We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lizzy Liz Chan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lizzy Liz, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
Like many immigrant tales, my family’s journey to the United States was one of resilience and perseverance. Arriving with nothing but the clothes on their backs and perhaps a small bag containing cherished family heirlooms, they embarked on a path fraught with uncertainty. However, amidst the challenges they faced, one quality remained steadfast: generosity.
Generosity, it seemed, was the currency that fueled their survival in a new land. From the very beginning, my family found themselves buoyed by the kindness of strangers, who offered assistance in navigating bureaucratic hurdles and provided essential support in times of need. Whether it was help with paperwork or assistance in locating long-lost relatives from their escape from Vietnam, the generosity of others served as a guiding light in their journey.
Witnessing the profound impact of generosity on my family’s trajectory left an indelible mark on me. It became clear that in a world often marked by division and scarcity, acts of kindness had the power to forge connections and build bridges. It was a lesson that resonated deeply with me, shaping my outlook and guiding my path forward.
Now, as I find myself privileged to live in a country that has offered my family opportunities beyond measure, I am reminded of the importance of paying it forward. It doesn’t take much to be kind, to extend a helping hand or offer a word of encouragement. And so, it feels only natural for me to immerse myself in the world of hospitality.
In this role, I am afforded the opportunity to ensure that others feel well taken care of, particularly during the most significant moments of their lives. Whether it’s assisting in the planning of weddings or orchestrating memorable events, I strive to infuse every interaction with the same spirit of generosity that has guided my family’s journey.
In the tapestry of my family’s immigrant story, generosity is the thread that binds us together. It is a reminder of the power of human connection and the transformative impact of kindness. And as I continue to navigate my own path, I carry with me the lessons of my ancestors, embracing the opportunity to spread generosity wherever I go.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Lizzy Liz, and my mission is to ensure that my clients can fully embrace the moment while we handle any issues behind the scenes. Couples who party together, stay together. So let’s keep it that way! No one should be stressed on their wedding day or event day, let us run around and be crazy while you are enjoying the moment and being litty!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, I believe three qualities stood out as particularly impactful: patience, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous learning. These qualities acted as guiding lights, helping me navigate through challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.
Patience: Throughout my journey, patience proved to be a valuable ally. It allowed me to maintain a sense of calm amidst uncertainty and to approach obstacles with a clear mind. Patience taught me the importance of allowing processes to unfold naturally and of understanding that progress often takes time. My advice to those at the beginning of their journey is to cultivate patience as a virtue. Embrace the journey with an understanding that growth and success are not immediate but require steady, consistent effort over time.
Perseverance: The road to achievement is rarely smooth, and setbacks are inevitable. However, it is through perseverance that we find the strength to overcome these obstacles and continue moving forward. In moments of doubt or adversity, perseverance serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of our resilience and determination. To those embarking on their journey, I urge them to embrace the power of perseverance. Stay committed to your goals, even when the path ahead seems daunting. Remember that every setback is an opportunity for growth and that with perseverance, even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome.
Continuous Learning: The world is constantly evolving, and those who succeed are often those who are willing to adapt and learn. Throughout my journey, I made a concerted effort to prioritize learning and self-improvement. Whether through formal education, mentorship, or self-directed study, I sought out opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills. My advice to others is to embrace a mindset of lifelong learning. Be curious, seek out new experiences, and never become complacent in your knowledge. By continuously learning and growing, you’ll not only stay relevant in a rapidly changing world but also unlock new opportunities for personal and professional development.
In summary, patience, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous learning were instrumental in shaping my journey. To those just starting out, I encourage you to cultivate these qualities within yourself. Embrace the journey with patience, face challenges with perseverance, and never stop seeking opportunities for growth and learning. With these qualities as your compass, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the twists and turns of your own unique path to success.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
When my parents finally realized that I’ll never be a doctor, a lawyer, or an engineer, it was a tough pill to swallow. Sharing my aspiration to become a wedding and event planner was met with skepticism and disappointment. In their eyes, it wasn’t perceived as a legitimate career, particularly considering their sacrifices in escaping a communist regime.
However, despite their initial reservations, the best thing my parents did for me was to provide unwavering support. Even though they couldn’t initially see the potential in my chosen path, they stood by me as I pursued my dreams.
As I began to gain recognition in the community and received media attention through television appearances and features in magazines and blogs, their perspective gradually shifted. They came to understand that this career choice held promise for success and fulfillment.
To all the parents out there, I encourage you to continue supporting and encouraging your children to pursue their passions. Trust in their abilities and believe in their chosen path, even if it may seem unconventional at first. Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give is unwavering support and belief in your child’s aspirations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lizzyliz.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzylizevents/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzy-liz-chan-83659956/
Image Credits
Ron Levy Photography Isaiah + Taylor Photography jennifer fujikawa photography
