -0700<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/cf8eb01b440088f86953085ad8ee0570/tumblr_mj193oGjOG1qgtgqto1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>The first night we all met and Elluva was born! Really lucky to have some incredible guys as founders and brothers. Left to right, Harish, Ben, and me.</p>http://alexsok.com/post/44364902407http://alexsok.com/post/44364902407Sat, 02 Mar 2013 04:23:48 -0800<iframe src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F79032705&liking=false&sharing=false&origin=tumblr" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" class="soundcloud_audio_player" width="500" height="116"></iframe><br/><br/>http://alexsok.com/post/42991113063http://alexsok.com/post/42991113063Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:26:28 -0800<iframe src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F79030802&liking=false&sharing=false&origin=tumblr" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" class="soundcloud_audio_player" width="500" height="116"></iframe><br/><br/>http://alexsok.com/post/42990224564http://alexsok.com/post/42990224564Tue, 12 Feb 2013 23:54:08 -0800<iframe src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F79030434&liking=false&sharing=false&origin=tumblr" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" class="soundcloud_audio_player" width="500" height="116"></iframe><br/><br/>http://alexsok.com/post/42990058585http://alexsok.com/post/42990058585Tue, 12 Feb 2013 23:48:44 -0800<iframe src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F79030173&liking=false&sharing=false&origin=tumblr" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" class="soundcloud_audio_player" width="500" height="116"></iframe><br/><br/><p>Something I threw together last year.</p>http://alexsok.com/post/42989932014http://alexsok.com/post/42989932014Tue, 12 Feb 2013 23:44:36 -0800<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/5134c6960378900bb764c93396cc1e5f/tumblr_mi1t3pzVOL1qgtgqto1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>I want to tell you a story about my life. When I was 24 I went to visit my father and I brought over a pack of Heineken, our favorite beer to drink together. We sat on the back porch and I was just enjoying the intimate moment shared between father and son on a lazy afternoon. I told him that day that I would be moving to Charlotte, NC soon to pursue a new idea I had in music.  </p> <p>My father, who had developed a calm Zen like disposition, sweetly told me a story about his journey. How his whole adult life, he has run from the grasp of poverty, by eliminating uncertainty, mitigating risk, and simply just not doing anything stupid. He asked me, why do I do the opposite? Why am I not afraid of failure, poverty, or ridicule? I said, “well pop, I know you and mom will always feed me, and have me back, and I quite frankly don’t give a damn what anybody thinks.” He said, “yes son, as long as I’m here I’ll catch you when you fall”. </p> <p>My mom and dad are my heroes. When I am frustrated and lost, I think of them. Their journey, their hardships, and their sacrifice. Now here I am again. On yet another journey, a new idea. It is late. It is exactly 3:24 am, and I am worried about our beta launch. I’m worried is our product good enough? How are we going to scale our tech development? How are we going to pursue user acquisition? When am I going to find my soul mate marketing director? Are we focused on the right things?  </p> <p>This is the journey that I love. The one I am drawn to. It is an expression of my passions. I love what we are building in Elluva and the team. We are learning how to work together and we are finding our rhythm. It is a delicate process, but a beautiful one to witness. We are finding our voice. We are focused. We are lean. We fight and we argue. We have rip roaring discussions about where tool bars should be, how many fields are required for a merchant signup form, our launch plans, our sales strategy, our financials, our business model, our QA… damnit we fight about everything! This is the part of the journey I love most!</p> <p>The journey is filled with uncertainty, great risk, disappointments, and dangers, but along this path, I have found great new friends and brothers. I have stumbled across sacred wisdoms and teachings. I have learned new skills and new things about myself. I have traveled to beautiful new places. I love it all! </p> <p>I find solace in knowing the path my parents have traveled just to get me here. I am son of courageous warriors. The road my father has trekked, is the same road I travel, but I am going the opposite way, instead. The destination is in mind, but the reward is in the journey. It is here, that I have found myself and the beautiful path my parents have paved for me.  </p> <p>Best wishes on your journey, that is where you will find your reward.</p> <p>Alex Sok</p> <p>CEO</p> <p>Elluva, Inc.</p> <p>Palo Alto, CA</p>http://alexsok.com/post/42831835324http://alexsok.com/post/42831835324Mon, 11 Feb 2013 01:02:00 -0800startup journey tech“<p>A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.</p> <p>Louis Nizer</p>”http://alexsok.com/post/40455837930http://alexsok.com/post/40455837930Sun, 13 Jan 2013 12:52:46 -0800<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/25f8f93f52eee792add5410b6b26ff7d/tumblr_mghcj7SCnd1qgtgqto1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Thank you @leeplummer for these awesome Ella golf balls! Means so much to me! I am really honored I get to work with someone as talented and gifted as you! I love you bro!</p>http://alexsok.com/post/40277470530http://alexsok.com/post/40277470530Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:18:43 -0800<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/15c873594bb6f7e09db1f981e1095df9/tumblr_mfxgfsmXev1qgtgqto1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Lots of different cultures, but ONE love!</p>http://alexsok.com/post/39354742149http://alexsok.com/post/39354742149Mon, 31 Dec 2012 19:31:03 -0800<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/4663644e3bb17e2d4c8125a3bb82c360/tumblr_met1clmTwx1qgtgqto1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><strong>To Rule The World</strong></p> <p><strong><br/></strong></p> <p>Often times, I find myself lost in the elegance of life.  I am entranced as I wonder, is the world an idea manifested by reason or emotion?  I am lost in the moment.  The wonder.  I am a child with a vivid imagination.  I imagine, I rule the world again, like the glorious ambitions from my childhood. </p> <p>When I travel, I often reconnect with this side of me.  I am amazed by the culture, the sights, and the sounds.  People walking by, buildings a mile high, and streets criss crossing like the paths that connect us to one another.  New York was brilliant, exciting, overflowing with energy, a city passionate and in love with ambition.</p> <p>I was inspired by it all.  How beautiful and majestic!  New York City, shines bright and gives life to it’s citizens.  The overwhelming chatter of deals, ideas, and hopes.  The struggle and torment of chasing one’s dreams are on the faces of every single person.  It is a beautiful expression and an awesome burden to carry.  One that bonds us as a tech startup and that we know all too well.</p> <p>Here’s to New York City.  May our company, Elluva and I become one with you.  Thank you for allowing me to believe I can rule the world!  The world is a manifestation of love.  That, you have taught me.  Inflict Joy!  </p> <p>Sincerely,</p> <p>Alex Sok</p>http://alexsok.com/post/37626172851http://alexsok.com/post/37626172851Sun, 09 Dec 2012 23:41:00 -0800newyorkcity inflictjoy ruletheworld lovesong nyc tech startup<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mef97xMhRC1qgtgqto1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>View of #newyork from our crash pad in Jersey. Stunning!</p>http://alexsok.com/post/37057387660http://alexsok.com/post/37057387660Sun, 02 Dec 2012 13:04:45 -0800newyork<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_meeqdiJHAB1qgtgqto1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>This has been such an amazing trip for us so far! We’ve grown even closer together as a team and have met amazing new friends! And I have eaten almost my body wait in delicious food! We love you #newyork</p>http://alexsok.com/post/37030091757http://alexsok.com/post/37030091757Sun, 02 Dec 2012 06:17:42 -0800newyork<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mee1caKfaj1qgtgqto1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Ella loves black sesame pudding!!</p>http://alexsok.com/post/37009685326http://alexsok.com/post/37009685326Sat, 01 Dec 2012 21:16:57 -0800<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_med4hzYfsP1qgtgqto1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>The Mecca of commerce! Inspired!</p>http://alexsok.com/post/36961475695http://alexsok.com/post/36961475695Sat, 01 Dec 2012 09:27:35 -0800<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdla29lzHh1qgtgqto1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>What our $50 and up supporters get from us! This bad ass shirt!</p>http://alexsok.com/post/35846044186http://alexsok.com/post/35846044186Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:34:56 -0800<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdjkrvjVQm1qgtgqto1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Mission Control Center! #fast4joy #inflictjoy #love #give #nyc #paloalto #cali rally.org/fastforjoyday</p>http://alexsok.com/post/35784118461http://alexsok.com/post/35784118461Thu, 15 Nov 2012 10:31:06 -0800lovegivefast4joypaloaltocalinycinflictjoy<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdikz07NNN1qgtgqto1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Fasting, Giving, and Inflict Joy.</p> <p>Fast For Joy came to me as a bright, flashing vision in the middle of my work day about a month and a half ago.  I stopped everything I was doing to look deeper into it.  What I was struck with was an incredible feeling of inspiration.  It was a moment of clarity, empathy, and pain.  I was reminded of where I come from, and that past will always be a part of me.</p> <p>Like these children we are raising money for, I was born into poverty.  I was born in a tiny refugee camp on the border of Thailand and Cambodia.  This was towards the tail end of a brutal civil war that killed millions of Cambodians.  If you know any Cambodian people, they are probably here because of that very reason.  It was thru the kindness of a family in San Francisco that we were sponsored here to this incredible country, the United States of America.  I am lucky and extremely grateful to be here, but sometimes in those moments of quiet reflection, I wonder why.  Why me?  Why not the many other children who live with absolutely nothing?</p> <p>I have turned those questions that have haunted my entire life into this mission.  To Inflict Joy.  As you can tell, this is very personal to me, but it isn’t just a personal matter.  It is a matter of humanity.  A matter of great universal consequence.  A matter I am beginning to completely embrace.  I am but a poor beggar if it were not for the generosity of others.  It is my mission to make sure I can provide that same opportunity for many more children.  </p> <p>This is why one of the great privileges of leading a new startup is the ability to set it’s culture, initiatives, and values.  This is how Inflict Joy was born and why our baby elephant, Ella, exist today.  These are not just assets and ideas or marketing vehicles.  This is truly in our DNA and the very heart of Elluva, Inc.  These ideals are an extension of us, our team, and our team is a reflection of our love for diversity and these values.  We don’t like the term “social entrepreneur”.  We believe as an entrepreneur it is your duty to be a ninja, hack the system, challenge the status quo, and kick ass.  We believe that giving is equally as important as product and marketing.  We believe the word “entrepreneur” suffices.</p> <p>We had been kicking around a few ideas for our first Inflict Joy Operation, but nothing really stuck.  Fast For Joy did and we are now only a day away.  It has been an incredible adventure so far.  From design to partnerships to organizing to promoting, it has been a wonderful experience. Especially the opportunity to work with such amazing people like Sean, Grace, and Jo. </p> <p>I hope that we don’t just donate our lunch money, but also participate in the fast!  I have used fasting in the past to seek clarity, balance, healing and guidance.  I find that it has helped me in amazing ways by tapping into the creative energy and force of the Infinite.  This is why fasting is so important during Fast For Joy.  So that we can connect our energy together and create a momentum for change and love.  I believe that if fasting promotes inner healing, it may also bring healing into the world.  </p> <p>I encourage you to look into your hearts and ask.  What more can I do?  Am I giving enough?  Not money, but heart and effort.  We should never be content nor should we rest.  We can make such a tremendous difference, but we must do something.  Please join us November 15th through Dec. 1st to raise money to feed all the beautiful children of the world.  So that they have a chance at life. </p> <p>“A baby is God’s opinion that the world should go on.”  Carl Sandburg</p> <div>May the world go on and on and on and we do something to give them a chance to make it better.</div> <div></div> <div></div> <div>  <p>Love & Inflict Joy</p> </div>http://alexsok.com/post/35759799164http://alexsok.com/post/35759799164Wed, 14 Nov 2012 21:37:00 -0800