We had the good fortune of connecting with Wanda Wen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wanda, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I am an optimistic person by nature, and feel that optimism, looking at a glass half full, is the single most important outlook or habit that has helped me succeed. Whenever I have come against challenge, seeing the “bump” in the road as a gem, or a stepping stone to get where I need to go, I always seek the diamond in the rough. There is always a diamond.

On set of The Soolip Fix, Wanda’s new YouTube channel, where viewers are inspired and informed about living each day with beauty, inspiration, mindfulness and gratitude.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am most proud that a business that revolves around paper survived the digital boom, survived the economic crisis, is surviving the pandemic, and is about to turn 26 years old in June 2021. It certainly has not been easy. But it has been a rich and rewarding experience to build what is now a recognizable brand, Soolip, and one that is regarded as an authority of good taste.

Wanda Wen and fellow yogi have fun with YogaLand Game, the experiential board game for the yoga enthusiast

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
During the week day, when Joshua Tree is not crowded, I would pack a colorful charcuterie spread of fresh berries and fruits, cheeses, nuts, crackers, salami, canned oysters, fruit spreads, a baguette, and a homemade Morrocan Vegetable Soup, pack up my camping stove and gear, and drive out to Joshua Tree for a two=night stay amongst the rocks in the Hidden Valley campsite. I would then return to Los Angeles, sun-kissed and open-hearted. Since we are in a pandemic and options are more limited, I would take my friend to open areas like the beaches in Malibu, do a little shopping at the Malibu Country Mart, visit the Calabasas Farmers Market where there is an amazing collection of fresh food growers and purveyors with the occasional craftsperson and artisan. Would take long day hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains, Sycamore Canyon, and practice yoga at the top of the hills.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Grant Forsberg – my late ex-husband, father to my children, and Co-Founder of Soolip. He was a loyal and dedicated partner, saw my passion for paper, and believed in me. Together we created Soolip. We were a great team as our strengths beautifully complemented each other.

My three children, Simone, Dag and Odin, who stuck with me through thick and thin, and who allowed me to be the creative entrepreneur and hands-on single parent simultaneously, energetically rooting for me every step of the way. 
 
George Burke, my long-time and present partner, who selflessly lifted my family and I when life was heavy with so much weight, and encourages me daily to be me.

Website: soolip.com, yogalandgame.com
Instagram: @wandawensoolip, @soolip_, @yogaland_game
Twitter: @soolip, @yogaland_game, @wandawen
Facebook: Soolip, YogaLand Game, Wanda Wen
Youtube: The Soolip Fix

Image Credits
Yvette Roman, Michael Dubrow

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