A personal journey from Taiwan to America, and why Independence Day hits different when you've lived it
From Taiwan to the Land of Possibility
Picture this: Early 2000s. A young woman from Taiwan stepping off a plane with everything she owned crammed into one beat-up suitcase. No money in my pocket. No romantic partner waiting for me. And honestly? My English was not so fluent it might, as well have been held together with duct tape.
What I did have was something many of us carried across oceans and borders—a belief in the American Dream. I didn’t know exactly what I was chasing, but I knew it had something to do with hope. With starting over. With building a life not just for myself, but for those I love.
Sounds cliché, right?
But when you're living it — it feels anything but cliché.
It feels terrifying, exhilarating, and impossible.
All at once.
Independence Means More Than Fireworks
To me, the Fourth of July isn’t just about fireworks, BBQs, or a day off work.
It’s about freedom — the kind that gives you room to grow and glow.
It’s about resilience — waking up every day unsure what’s ahead, but choosing to keep going anyway.
It’s about identity — the right to define who you are, on your own terms.
A Journey of Gratitude
Today, I run a small business.
I’ve built something with my own two hands — from late nights and self-doubt to tiny wins and proud moments.
And even though the path hasn’t been smooth, I’ve never stopped being grateful.
Grateful for the opportunities this country gave me.
Grateful for the freedom to fail — and get back up again.
Grateful for the people who believed in me and supported me along the way.
The America I fell in love with isn’t perfect.
But it’s a place where your starting point is truly a new beginning.
Where your accent becomes your superpower.
Where your story can become someone else’s inspiration.
This is the promise of America:
Not perfection, but possibility.
🫶 Find Your Stripe Tribe – A HOPES Campaign for Unity
This 4th of July, we're not just celebrating independence—we're celebrating interdependence.
That power of community, connection, and shared dreams.
To mark the moment, I’m launching the “Find Your Stripe Tribe” Giveaway on HOPES Instagram.
Our heavyweight HOPES stripe tee isn’t just a shirt.
It’s a story—of where you’ve been, where you’re going, and who’s showing up with you.
Whether you’re bold, classic, loud, or quiet—your stripes say something about you.
And in a world that often divides, this campaign is a reminder: we’re stronger together.
Stay tuned for more information on ✨ How to Join the Giveaway ✨ this Friday!
