We recently connected with Wynne Wong and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Wynne, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Q: How did you learn to do what you do?
Honestly, I learned by just diving in, headfirst. Starting my Instagram account wasn’t something I planned. I had no strategy, no clue what I was doing! A friend and co-worker who shared my love of fashion and handbags encouraged me to start posting, and we both began as a fun hobby. Little by little, I learned the skills and nuances that helped improve the content: discovering what resonated, filming and editing reels, improving lighting, and engaging with the community. I watched what others were doing, asked questions, and absorbed everything I could.
Over time, it became a wonderful, creative outlet that gave back a part of myself I thought I had lost after becoming a new mom, an expression of my personal interests, not defined by my role and relationship to others. The start, though, was rough. Inherent responsibilities of parenting can be overwhelming. But the added challenges as a special needs parent (from complex medical and daily needs, to educational rights & advocacy, therapy and doctor appointments, isolation, etc.) and with prospects of a future full of unknowns and less-knowns, I was in a dark place. In those moments, things like getting dressed up or thinking about handbags felt so far away, like they couldn’t possibly matter in the face of everything else. But eventually, I realized it wasn’t about the handbag. It was about reclaiming joy in the little things.
Small rituals like getting dressed, styling an outfit, and choosing a bag became acts of self-care. They reminded me I was still here, still whole, and still allowed to take up space as me, not just as “mom.” Sharing that journey online, starting with something as simple as what was in my bag, led me to a community where I felt seen again. And soon enough, my following began to grow.
Q: Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
Looking back, I probably would’ve let go of perfection a lot sooner. I spent too much time overthinking and under-posting. I also wish I had leaned into the community from the beginning instead of keeping myself anonymous.
The irony of my journey lies in the fact that I initially created this account with the intention of keeping it a personal space, a sanctuary where I could express my thoughts and reclaim aspects of myself that felt lost. But the real transformation happened when I began to share more of my life, especially the honest, sometimes messy parts of being a special needs mom. That’s when people really connected with me. It turns out, the magic wasn’t in curating a perfect feed, it was in showing up as I truly am. I now know that authenticity builds a brand: it’s not just about the aesthetics, but the story behind it. And for me, that story is rooted in motherhood, advocacy, and a genuine love of style.
Q: What skills do you think were most essential?
Resilience and curiosity, to start. I wasn’t afraid to try, fail, tweak, and try again. Also, creativity, which I don’t get to use in my 9-5, so this outlet has been a gift. And storytelling, being able to take a moment from my day or a product I love and frame it in a way that makes people feel seen, inspired, or just smile.
Q: What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Time was a big one. I have full-time jobs during the daytime and at home, so finding time to learn, create, and engage with a growing community was (and still is!) a challenge. Confidence was another. For a long time, I didn’t think I belonged in this space, nor my story important. But as with the generous and gracious feedback of followers and real relationships built because of my account, I realized that my story – juggling motherhood, a demanding career, and this little fashion-loving, creative side of me, has a real audience.
Wynne, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
For those who may not know me, I’m a content creator who stumbled into this space somewhat unexpectedly, but wholeheartedly. I actually started my Instagram account as a creative escape during a really intense and emotional time in my life. I was a new mom navigating the world of raising a child with special needs, and while I was incredibly grateful for my girl, I also felt lost. Fashion, especially handbags, had always been a passion of mine, and with encouragement from my friend, I started posting. At first, I was completely clueless, just figuring it out as I went. But soon, I found a community, and in the most unexpected, meaningful way, they found me too.
Even though my life might look different on the surface, I think a lot of people relate to what I was going through. The feeling of starting over, of rebuilding your identity while balancing a thousand responsibilities. That’s where building a business truly begins: from within. It’s about the person first, their story, their life, the layers that make them who they are. That’s what people connect with. That’s what gives meaning to the products we share and the content we create. When someone sees a part of themselves in you, whether it’s through your style, your values, or your journey, that’s when they start to feel something deeper than just interest. It becomes a connection. Whether someone is emulating a lifestyle, feeling inspired, or believing in the mission behind a product, that sense of realness is what makes it stick.
Today, I make my earnings through affiliate links and sponsored content. I love being able to share luxury pieces I truly adore, but just as much, I enjoy mixing them with great finds from places like Amazon and Target. That blend of high and low is what makes fashion fun and approachable. I want women, especially moms, to know that looking put together doesn’t have to mean expensive or out of reach. For me, it’s about reminding myself (and others) that I still matter. That even in the chaos of motherhood, I can show up for myself, too.
One of my proudest accomplishments as a content creator was partnering with a major national retailer to promote adaptive school supplies for my daughter, who uses a wheelchair. That moment felt full circle, not just as a mom advocating for her child, but as a content creator using her platform to make a difference. It showed me that this space could be about more than just products, it could be about people, purpose, and representation. I wanted to show a side of family life that’s not often seen. Raising a child with disabilities with joy, pride, and a sense of normalcy. I shared my daughter’s strength, her light, her everyday moments, not to invite pity, but to inspire. She deserves to be seen living a full, beautiful childhood, not defined by limitations, but by laughter, personality, and love. In sharing her, I also made space to bring back parts of myself I thought I had to put away: my love for fashion, handbags, and creative storytelling. I learned I didn’t need to stick to just one version of myself to show up online. People, and life, are layered and complex. And I’m proud that I’ve been able to integrate those parts of my identity in a way that feels both authentic and empowering.
At the heart of everything I share is a simple belief: you don’t have to give up on yourself to show up for the people you love. Whether it’s through a handbag I’m excited about, a glimpse into our day-to-day life, or a moment of honest reflection, my goal is always to remind others, especially fellow moms, that they matter, too. This space isn’t just about style or motherhood; it’s about the intersection of both, and how embracing all parts of who we are can be a source of strength.
If my story helps someone feel seen, inspired, or less alone, I know I’m doing something right. Because there’s beauty in the layers, and that’s where the connection begins. I want others to take away something meaningful from my story: that life doesn’t end when you have a child with special needs, it actually opens up in powerful ways. I’ve met the most incredible people, found strength I didn’t know I had, and learned how to use my voice to uplift others.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I built my audience on social media in a very organic, unexpected way. At the time, I was a new mom navigating the emotional journey of raising a daughter with cerebral palsy. I felt overwhelmed and a bit lost, especially the part of me that loved fashion and expressing myself through style. A co-worker and friend, who shared my obsession with handbags, encouraged me to start posting on Instagram. It began as a fun hobby and a much-needed creative outlet, something just for me. I had no strategy, no plan, just learning as I went and sharing what I loved.
I started posting my favorite bags, mixing luxury pieces with accessible finds from places like Amazon and Target. That high-low mix is what made fashion feel joyful, relatable, and accessible. And soon enough, others started connecting with that energy. As I gradually opened up more, sharing not just what I wore but how I was juggling motherhood, work, and life as a special needs mom, my following started to grow. I realized people weren’t just interested in the outfits, but in the realness and reminder that it’s ok to do things for yourself, to care for yourself, while actively caring for others.
My advice for anyone just starting out? Don’t wait for perfection. Just start. Share what lights you up. Be consistent. Be real. And don’t underestimate the power of your own story.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Yes, absolutely. What I create comes from a personal place. My platform centers on fashion and handbags. Pieces that bring me joy and that I genuinely love sharing. But what gives it heart is the story behind it. I share glimpses of my life, including the realities of raising a child with disabilities, not because that’s the focus of my content, but because it’s a part of me. My hope is that by being honest about who I am, others feel permission to embrace all the layers of who they are. You can love beautiful things and live a complex, meaningful life. Style and substance can go hand in hand.
As my platform grows, I hope it leads to more meaningful opportunities, whether that’s thoughtful brand partnerships, storytelling projects, or spaces where I can connect with others in a deeper way. For me, growth isn’t measured just in numbers. It’s about impact, connection, and the moments that leave a mark.
And someday, when I retire from my full-time job, I’d love to pour even more into this work. Not because it’s lucrative, but because it’s fulfilling. The most rewarding part of this has been hearing from someone who says, “I saw myself in your story,” or “You reminded me I still matter.” That’s the kind of impact I’ll never take for granted.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: stylewyn
Image Credits
@paris_okphoto, Kat Nockels Photography