How My Birth Country Hurt My Business

How My Birth Country Hurt My Business

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. 

 

Candi wong of wildside dog gear and wildside dog gear on the local utah news station, good things utah on abc4. Talking about the dog gear she designed for adventure dogs. Dog collars, dog leashes and dog harness made for dogs on adventures.

 

Thank you so much Deena Marie & Nicea DeGering for the opportunity. 



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9 comments

Candi!!!! You are a beautiful talented bright light and you were amazing on the show! You seem like a seasoned pro! It’s been fun watching you grow over the years and I am obsessed with your products. Which, reminds me that I am due for some new collars! The way you share your personal and business life is so interesting and charming. I look forward to see what you’re up to and your creativity with your business and decorating ( everything ) is inspiring! Keep do you because you are pretty awesome!!!!

leanne Kowalski

Candi- You’re truly an amazing woman curating all your products that I adore & Emma wears proudly. I’m so glad our paths have crossed and instead of being just a customer of yours. I feel I’ve gained a friend in you and Milly too spending time together at dock diving events. Keep up your beautiful work! You’re stronger than you give your self credit for & I’m enjoying watching your journey and brand grow! We’ll see you at the dock! ♥️Michelle & Emma🐾

Michelle T

Keep going Candi Titan and I love you and your products.

Candace Clay

You are AMAZING! Don’t ever feel less than that 💛

Tiffany

I love your products, your customer service, and your extreme dedication. You love what you do, and it shows in your products.

Holli

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