Vivian Du of San Francisco on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Vivian Du. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Vivian, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now, a typical day for me would be to get up around 9-10am and checking my email and social media, first thing in the morning. I know that isn’t good, but it’s how I plan my day now. Sometimes I’ll receive an email about a wholesale order and that becomes something that I need to work on ASAP. Other times, I receive questions or DMs and I also want to get to those quickly, because I don’t like to keep people waiting. After that, I go about my day such as fulfilling orders, walking my dogs, and completing the endless amount of admin work that comes with running a small business. In the evenings, are when I reserve time for myself usually. I will spend time playing video games with my partner, watch YouTube videos I’ve been saving, or work on drawing for fun.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Vivian and I am the artist/owner of Homie SF. Homie SF is an AAPI, woman owned business that started in 2022 San Francisco. I originally started by handmaking soaps, because it was a way for me to work on something creative with my hands after working 8hrs a day at my tech job. After I eventually got laid off, I decided to pursue Homie SF full-time and now we are 3 years in business! Now, I have moved on from soaps, but that meant that I got the chance to go back to drawing. That is how Homie SF blossomed.

At Homie SF, there’s a little bit of something for everyone. I sell over 100+ sticker designs and also carry other stationary products like prints and sticker sheets. Besides my stationary goods, I also sell keychains, pins, and hats!
I take a lot of inspiration from my favorite cartoons, childhood characters, popular trinkets, and my travels. My most unique designs are my buff characters. I draw buff characters from Pokémon, Sanrio, Smiski, and Jollibee; to name a few. I believe that my buff art is what makes Homie SF unique and memorable, because it is a combination of my partner, who loves to work out, and me, someone who loves cute things. Together, they are a blend of both of our personalities and I think that is really beautiful.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I believe that my partner, Earl, is the one who saw me, before I was able to see myself. Growing up, I was always the unsure and shy kid. I never fully opened up in school until I got to college and met Earl. He really changed my life and let me be myself and become who I am now. I would not have even started my small business without the help of Earl and his encouragement. I’m someone who has ideas and he is someone who says, “Let’s make it happen.” Without a fail, he will find a way to figure it out and make it happen and I love and appreciate him for that.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Lately, I have been thinking about my younger self and what she thinks of our accomplishments, This question came at a great time, because I have been reflecting and journaling. Honestly, knowing younger me, I wouldn’t be saying much because I often enjoy being quiet, but I want to tell her that,

“We are living the dream. You might not know what this dream is yet, but we are living the dream. You are your own boss and not many people get the opportunity to do what you’re doing and being successful at it. No, you’re not making millions, but you’re making enough to live comfortably and you are able to help mom with big bills. You’re doing what you love and you found someone who loves you and wants to help you do what you love. I’m so proud of you, don’t give up.”

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I would say the public version of me is real. I always try to keep it real and honest with people who support me. There’s no use in pretending to be who you’re not, because that seems like a pain to keep up. The real ones in your life will find you and love you for who you really are.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
When it is around midnight and most people have gone to sleep, is when I feel most at peace. During the day, I am being pulled this way and that, trying to keep up with things I have to do. But when everyone is asleep and it’s the end of the day, I feel like I can do whatever I want and just be by myself peacefully.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.homiesf.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homie.sf