Today we’d like to introduce you to Pang Xiong.
Hi Pang, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hi! I’m a mother, teacher, and author who creates bilingual Hmong books.
As an elementary student, I don’t remember having inclusive books and didn’t know that we deserved books that reflected us. It was during my student teaching experience in college that I realized the dire need for diverse books. My students were from all different corners of the world, and finding books that reflected everyone was nearly impossible.
I realized I was suddenly in a position to help change the situation. I was already creating Hmong resources for my students–other educators must be looking for the same thing. I had the power to create authentic Hmong texts that echo our voices, tell our stories, and represent our culture! Thus, Project Hmong came into fruition.
I was teaching kindergarten when my first books came out, so the books were short and repetitive–designed for beginning readers. The simplicity of the books helped build confidence in us all: me because I have never considered myself a writer; my students gained confidence as readers and as a Hmong person. I hoped my books would help students be a more authentic version of themselves. My students’ excitement fueled my energy to create more books for them.
When I recently had children of my own, I craved for books that didn’t yet exist. This reenergized me to create more children’s books. To date, we have sold and donated close to 20,000 copies of our books! We also have some wooden puzzles coming this winter. Who knows what the future holds!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have been building my airplane while trying to fly it at the same time–I am continuously learning as I go. Even after 12 years, there are still a lot of firsts for me because Project Hmong is a one-woman show. Thankfully, my husband is a jack of all trades and willingly fills in wherever he can.
I’m a teacher by trade, so I know what kinds of books I want in the hands of my students. However, I had no background in business, writing, publishing, photography, website design, marketing, or any of it. This was also a time before information was readily available on YouTube, the internet, and social media. Thus, I worked through the nights trying to figure it all out, mostly through trial and error. Never in my life did I ever expect to be comparing the weight and feel of different types of paper at 3 AM.
My two greatest challenges have been self-doubt and self-promotion. I still have a hard time calling myself an author because authors write *real* books. However, I am so grateful for the support of those who also believe in my vision, most of whom are strangers.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Project Hmong was created to validate and empower Hmong students through books that are relevant to us and our lives. Our books are bilingual and Hmong-centric, highlighting the Hmong culture and preserving our language. The most commonly-used Hmong writing system is fairly new as it was only developed in 1951 and there’s already fear that the language will become lost. I hope our books provide one avenue to help keep the language alive.
One thing I am most proud of is the impact my simple books have had on readers, including students, children, and adults. My shy, quiet Hmong students transformed and suddenly stood a little taller and spoke a little louder. Meanwhile, my non-Hmong students were completely invested in the Hmong culture, while proudly celebrating their own. I witnessed some of my struggling students dedicate all their energy to mastering my books because the books were relevant to them. Brave conversations about culture and differences were had. During craft fairs and events, I watched as adults flipped through the books, comically quizzing each other with Hmong vocabulary and doubled over laughing at mispronunciations. I am so proud of the joy that my books have brought to readers.
One of the most fulfilling things that I never could have anticipated, was when my children started to pick up my books. They don’t know that I created the books but seem naturally drawn to them and constantly choose my books to read and look at. While we were driving, my three-year-old pointed to a man walking and carrying a bag and shouted, “Looooooook! There’s a refugee!” I was slightly stunned and embarrassed, but mostly proud that my three-year-old is already building the foundational language to learn about his/our history. He regularly includes places such as the Mekong River in his daily play. I hope that my books can help break the cycle of generational trauma and help children build a strong sense of identity and be proud of who they are.
It is so satisfying to see my books positively affect readers, both young and old. I can only hope that my books continue to reach more people and be a springboard for conversation.
We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is reaching your goal–such an easy word to define, yet less concrete in practice. Success is extremely personal and fluid–it’s completely dependent on your expectations and where you are in your journey.
Sometimes success comes in tiny morsels with many setbacks. Yet, it could all lead up to a ginormous win. Teddy Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy”. It’s easy to lose sight of our successes when we start to compare ourselves to others. So stay focused on your goals and continue to take steps forward, big or small.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.projecthmong.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projecthmong.childrensbooks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectHmong
Image Credits
Michael N
