We were lucky to catch up with Samantha Ong recently and have shared our conversation below.
Samantha, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
You know, I think my resilience stems from my upbringing. I didn’t have much growing up, but it taught me to be resourceful and to keep pushing for my dreams. I’ve always been super goal-oriented, and a hustler, doing anything I can and spending every minute I can on something. When I get tired or feel like giving up, I go back to why I’m doing what I’m doing. When it comes to Joeydolls, all I wanted is to make more people happy through our joyful dolls and spread love. I really hope they can make the world a better place by fostering diversity and inclusion.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a mother of two young girls, ages 2 and 4, my journey of entrepreneurship stemmed from a desire to make a meaningful impact during the challenges of the pandemic. Although I had no formal background in business, manufacturing or the toy industry, I found myself at a crossroads when my career as a wedding photographer abruptly halted, resulting in a significant loss of income crucial to our family’s well-being.
Driven by a deep-seated resolve to confront the escalating anti-Asian sentiment amidst the pandemic, I embarked on a mission to create Joeydolls. These dolls serve not only as ambassadors of Asian diversity and culture but also as beacons of joy and love amidst a backdrop of hate and intolerance.
Central to Joeydolls’ mission is the vision of fostering a world where children embrace diversity and celebrate differences. I wanted these dolls to be more than just playthings; I wanted them to be friends that instill a sense of pride in one’s heritage and appearance, cultivating a future generation grounded in acceptance and inclusivity.
Today, Joeydolls remains steadfast in its commitment to spreading love, joy, and education. Each doll represents a testament to the transformative power of empathy and understanding, serving as catalysts for positive change in an ever-evolving world.
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?
In reflecting on my journey with Joeydolls, I’ve come to recognize the pivotal role of resilience, resourcefulness, and perseverance. Despite numerous setbacks and moments of doubt, these qualities kept me grounded and propelled me forward.
Firstly, resilience was essential. There were times when I faced immense pressure, both financially and emotionally, as I personally invested all funds into the venture without external support. However, my unwavering belief in our mission and the positive impact we could make kept me resilient in the face of adversity.
Secondly, resourcefulness played a crucial role. With limited resources and no external funding, I had to maximize the use of free online resources and library materials to educate myself and develop Joeydolls. Every opportunity for learning and growth was seized upon, demonstrating the importance of resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.
Lastly, perseverance was key. Balancing the demands of motherhood with the dedication required to build Joeydolls meant late nights and sacrifices. Despite the time constraints and personal commitments, I remained steadfast in my pursuit, driven by the noble idea of making a difference.
For those embarking on their own journey, I would advise embracing these qualities wholeheartedly. Cultivate resilience to weather the storms, harness resourcefulness to navigate obstacles creatively, and embody perseverance to stay the course despite the odds. Remember, even in the face of uncertainty, the noblest of ideas can flourish with determination and unwavering commitment.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The primary challenge I’m currently facing revolves around financial uncertainty and a lack of formal business expertise. Despite three years of dedicated effort and the sale of thousands of dolls, we still have yet to achieve a positive cash flow for my family. This ongoing financial strain can be stressful and also not having a clear path of where we should make our next step.
Beginning a business in an industry I didn’t know anything about without a traditional business background has been daunting. However, despite the obstacles, I remain steadfast in my commitment to our mission. The desire to empower children with a sense of belonging and to contribute to the dismantling of racism and colorism continues to fuel my determination.
While the road ahead may still be uncertain, I remain resolute in my belief that perseverance and a steadfast commitment to our mission will ultimately lead to success. We are still really excited about the future of Joeydolls given its positive feedback from all our customers and the people we’ve impacted. We know we can’t stop here! Every obstacle serves as an opportunity for growth, and I’m determined to overcome this challenge, not just for my family’s well-being, but for the transformative impact we aim to achieve in fostering a more inclusive and accepting world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joeydolls.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeydolls
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joeydolls
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joeydolls/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/joeydolls
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@joeydolls
Image Credits
Samantha Ong Photography
