We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Tsan and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kimberly, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
A decade ago, I went to a serious looking building downtown for a very serious interview. I was in my university’s co-op program and I applied to be a communications assistant at a doctor’s residency firm- both the office building and the grey meeting room where the interview was held drained the soul right out of me. I’ve always known that the life of a regular “muggle” didn’t suit me – my worst nightmare is being normal and living a conventional life with no magic in it. I didn’t get the job and didn’t want to get the job. Though I didn’t quite figure out what to do with my life at that point, I knew I wasn’t going to get a 9-5 job working under someone else.
Fast forward to now: a thriving creative online business that lets me do whatever I want and create my own destiny in life. Honestly, I don’t really have an extensive thought process behind starting my own business. I thought having my little online corner was a cool idea. I followed my heart. Sorted out the logistics later. Never looked back!
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’d like to think just because something is cute and kawaii doesn’t mean it doesn’t have the power to move mountains, heal hearts and inspire others to dream their way out of the containers they’re trapped in. More often than not, we censor our playfulness, our imagination, our expression of joy and our calling for magic. We dim our sparkle because to be seen in our authentic happiness where our inner child is carefree and flowing is both scary and vulnerable. I for one am tired of arbitrary rules about what constitutes a successful adult.
My business is deeply creative and heart-centred. Its growth reflects my growth and it is an extension of who I am. Whatever it is I am creating is the crystalization of the lessons I’ve learned and the gifts I’ve cultivated within myself that I wish to share with the world. I made Way of the Panda Tarot to create a paper hologram in the theme of pandas to share emotional honesty, vulnerability, playfulness and affectionate healing with the world. I created Spread Crafter’s Oracle – a collection of spiritual and personal development concepts that would add to someone’s cardslinging practice.
I don’t think my business path has been that hard. Sure, it’s full of hard lessons and often depression-inducing as I attempt to navigate the stress and hustle – but no matter how “hard’ it feels at a time, it’s never truly that hard because it is the path I have chosen for myself. On top of that, I am surrounded by loving and supportive people who truly have my back during those hard times.
I want everyone to know that…don’t hold back on your magic. People need your radiance to shine even brighter in theirs. Whatever it is you’re feeling and dreaming about, it is totally and absolutely valid. Your authentic truth and creative expression always find a way to propel you towards your own kind of greatness. (I mean, who knew my path to success is infested with pandas, tarot cards, Procreate doodles on my iPad, deep psychospiritual musings and other non-conventional shenanigans?)
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a bit of an indoor cat so, despite having lived in BC for almost 20 years, I have barely gotten around to the attractions of my city. HAVING THAT SAID!!! I am FOR SURE taking my best friend on a bubble tea adveture. I’m going to march them right into my favourite bubble tea spots and introduce them to my favourite drinks. After bubble tea, we shall go on a hot pot quest. Then we bike around the seawall and Coquitlam river to work off all the carbs. Last but not least, I’ll trap them indoors and destroy our friendship with Mario Kart *rupture of villainous laughter*
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to my family: my dad, my brother, and my mom.
Shoutout to my dad, who passed away from cancer 6 years ago. He worked so hard to provide for the family and suffered quietly, not wanting to burden us with his pain. My heart still aches for him – I wish he got to pursue his own passions and interests, instead of working at a job he didn’t find much joy in – all in the name of duty. Without him, I would not be where I am today. I miss his dumb jokes and the way he used to boss me around to refill his tea.
Shoutout to my brother, as well. The men in my family are truly exceptional. When I quit my first business (I freelanced as an English tutor and worked in tutoring centres as well) to pursue Fables Den full time, my brother carried out most of the financial responsibilities in the home which allowed me to pour my energy and love into my business 1000%, fast-tracking my success. He’s got a big heart full of love and memes and just a lovely gem of a human being. I adore him more than I can say.
Last but not least, shoutout to my mother, who supported my dream to become a deck creator by agreeing to use a portion of my dad’s life insurance money to fund my project. This may not seem big to you, but it’s big in the way that my mother had always been dead-ass practical and would never have spent money on something as frivolous as dreams. But she took a leap of faith in me and was the wind under my wings as I took flight.
I love my family so much and I can’t thank them enough. I feel so lucky to be a 戰Tsan family member. I hope my dad is proud of me 💖
Website: fablesden.com
Instagram: fablesden
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fablesden
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/fablesden