Ni-Chern (Nee-Churn) is my Chinese name, meaning little girl.
Why did I pick such a difficult business name to say?
When I started my business, I was just dabbing into everything. I knew I wanted my main focus to be sewing related, but I did jewelry as well. I wanted to be able to have everything in my shop. When I had to think about what to call my business, I wanted it to be who I am. What I make and sell is a part of who I am. I wanted to be me.
There is no denying that I have always been ashamed of my Chinese name. I was often made fun of, from elementary to high school. My name is Nicole, but everyone was curious on what my Chinese name is, so, I would tell them. You know, no big deal, right? But I never realized how much people would make fun of me. I think the last time I openly told people my Chinese name was when I was in third grade, and regretted it again in 7th grade. I was so ashamed of it, why would people make fun of me of my Chinese name? It was really hurtful. It took a long time for me to overcome that feeling.
It was 2005 when I started my business, I wanted to embrace my Chinese name again. I'm not ashamed of it anymore, and this is a way for me to not let anyone get to me. I'm not hurt if anyone says it wrong. That does not bother me. It is who I am, and my business is a part of me.
My first logo was my actual Chinese name. It made it hard for people to read, so I changed it to the English version.