Fashion has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and what started as a creative passion eventually became a 20-year career in the fashion apparel industry. I studied Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), where I developed my foundation in design, construction, textiles, and the creative process. After graduating, I began building my career in California and had the opportunity to work in several different areas of the apparel industry. My experience includes roles in product development, import production, and technical design, giving me a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to bring an apparel product from an idea to the final product. Over the years, I’ve worked on all different stages of the apparel process—from reviewing and developing designs, creating technical specifications and tech packs, working with factories and production teams, coordinating samples, and making sure the final product meets the intended design and quality standards. My career has also given me the opportunity to travel internationally and visit different apparel factories throughout China, where I was able to see firsthand how they operate and gain a deeper understanding of the manufacturing process. Being able to walk through the facilities, see the different stages of production, meet with factory teams, and experience the process beyond what happens behind a computer screen gave me a greater appreciation for everything that goes into creating a finished garment. Those experiences have been invaluable in helping me better understand production, communicate with manufacturing partners, and approach product development from a more well-rounded perspective. One of the things I’ve always loved about the fashion industry is that there’s so much more to it than just designing clothes. I’ve had the opportunity to work behind the scenes on photoshoots, scouting locations, booking models, styling looks for each season, and putting together all the details needed to bring a creative vision to life. I’ve also worked backstage at fashion shows, experiencing firsthand the excitement, organization, and controlled chaos that goes into putting on a successful show. Each role and experience has given me a different perspective and has helped shape the way I approach fashion and product development today. After spending many years in California, my life began taking me in a new direction. I met my husband in 2015, and we got married in 2018. In 2020, we welcomed our first baby girl, which completely changed our world and gave us a new perspective on what we wanted for our growing family. In 2021, we made the decision to move to Texas. Being born and raised in Dallas, Texas, coming home felt like returning to my roots while also starting an entirely new chapter of our lives. Today, I’m not only a fashion professional with two decades of industry experience—I’m also a mom to three girls, which is by far my most rewarding role. Watching them grow has given me a completely different perspective on life, creativity, confidence, and what it means to build a meaningful future for our family. I’m also Taiwanese, and my daughters are mixed race—half Taiwanese and half white. Sharing my Taiwanese heritage with them is incredibly important to me. I want them to grow up understanding and appreciating their Taiwanese roots while also embracing their mixed heritage and the many cultures and experiences that make them who they are. I’m excited to teach them about our Taiwanese culture, traditions, food, celebrations, family values, and heritage, while also giving them the opportunity to experience and embrace everything that comes with growing up in Texas. I hope they grow up proud of both sides of their heritage and understand that they never have to choose between them—they can proudly carry all of it with them. There’s something special about being able to give your children pieces of your own childhood while creating new traditions for your family along the way. I love that I get to share pieces of my Taiwanese upbringing with my girls while also watching them create their own memories and identity here in Texas. Looking back, my journey has taken me through fashion school, different roles within the apparel industry, California, international factory visits, marriage, motherhood, and eventually back to my hometown of Dallas. Each chapter has brought new experiences, challenges, and opportunities, and each one has played a part in shaping who I am today. I’m grateful for the career I’ve built, the experiences that have come with it, and most of all, the family we’ve created.