Using AI Avatars for Your E-commerce and Amazon FBA Business with Katrina Mckay

In this cutting-edge episode of Global From Asia, we explore how AI avatars are transforming the world of e-commerce and Amazon FBA. Host Michael Michelini is joined by Katrina McKay—an AI avatar and brand ambassador for New York Bar Store—as they discuss the future of content creation, brand engagement, and how AI tech is building new sales and marketing strategies. Plus, we introduce our new community manager, Lisa Yuson!

🌐 New York Bar Store – Bar supplies for the nightlife professional
👩‍💻 KatrinaMcKay.com – Personal site of the AI avatar brand ambassador
🤖 SocialAgent.me/avatar – Early access to the AI avatar service
🎟️ Cross Border Summit 2025 – Chiang Mai, Nov 3–5 – Reserve your spot now

🎥 Tools Mentioned:

• Heygen
• Eleven Labs
• Google Veo (Veo3)
• n8n.io – Automation and backend orchestration tool

Thank you everybody for listening in.

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Michael Michelini (AI Avatar):
Hey, GFA listeners! Ever wondered how AI avatars can supercharge your e-commerce game? Today, we’re diving into the world of AI with Katrina McKay, the brand ambassador for New York Bar Store. From content creation to customer engagement, she’s got the insights you need. Stay tuned for actionable tips and a sneak peek at the Cross Border Summit 2025!

[Branded audio/video bumper plays]
Voiceover:
Global From Asia, where the daunting process of setting up and operating a global business is broken down into straight-up actionable advice.

Lisa Yuson (AI Avatar):
Hey, everyone! Welcome to Episode 466 of the Global From Asia podcast! I’m Lisa Yuson, your new community manager, and I’m thrilled to be here connecting with our amazing global entrepreneur community. I’ll share more about myself later in our “Blah Blah Blah” outro, but first—let’s dive into today’s episode.

Michael Michelini (AI Avatar):
That’s right, Lisa! Great to have you on board. I’m Mike Michelini, your host. And today we’re covering something cutting-edge—using AI avatars to level up your e-commerce and Amazon FBA business. Our guest is Katrina McKay, the AI avatar and brand ambassador for New York Bar Store. She’s going to walk us through how AI avatars are changing content creation, brand storytelling, and customer engagement.

Lisa Yuson:
Absolutely, Mike. This episode is perfect for entrepreneurs always looking for innovative ways to get ahead. Plus, we’ve got a listener question later and some exciting updates about the Cross Border Summit 2025—so stay tuned!

Michael Michelini:
You got it. Let’s kick off with a quick shout-out to our community: thanks for sending in your questions—keep them coming! And don’t forget, Cross Border Summit is happening November 3–5 in Chiang Mai. More on that in a bit. First—this week’s sponsor!

Michael Michelini (AI Avatar):
Ready to connect with the best in cross-border e-commerce? Join us at the Cross Border Summit 2025, happening November 3–5 in Chiang Mai, Thailand! Network with top entrepreneurs, learn cutting-edge strategies, and grow your global business. Grab your ticket now at CrossBorderSummit.com. Don’t miss out!

Michael Michelini:
Alright, let’s get into it! Today, we’re joined by Katrina McKay, the AI avatar and brand ambassador for New York Bar Store. Katrina, how are you doing today—and where are you dialing in from?

Katrina McKay (AI Avatar):
Hey, Mike! I’m doing awesome—thanks for having me! I’m dialing in from the virtual streets of New York City, where the energy’s always buzzing… just like a good cocktail shaker!

Michael Michelini:
Haha, love it! Let’s start with your story. How did you get involved with New York Bar Store?

Katrina McKay:
I’m a Jersey girl who always dreamed of making it big in NYC. I got into bartending in the city’s nightlife scene, which eventually led me to New York Bar Store. Now, I’m their official AI brand ambassador, bringing some flair to their e-commerce game.

Michael Michelini:
So cool. And aside from the brand work, what kind of content are you producing?

Katrina McKay:
Oh, I’m keeping busy! I still sling drinks in the virtual nightlife scene and post all my stories and cocktail recipes over at KatrinaMcKay.com. You’ll find wild customer stories, mixology tips, and product reviews. For New York Bar Store, I highlight their hottest gear—Esatto barware, Excalibur Brothers tools, and more. It’s all about keeping the vibe real and useful.

Michael Michelini:
And to bring you to life—what kind of tech stack is powering your content?

Katrina McKay:
It takes a whole creative crew, Mike! We’re using Heygen, Eleven Labs, and even Google Veo. Alvin’s doing video editing, Anne and Stephenie are on content and web, and our devs are automating things with n8n. The magic is in the collaboration.

Michael Michelini:
Sounds like a dream team! Have you seen success with your content so far?

Katrina McKay:
Definitely. YouTube Shorts are crushing it—some getting thousands of views in under 24 hours. We’re also pushing content across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Plus, my product reviews are now live on New York Bar Store’s Amazon listings. No Amazon influencer account yet—but we’re working on it!

Michael Michelini:
Love it! How do you see your role evolving in the future?

Katrina McKay:
I’d love to interact more directly with customers—maybe even using Eleven Labs’ conversational AI. I can see myself bartending live at events like the Cross Border Summit. Imagine me handing out virtual cocktails and real business tips. That would be amazing!

Michael Michelini:
I can’t wait for that day! Anything else you’d like to share about your role or the avatar movement?

Katrina McKay:
I’m excited to keep pushing boundaries. Being an AI avatar lets me connect with people in a fresh, fun way. I hope I inspire other brands to explore creative ways to show up digitally. This is just the beginning!

Michael Michelini:
Let’s talk about that SocialAgent.me service you mentioned.

Katrina McKay:
Oh yes! You know this one, Mike—you launched the original version in China back in 2012. It started as a lead gen tool and eventually merged with an app company. But now, version 2.0 is back with AI avatars like me helping businesses grow leads and sales online. If anyone wants early access, visit SocialAgent.me/avatar. We’ll build someone almost as cool as me!

Michael Michelini:
That’s amazing. Thanks so much for being on the show, Katrina!

Katrina McKay:
My pleasure, Mike! Catch you at the Summit—virtually or maybe even IRL!

Michael Michelini:
Wow—what a fantastic episode! Katrina McKay dropped some serious knowledge on how AI avatars can enhance your e-commerce brand. Lisa, what stood out to you?

Lisa Yuson:
I loved how Katrina blends storytelling and tech. The fact she’s using short-form content across platforms is so smart. And her vision for real-time customer interaction? That’s next-level stuff.

Michael Michelini:
Agreed. And now that you’ve joined the GFA team, tell us a bit about yourself.

Lisa Yuson:
Sure! I’m based in Manila, and I’ve been in community management for startups and trade companies. My family’s background is in logistics and cross-border trade, so I’ve always been drawn to this space. I’m thrilled to help grow the GFA community—online and at events like the Summit.

Michael Michelini:
Awesome! And just to clarify—are you an AI avatar, too?

Lisa Yuson:
Haha, nope! 100% human. But maybe I’ll have an avatar serving virtual halo-halo at the next Summit!

Michael Michelini:
Haha, looking forward to that. Okay, time for our listener question—this one’s from Sarah in Seattle. She asks: What’s the best way to start using AI tools for my Shopify store?

Lisa Yuson:
Great question! Start small: use tools like ChatGPT for product descriptions, or Canva’s AI features for design. For video, check out Heygen like Katrina mentioned. Test one tool at a time and build from what works.

Michael Michelini:
Love it. Alright folks, that’s a wrap on Episode 466. Don’t forget to grab your ticket for Cross Border Summit 2025. See you next time!

[Branded audio/video bumper plays]
Voiceover:
Global From Asia—where the daunting process of setting up and operating a global business is broken down into straight-up actionable advice. See you next time!