This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Sunny Jiang, the 41-year-old CEO and president of EyeBuyDirect, based in New York. It's been edited for length and clarity. I grew up in Anhui Province, China, and earned my bachelor's degree in finance and economics. I joined EyeBuyDirect in 2007, starting in an entry-level role in the finance department. After eight years of working full time, I did my master's in Shanghai. I was drawn to EyeBuyDirect 's mission and digital-first model,