October 2010 - Carrie

Hi, I am Carrie Shan, mom of two lovely kids. I moved to Vancouver from China with my husband in 2000. Can you imagine being a new immigrant and speaking a new language, trying to find a job? It was a very stressful time. So we put off having children. My husband went for BCIT diploma program while I worked for a clothing importer. After five years, we started to think about having babies. But no result, we went for medical check. The good news was nothing was wrong. Then I was hired as a buyer working at the head office for one of Canada’s biggest children’s wear retailers in 2005.

We prayed to god. After working two months, I found I was pregnant. As I was still in probation period, I was afraid to tell my manager and maybe lose my job. I was so sick and kept vomiting whatever I ate. Of course, my manager found out, but I kept my job. I told myself that time I was never to be pregnant again because I didn’t think I could handle morning sickness. I delivered a healthy and cute boy in Jan 2006.

My 2nd child Angelina had an allergic reaction to synthetic fibers and the polyester filled bedding also made her sweat a lot at night. This caused me to begin researching natural, eco-friendly and sustainable fibers for my daughter’s sake. My job was terminated because of company’s restructure right after I completed 2nd maternity leave. One door closes, another door opens. I wanted to work at home and spend more time with my daughter and son. This way, I will have more flexible time and more freedom. My husband fully supports me in my business endeavour. “Silkberry Baby” eco bedding line was launched in August. We shared the load with child care and home care.

We enjoy our family life and feel Vancouver has become home. Watching our kids grow up, getting to know more families: going fishing, camping and to the beach for fun with our kids makes life full and rich.

My motto is the more you ploughing and weeding, the better the crop. Juggling family and a home based business is hard work. But it’s worth it.