Meet Paula DeSant

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Paula DeSant a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Paula, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

Growing up as an only child I learned early on that if I wanted something, I had to figure out how to get it myself. There was no older sibling to guide me, no younger siblings to blame or protect. It was just me, facing the world head on! That mentality shaped me into someone who embraces every challenge, whether I succeed or fail. Every struggle, every lesson, every moment of doubt became a stepping stone toward something greater. I never realized it at the time, but I was battling with bipolar disorder since I was a child and that made my journey to adulthood even more intense. Some days, I would feel unstoppable, driven, passionate, ready to take on anything. Other days, the weight of my own mind makes even the smallest tasks feel impossible.

As I grew older, I realized I didn’t have to learn things alone. Friends, coworkers, and mentors entered my life, each teaching me something valuable, reminding me that strength isn’t just about pushing through on my own, but knowing when to lean on others. And among them, my wife has been my greatest source of strength. She sees the best in me even when I struggle to see it myself. On my darkest days, when self-doubt consumes me, she reminds me of who I am, of how far I’ve come, and how much more I am capable of. Her unwavering support and belief in my dreams have kept me focused, reminding me that hard work and perseverance will always pay off, even when my mind tries to convince me otherwise.

I know what it feels like to be at the bottom, to question if I’ll ever make it. To feel like I’m fighting a battle no one else can see. But that feeling only fuels my determination to keep pushing forward because from there, the only direction to go is up. My strong work ethic gives me faith that I can succeed in anything I pour my heart and soul into. One of my proudest achievements has been building a clothing brand with my wife for the past 2 years. Prolifik Patternz isn’t just a business to me, it’s proof that no matter how many struggles I’ve faced, I am capable of creating something meaningful. It’s a dream turned into reality through hard work, sacrifice, and relentless belief. It made me realize that every struggle, every long night, and every lesson I’ve learned has led me to this exact moment!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I was born in the Philippines, raised in Southern California, and have lived in many states. My moves weren’t driven by school or work, but by a deep, personal journey to find myself, trusting fate to guide my path. This journey took on even greater meaning when I met Jean, who was my girlfriend at the time and is now my wife and business partner. Together, we embraced the adventure of living in diverse places, each move shaping our experiences and strengthening our connection.

Today, I wear many hats, one of which is as an accounting supervisor in my full-time job. My background in business, finance, and accounting has provided me with the tools to build something truly meaningful beyond the corporate world. I find beauty in numbers, spreadsheets, and logistics, viewing them not just as tasks, but as an art form that brings structure and strategy to everything I do. This passion has been a driving force behind Prolifik Patternz, the clothing brand Jean and I built together.

Prolifik Patternz is much more than a business, it is a reflection of our values, honoring Filipino culture, raising awareness for mental health, and embracing the power of resilience. While I thrive in the precision of finance, my true fulfillment comes from seeing our shared vision come to life through creativity, dedication, and purpose. This journey is about more than just success, it’s about making a meaningful impact through everything we do.

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?

Resilience: Growing up as an only child and navigating life with bipolar disorder, I quickly learned the importance of resilience. Life often throws challenges our way, but I discovered that the key to moving forward, even in the toughest times, was the ability to keep going. Resilience has become the cornerstone of both my personal and professional growth. It has helped me turn struggles into valuable learning experiences. My advice to anyone facing setbacks is to embrace them, setbacks offer powerful lessons.. Surround yourself with positive, encouraging people, and remember, persistence is essential. Life is a marathon, not a sprint, and resilience is what keeps you going when things get tough.

Continuous Learning: My career in business, finance, and accounting has equipped me with the knowledge to build a strong foundation in both my professional life and in growing Prolifik Patternz. Understanding financial fundamentals, from budgeting to cash flow management, has been instrumental in turning ideas into reality. For those who are just starting out, my advice is to invest time in learning the basics of financial management. Whether through books, online courses, or seeking guidance from mentors, it’s about continuously improving. Financial knowledge isn’t about having a natural talent for numbers, it’s about practice, learning, and building confidence so you can make informed decisions and take charge of your financial future.

Collaboration and Relationships: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that success isn’t a solo journey, it’s about the people you connect with along the way. Whether it’s family, friends, coworkers, or mentors, the support and encouragement of others can make all the difference. Collaboration has taught me the strength that comes from working with others and the value of learning from their experiences. Building a network of supportive, like-minded individuals has been crucial to my growth, and it has profoundly shaped my journey toward success.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

A book that has played an important role in my development is Talk to Strangers: The Yes Theory Story by Matt Dahlia. It has changed the way I see the world and more importantly, the way I see people. I’ve learned that we are all so much more alike than we are different, no matter our race or social status. It has helped me let go of fears and judgments that have held me back from connecting with others. It showed me that opening up to people, embracing vulnerability, and approaching life with curiosity is not only freeing, but it’s how we truly grow. I’ve started to see everyone, even strangers, as fellow humans with dreams, fears, and stories to share.

Talk to Strangers has taught me that the most beautiful connections happen when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, and that we’re never alone in this journey of life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.prolifikpatternz.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prolifikpatternz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prolifikpatternz/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@prolifikjd