Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mode Zhao. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Mode, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
A few years ago, while I was living in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, I found myself at a crossroads in my career. My work was satisfying, but it was my personal journey that was shaping my life in profound ways. You see, I’m not just a passionate advocate for mental health awareness; I’m also a mental health patient, someone who has personally grappled with mental illnesses.
Having experienced the challenges and stigma associated with mental health issues firsthand, I felt a deep and personal connection to the cause. It was not merely an intellectual pursuit but a matter of my own well-being and the well-being of countless others who, like me, face mental health challenges every day. It was this deeply personal experience that led me to embark on a unique and impactful journey—one that allowed me to take a risk that was unconventional yet deeply aligned with my values and aspirations.
The pivotal moment arrived when I decided to invest a substantial portion of my personal resources into my small business, all while juggling the demands of my day job. It was a big leap into the unknown, filled with uncertainty. I knew it wasn’t just a financial risk, but also a risk to my personal stability and work-life balance. However, I believed deeply in the cause, and I was willing to take this unconventional path to align my career with my values.
The journey was challenging, to say the least. Balancing a full-time job with the demands of running a small business required an immense amount of dedication and time management. I poured my personal energy into expanding my candle business’s reach and impact, often working late into the night after my day job. I invested a significant portion of my savings into marketing, product development, and collaborations with mental health organizations.
Taking the risk of investing significant personal resources, time, and energy into my small business while maintaining my day job was a challenging journey. Currently, the business is in a phase of gradual growth, gaining recognition in the community. It’s been a valuable learning experience, teaching me the importance of balancing my professional life and my passion.
Despite the business being in its early stages, it has allowed me to engage with local mental health organizations, supporting their efforts to provide resources to those in need. My day job continues to provide financial stability, enabling me to allocate a portion of the business’s profits towards my goal of building a mutual aid fund for communities facing hardships and lacking basic necessities.
In conclusion, the risk I took was a vital step toward aligning my personal values with my career. While the business is still on its journey to full success, it has already contributed positively to mental health awareness and community support. This experience reaffirms my belief in the importance of informed and compassionate risk-taking.
Mode, 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?
I’m someone who’s deeply passionate about the humanities, health, wellness, and authenticity. My journey into my current industry and business endeavors is rooted in my personal experiences and values. As someone who has grappled with mental health challenges, I’ve channeled my passion into a small business aimed at promoting mental health awareness and destigmatization.
My business specializes in crafting and selling candles with themes related to mental health. These candles are more than just products; they are a means of starting conversations about mental well-being and offering support to individuals facing mental health challenges. Each candle is carefully designed to convey a specific message or emotion related to mental health, from promoting self-care to reducing stigma.
The problems we aim to solve for our clients and the community at large are multifaceted. Firstly, we’re dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Through our candles and the stories we share, we strive to create an open dialogue, encouraging individuals to seek help and support when needed.
Secondly, we’re committed to supporting mental health organizations and communities in need. A portion of our proceeds goes toward building a mutual aid fund, which provides assistance to those who lack access to basic necessities.
What sets our brand apart is our fusion of creativity, authenticity, and a heartfelt commitment to mental health advocacy. We don’t just sell candles; we share stories, promote self-care, and provide tangible support to those who need it most. Our unique approach blends artistry with a meaningful cause.
One of the aspects I’m most proud of is our ability to engage with the community and mental health organizations, fostering a sense of belonging and support. We’ve already made a positive impact in reducing the stigma around mental health and supporting those in need, even though our journey is still unfolding.
Ultimately, what I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about us is that we’re more than a candle business. We’re advocates for mental health, striving to make a difference one candle and one conversation at a time. Our work is driven by a genuine passion for destigmatization and support, and we invite everyone to join us in this journey toward a more compassionate and understanding world.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
The story of how I met my co-founder and dear friend, Talea, is a deeply personal journey that speaks to the power of empathy, support, and shared values. It all began at my 30th birthday party, a pivotal moment in my life when I was grappling with emotional distress, depression, and the challenges of being pregnant. At that time, my life was complicated by a difficult roommate situation that left me feeling isolated and vulnerable.
Amidst the emotional turmoil, Talea entered my life like a beacon of understanding and compassion. She saw beyond the facade and was willing to engage in meaningful conversations about everything that was going wrong in my life. Talea’s willingness to listen, empathize, and provide unwavering support created a safe space for me to open up about my struggles—a reflection of the very purpose behind my small business, which is to foster open dialogue and provide support for mental health challenges.
Over the course of those initial conversations and the subsequent two years, Talea and I not only became good friends but also discovered a shared passion for mental health advocacy and destigmatization. Talea embodied what it meant to be a good listener, someone who genuinely cared, and someone who could connect with the depths of my emotions. This resonated deeply with me and led me to believe that we had the qualities that would make us excellent business partners.
Our partnership evolved organically from our friendship, fueled by our shared values and a commitment to making a positive impact on mental health awareness. Together, we embarked on the journey of co-owning our small business, blending our creativity, empathy, and shared mission to promote open conversations and support for those facing mental health challenges.
In summary, the story of how I met my co-founder, Talea, is a testament to the power of genuine connection and empathy during a time of personal struggle. It underscores the importance of good listeners and caring individuals in our lives and how those qualities can translate into successful business partnerships driven by a shared purpose.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
The journey of funding my business was made possible through the incredible generosity and support of a couple of exceptionally talented friends. These friends, who also happened to be brilliant computer software engineers and tech geniuses, played a pivotal role in helping me turn my business vision into reality in 2021.
At the outset, I had a clear vision of my small business, which focused on creating and selling candles with themes related to mental health to destigmatize mental illness. However, like many new entrepreneurs, I faced the challenge of securing the initial capital needed to purchase equipment and supplies, as well as to set up the groundwork for production.
Recognizing the potential of my business and my dedication to the cause of mental health awareness, these friends stepped in as angel investors. Their willingness to pour their resources into my venture was not only a financial contribution but also a tremendous vote of confidence in the mission and values behind my business.
Their support allowed me to build up the necessary backlog of equipment and supplies, ensuring that I had the resources needed to move forward with production and meet the demands of our growing customer base without significant setbacks. It set the foundation for the years to come, giving my small business a strong start and the ability to thrive.
I am forever grateful for their belief in me and my business, as their generosity not only provided financial stability but also allowed me to focus on what I do best—creating meaningful products that promote mental health awareness and support individuals facing mental health challenges.
In essence, the initial capital infusion from my talented and supportive friends was the catalyst that propelled my small business forward. Their trust in my mission and their willingness to invest in it not only ensured our early success but also reaffirmed the importance of community and collaboration in pursuing a meaningful cause.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.modekorvidae.com
- Instagram: @mode.korvidae