I cannot believe that I am about to share something I have never shared with anyone but here we go…
About 2 years ago, I was asked to be on a local news station, Good Things Utah, to talk about 'Wildside' ( Designs by Wildside before rebranding). I was so excited because I felt like "wow! I did it.” Someone wants to talk about my brand - the feeling was exhilarating and I was so proud of myself.
Growing up in my Chinese cultural background, I hardly talk about my feelings because that’s almost forbidden. My mom wanted me to succeed in everything I did. She made sure I was well-rounded; I took piano lessons, art, ballet, and extra after-school tutoring. Anything I could take my mom would sign me up for, so she could brag to her friends that her daughter was able to do all these things.
So on the outside it may look like everything is perfect, yet the truth is that I’ve always been afraid of other people's opinions.
You see, I was born and raised in Hong Kong and we moved to America ( Richmond, Virginia) when I was 10 years old. My parents wanted my brother and me to have a better life in the USA since Hong Kong was being given back to China at the time in 1992. We didn’t want to live under China’s rules and we knew it would be bad for our freedom.
The new life in America was hard, having to learn a new language and American culture. Moving to America did not lessen my mom's expectations of me, and as I was turning into a teenager my mom would also tell me that I was fat and ugly. She would remind me of this on a daily basis to make sure I didn't forget. This led to me having really bad anxiety over time and never accepting myself for who I am. Even after all this I still love my mom very much. She was a very hardworking mom, raising my brother and I after we moved to the states. My father was not in the picture, that is why I don't talk about him much. I admire my mother for having the strength to put food on the table after working 12-16 hours a day and I believe she passed her strengths down to me and I am thankful for that.
So today, I told myself it would be the day that I share this news segment with you, my customers. I am no longer going to be self-conscious about what people think and I know I can do this (I am doing this!). I work hard and I am proud of myself and my work.
So here is the segment that I did with ABC4 - Good Things Utah. I would love it if you could leave a comment below and tell me what you think.
Watch the segment here, and wait for the video to load in the upper right side.
Thank you so much Deena Marie & Nicea DeGering for the opportunity.
9 comments
I love your products. Stella loves them and I’m sure parker too. I think you have a sweet personality.
I can’t wait to see what other cute designs you make. And you should be proud of yourself, you make beautiful collars for our fur babies.
Thank you 🙏
Hi Candi, that so was heartfelt. Your ability to be authentic is something to be proud of, along with your great business success!
Love your site, your products and you. You’re amazing, so never forget it!!!
I’ve never loved products as much as the ones I’ve purchased for our pups like I love the items I’ve gotten from you!!! The collars, the leashes, and my fav the Fanny pack – amazing! Every single aspect is so well thought thru and crafted with the best materials ! You rock and are amazing and don’t let anyone tell you different !
You should be so proud of all you have accomplished. We’re a three-time customer and love your products. We trust the safety of our dogs to your Fi harnesses and if we ever need a new one, we’ll be back to get a new one from you!