Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoey Yang.
Hi Zoey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Zoey Yang. I’m 33 years old; born and raised in St. Paul, MN. I am the oldest daughter of seven siblings. I have two older brothers, two younger sisters and two younger brothers. My dad’s name is Pao Kong Yang, and my mom is Xia Vang. I am happily married to my incredible husband, Tyler Ly. We have been together for four years, married for two. I am a dog mom. I rescued her from the humane society during Covid. She’s a six-year-old, husky mix name Nova Star.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One obstacle that I am facing right now is infertility. My husband and I have been trying to conceive for the past two years. We are currently going through the IVF process in hopes of becoming parents. We are on or first cycle and is optimistic and excited to begin this chapter of our marriage.
Growing up, IVF was never a thought in my mind as I thought having a baby would be “easy”. My mom had so many of us. My siblings seemed to have children with ease. I saw my family and thought “I’m going to do this the “right” way. I’m going to finish school, find the love of my life, marry him, then have children.” Little did I know that it was going to take more than tracking my period cycles for this to happen for us.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Data Analyst at a medical manufacturing company. It is through my work that I can pursue IVF as they provide one of the best family planning services. I am grateful for this opportunity as my work covers 80% of all my IVF needs. I will not be taking this opportunity for granted as I realize I am one of the lucky ones who has financial assistance through their workplace. Due to this reason, I will continue to stay at my current workplace. My goal is that hopefully in a couple of years I can pursue my true passion and that is business.
My dream is to one day have my own business and be an entrepreneur.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up as the eldest daughter in your typical Hmong household was hard. As a lot of Hmong women, who are the eldest daughters, can relate to; I was my mom’s right hand and my sibling’s second mother. I had a lot of responsibilities as a child and had to grew up fast. I was chopping whole chickens and making dinner for my family by the age of 10 years old. I was not allowed to participate in extracurricular activities. I was not allowed hang out with friends or sleep over at cousin’s houses. I was a sad, sheltered and oppressed child. Because of my strict upbringing, I believe that morphed me into a rebellious, out of control teenager, who would raise hell or my parents for the next ten years.
As I’m writing this and reflecting on my childhood, I have no regrets. I’m breaking generational curses, and to do that, you need to have a lot of audacity to stand up for yourself so you can have the new life you want.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoey.novastar
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/zoey.yang14
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@zoey.novastar
