From High School Bottle Drives to Gifting My Parents a Porsche: How I Built a Life on My Own Terms
I still remember the sticky feeling of soda residue on my hands as I sorted through empty bottles, the summer heat pressing down on me. Back then in high school, my biggest dream was simple—earning enough to attend volleyball camp. Every penny counted, every bottle collected was a step closer to something I wanted. Looking back, I realize that those moments weren’t just about the money. They were about something bigger: learning how to create opportunities where none seemed to exist.
Years later, as I handed my parents the keys to their dream Porsche, I felt something shift. It wasn’t just about the car. It was about freedom—the freedom to give back, to rewrite the narrative, to live life on my own terms.
The Hustle of an Immigrant Family
My family and I came to this country with big dreams but little certainty. Like many immigrant families, we worked hard to build a foundation. Nothing was handed to us. We learned to stretch every dollar, to sacrifice, to push through uncertainty with grit and determination. My parents did everything they could to provide a better life for me, and I always knew that one day, I wanted to return that love in a way that felt just as meaningful.
As I grew older, I realized that success isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working smart. It’s about leveraging creativity, taking risks, and building something that aligns with who you are. That’s how Buddy & Bear was born—a high-end fashion store that represents the women I admire most: feminine, ambitious, observant, and powerful in a quiet, intentional way.
The Evolution of a Dream
I never wanted to be a bossy, burnt-out career woman who lost touch with her femininity. I wanted to be a woman who owned her power without losing her grace. I wanted to create a life where business, elegance, and freedom coexisted.
This is why I started Buddy & Bear, named after my two golden retrievers who have been with me through every chapter of life. It’s more than just a fashion brand—it’s a philosophy. A reminder that we can be both strong and soft, driven yet at ease, successful yet effortlessly stylish.
Fashion as a Form of Self-Expression
Clothing isn’t just fabric—it’s a statement. Every piece we wear tells a story about who we are and what we stand for. That’s why I curate designs that reflect the essence of a woman who knows what she wants. A woman who moves with quiet confidence, who embraces luxury not just as a status symbol, but as a reflection of her inner worth.
Just like my journey—from collecting bottles to buying a Porsche—fashion is about transformation. It’s about stepping into the next level of yourself.
Building a Life on Your Own Terms
Success isn’t just about wealth—it’s about choice. The choice to travel when you want, to give back to the people who raised you, to create something that aligns with your values. My dream is to help other women build businesses that allow them to live freely, to move through the world with courage and curiosity.
That’s why alongside Buddy & Bear, I’ll be launching a personal development coaching program for women who want to build their own brands and businesses. Whether it’s fashion, lifestyle, or entrepreneurship, I want to help women step into their power without losing what makes them uniquely feminine and wise.
Join the Movement
Every woman deserves to live a life of elegance, freedom, and purpose. Whether you’re looking to elevate your wardrobe or your career, Buddy & Bear is here to inspire your next chapter.
Follow along for more stories on business, fashion, and designing a life you love. And if you’re ready to step into your next level—whether in style or in business—I’d love to have you on this journey with me.
💫 Shop the latest Buddy & Bear collection → Here :)
💫 Join my waitlist for my upcoming coaching program → Here :)