Happy New Year!
Looking back at 2025, I see my achievements—but I also see many learning opportunities. I am thankful and proud that I took a chance on my dreams and pursued this journey of creating an authentic heritage Hmong fashion doll line. At the same time, I can clearly see the things I would do differently. There were moments when I hit my goals, and many moments when I missed them.
Reflections and Lessons Learned
First, I wish I had been more firm with some of my contractors. There were times I agreed too early to completed work, even when I wasn’t fully satisfied or when the outcome didn’t align with what we originally discussed. I tried to be agreeable, but that came at a cost. On two separate occasions, I had to seek out new contractors to redo work I wasn’t happy with. Through this, I learned that I need to be more selective in evaluating qualifications—and more confident in advocating for my standards. I value details. I value quality. And I need to honor that in every decision.
Second, I was reminded—very clearly—how much quality defects can impact progress. Having spent over 19 years working professionally in the Quality and Food Safety industry, it still amazes me how deeply this value is rooted in who I am. Quality issues delayed my packaging and my product launch, and even now I am still waiting for reprinted materials. I chose to wait because I didn’t feel right moving forward without advocating for my customers. I want every person who opens HmongKin to feel the care and intention behind it. My greatest hope is that they love these authentic fashion dolls—and the unboxing experience—as much as I loved creating it.
Lastly, I realized how easily a one-person startup can become overwhelming. Every delay, every setback, every decision rests on my shoulders. HmongKin’s progress depends on my resilience and my willingness to keep going. There were moments when I felt my deepest fears—fear of failure, fear of regret, fear that I was alone in this vision. And yet, there were also moments of genuine wins and quiet pride. I’ve questioned myself many times along this journey. Are there others who care about this? Who see the value in cultural representation in the fashion doll industry? Who believe, as I do, in creating space for culture, inclusion, and identity?
I don’t know what 2026 holds. But I do know that I’m grateful you’re here. I’m looking forward to continuing this journey together—and making waves along the way.
Join the Journey
HmongKin Dolls are more than a product launch — they’re a cultural movement. Yes, you can find Hmong dolls for sale in our store, but you also can find much more.
If you believe in preserving heritage, celebrating diversity, and creating meaningful keepsakes, I’d love for you to follow our journey.
Sign up for updates, share our story, and help us bring the first dolls to life.This is a limited edition collection worldwide so be 1 of 500 to own this doll.
This is the beginning of something deeply personal and beautifully communal — thank you for being part of it.
— Jenny Yang, Founder of HmongKin Dolls
