We were lucky to catch up with Anna Wong recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

Isn’t it the hardest thing to ask family and friends for money or to buy your goods? For years, I was involved in non-profits and fundraising dinners. You never know unless you invite them and I was always surprised by the reception and willingness of family & friends to attend. But it was still hard for me to ask. I never want anyone to feel obligated. Fast forward now, I am selling my book, a tangible thing.

Emotional support and free advertising is not a problem. Word of mouth and sharing stories is the easiest way to motivate support. People want to hear the personal anecdotes – how your business affected someone, what you’ve experienced. People are curious for insight into something outside their realm.

The week I received my book in hand fresh from the printers, friends in running club bought the book and asked me to bring it to the Saturday run. After the run, they turned it into my very first book signing. They cleared a small table at the coffee shop and had me sign while they took pictures. I never imagined my very first book signing would occur with me in my running outfit, post sweaty run. Memorably, I was surrounded by friends.

My mother hands my book out to friends. My sister, in another state, also keeps a box of books to give out. Another friend gave out 20 copies at her family reunion. I am so fortunate to have this incredible support without asking. I had to become comfortable charging them for my book. My best friend insisted I should not discount her. Also, in my Chinese culture and upbringing, we didn’t openly discuss money. I’m still not very good about this.

So, I don’t directly ask for support but I keep family and friends informed. I share stories now and then as reminders. They know where to find me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

After a career in a design agency working with clients in widely diverse industries, including wine brands, international food ingredients companies and other service industries, I became an author, writing and illustrating a coffee table book on everyday Chinese culture.

My journey all started with creating an ABC flag book for my then 3 year old niece for Christmas. I made a unique one-of-a-kind flip book with each letter and object representing a meaningful connection. The inside cover contained alphabetized wishes – adventurous, brave, curious etc., a page taken from fairytales bestowing traits.

Being an author and all it entails has been incredibly fulfilling. I’ve met amazing, supportive people, generously sharing advice. I never envisioned I would vend at book and art fairs, visit schools, give a career day presentation or lead writing and art projects for kids. I’ve learned to embrace new things and not to fear change. I’m pushing myself to take steps outside my comfort zone. The biggest reward is hearing from people, how something I’ve created touches their lives and affects them in ways I never imagined. And now in addition to selling my book on my website, “Doubly Happy: ABCs for ABCs” has been finding homes in various retail bookstores and museums.

“If you think a thing impossible, you’ll only make it impossible” Bruce Lee. It’s so apt because here I am, accomplishing things i never imagined.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

You’ve heard of a Runner’s High but have you had Designer’s High? That feeling when you know your design is the perfect solution? It is an indescribable feeling felt deep inside, truly magical that doesn’t manifest with every piece of work.

At the design agency where I worked, it’s a dubious honor to be chosen to create the holiday card. We’ve all tried to pass the baton to each other over the years. That particular year, when the world seemed to be in turmoil and the news was constantly leaving a gut-churning reaction, it was my turn to design the holiday “card”. It was our one annual self-promotion and gift to our clients. So, no pressure to come up with the big idea. Then taking budget and logistics into consideration – how to package, produce, assemble and mail.

I wanted to share that the universe is a beautiful vast place, filled with awe-inspiring wonder and hope. My card told the legend of gods looking upon us, sending shooting stars and granting wishes. I was so excited to present my idea and design in the shape of a star to the boss. I thought it was beautiful and gave hope – perfect for the upcoming holidays. It was dimensional, sculptural. But, alas, my boss, the creative director, said “No. That is not what I want. Try again” Extremely disappointed, I swallowed my pride and went back to my desk. All the iterations and comps I had tested were scattered around my desk. I remembered that butterfly feeling I had in designing this. I always believed great design speaks for itself and does not need to be sold. But, sometimes, you have to fight for your design, if you have conviction. You have to defend it if you strongly believe in it. Well, I marched back in and told my boss why we needed to produce my card. Happily, the star card was the holiday card. We received a great response. My greatest validation: My boss conceded that it was a success and touched on an emotional level. It compelled a recipient whom we had not heard from in years to call and tell him the card was spectacularly special.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

In the last few years, there was turmoil and waves of anti-Asian hate. It made me take a new look at my dual identity as an Asian and an American. How do I respond to current affairs in an authentic way? I am not an activist and have never been comfortable with confrontation. I thought about my nieces and nephews, some of mixed heritage. I wanted them and other Asians to be proud of their race. And then I thought, they need to know what to be proud of. They need to know their roots to stand tall. With that, “Doubly Happy” my book on Chinese culture was born. It’s celebratory and fun, appealing to all ages.

“Doubly Happy: ABCs for ABCs” unites my two halves – Chinese and American. ABC – Amercian Born Cinese. The title is a play on double happiness, which is traditionally used for marriages. The book, in ABC format, is from my perspective, an American Born Chinese. It’s affirming my culture and features everyday Chinese objects and traditions. It’s the hows, whys and whats of things I grew up with. The favorite fact I learned is that the candy tray my mother sets out at Lunar New Year has a name, the Tray of Togetherness. It is a round covered tray with six or eight (both auspicious numbers) compartments for candies. The sweets all have symbolic meanings but my mother filled the tray with our favorites. How fitting “Togetherness” is in the name because that is my goal – to bring families, people, together, to share with each other our stories and memories so they are not forgotten. Doubly Happy is embracing Chinese culture, spreading love, embodying joy. My second book will continue celebrating Chinese traditions snd creating community.

Contact Info:

• Website: annawongdesign.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/doublyhappy
• Facebook: facebook.com/doublyhappy