Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Delwin Tan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Delwin, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
It hasn’t been an easy journey. There have been many ups and downs and a lot of challenges to overcome. The biggest challenge of all is staying disciplined and consistent. These qualities are essential to resilience, as they help me push through difficulties and setbacks. I still struggle with this to this very day, especially as someone with ADHD; it is not easy finding the motivation to keep pushing forward on days when my brain doesn’t want to. My partner, Jimmy, helps me a lot by reminding me of things to do and working hard by my side. If I were alone on this journey, I know I wouldn’t be able to do it. But having a partner who motivates you, a team member who pushes you, and a best friend to experience new successes and overcome challenges with certainly keeps the journey fun and exciting no matter what lies ahead.
On top of having an amazing partner, I believe my ADHD brain somehow always believes I can do anything. This means no matter how many times I fail, I take it as a learning lesson and immediately keep moving forward. This mindset is a key part of my resilience. I personally believe that’s why many entrepreneurs have ADHD—because we aren’t afraid of failure and are willing to dive headfirst into anything. It’s like a superpower, even though there are some downsides to it. I personally love my unique brain!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At Proud Zebra, we create fashion accessories that celebrate and empower the LGBTQ+ community. My partner Jimmy and I started this journey in late 2020, driven by a desire to make a positive impact within our community. We produce a range of products, including enamel pins, lanyards, shoelaces, lace charms, bag charms, and sticker sheets, all designed with inclusivity and pride in mind. Each item is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, celebrating over 35 different pride flag identities.
What excites me most about Proud Zebra is our ability to blend thoughtful design with meaningful representation. Our products go beyond the typical rainbow flag, embracing the rich diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. This dedication to inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. Additionally, we donate a portion of our profits to LGBTQ+ charities, ensuring that our impact extends beyond our products to support those in need within our community.
Currently, we’re focused on expanding our reach and enhancing our product offerings. We’ve participated in over 10 pride markets across British Columbia yearly and established wholesale partnerships with more than 30 gift shops throughout North America. We’re also collaborating with various organizations on corporate designs and orders, which has been an exciting avenue for growth.
Looking ahead, we have several new initiatives in the pipeline. We’re excited to soon be launching a new collection of products which we’ve been working very hard on. Additionally, we are working on expanding our presence in more retail locations across North America.
Our goal is to continue celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community, fostering a sense of pride and belonging for all. We believe that by creating products that resonate with our community and supporting important causes, we can make a meaningful difference in the world.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities and skills have been particularly impactful in my journey with Proud Zebra:
1. Resilience and Adaptability:
Resilience has been crucial in navigating the ups and downs of running a business, from balancing work and personal life to facing discrimination. The ability to adapt and bounce back from setbacks has kept us moving forward.
Advice: Embrace failures as learning opportunities and stay flexible. Practice mindfulness and self-care to maintain mental well-being. Set small, achievable goals to build confidence and resilience over time.
2. Strong Communication and Networking Skills:
Building and maintaining relationships has been key to our success. Effective communication has opened many doors, from collaborations to customer engagement.
Advice: Actively seek opportunities to connect with others in your industry. Hone your communication skills by listening actively, being clear and concise, and practicing empathy. Attend events, join online communities, and be genuine in your interactions to build real connections.
3. Passion and Purpose:
Our passion for the LGBTQ+ community and our commitment to making a positive impact have driven us from the beginning, keeping us motivated even during tough times.
Advice: Find and nurture a passion that truly resonates with you. Reflect on your values and what motivates you. Engage in activities and projects that align with your passions, and stay curious and open to new experiences to deepen your commitment to your purpose.
Remember that running a business will inevitably take a toll on your mind and body, no matter how passionate and driven you are. Learn to look after yourself and find ways to cope and recover from the workload, stress, and burnout from decision-making. While these qualities are easy to write about, we are continuously striving to improve on them every single day.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
It should be no surprise that the person who has been most instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and develop the essential skills and qualities needed for success is my partner, Jimmy. From the very beginning of our journey with Proud Zebra, Jimmy has been my unwavering pillar of support. His background in marketing has greatly influenced my now immense love for marketing. His skills complement my design, content creation, and project management abilities, providing us with strategic insights and helping to shape our brand’s identity.
Jimmy’s encouragement and belief in our vision have been crucial, especially during times when my motivation waned. He has a remarkable ability to remind me of our goals and keep us focused on what truly matters. His dedication to our business is evident in the countless hours he’s spent brainstorming ideas, refining our strategies, and ensuring that every detail aligns with our mission to empower the LGBTQ+ community.
Beyond his professional contributions, Jimmy’s emotional support has been a cornerstone of my resilience. He understands the challenges we face, both personally and professionally, and is always there to offer a listening ear and a comforting word. His ability to balance empathy with pragmatism has helped us navigate difficult decisions and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Jimmy’s influence extends beyond our business endeavours. He has helped me grow as an individual, teaching me the importance of communication, patience, and perseverance. His presence in my life has made the journey not only manageable but also deeply rewarding. I am incredibly grateful to have a partner who is not only a dedicated business collaborator but also my best friend and confidant.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://proudzebra.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proud.zebra/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proudzebra
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/proud-zebra/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@proud-zebra
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/@WinWithDel
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