Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Wu.
Dr. Wendy Wu is the designer/owner of Burma Boutique Signs, a custom wood sign business she started in early 2016 out of her Southern California garage. After graduating from the University of California, Irvine with a biology major, she spent over seven years on the east coast/Midwest to become a foot and ankle surgeon.
During the course of her medical/surgical residency, Wendy taught herself how to use power tools, build furniture, upholstery, and other hobby’s that allowed her to exercise creative freedom. She led local workshops teaching and empowering women how to use power
tools.
In 2015, Wendy moved back to her native home state of California which led her on a journey back to her roots. She found herself painting her favorite inspirational quotes on the scrap pieces of wood leftover from furniture builds. Being a creative maker by nature, Wendy realized that if she wanted to change directions, there was no better time.
“Making signs brings me such joy because the words in the quotes I use are powerful messages that inspire and heal others who need it most. To be able to create and work with my hands is a blessing… and to share them with the world is beyond fulfilling. My business is still growing, and I am enjoying every minute of it. The fears, triumphs, mistakes, and revelations are all a part of the journey that I am so glad to have started. I could say that I wish I followed my heart from the beginning, but then again- the beginning can be and is now. It’s never too late to follow your dreams. To be able to pursue my passion everyday by turning a hobby into a business has been amazing.”
Wendy sells her signs on Etsy primarily (www.burmaboutique.com), and has built quite the following on Instagram (@burmaboutique_signs). Burma Boutique takes custom requests in addition to designed signs. All signs and decor are handmade with premium materials and crafted with love!
Recently, we decided to expand our product line by offering laser engraved signs, cutting boards, and other personalized products for baby showers, weddings, small businesses, and more. We are always open to collaborating with local artisans and businesses!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being a creative small business owner has its ebbs and flow. The road has been smooth for the most part but I definitely have faced some roadblocks along the way. However, in every situation, there is an opportunity to learn… to grow… to learn not only about business but yourself.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far… is that when the going gets tough, take a step back- take a break… a walk… whatever you need. Don’t compare yourself to all the other businesses and don’t fill yourself with envy… rather, my advice is to objectively look at what those businesses are doing right- draw inspiration from them, don’t let it bring you down. It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle… like many other creatives, I can get stuck and overwhelmed. In moments like that, I go back to the basics- instead of listening to myself, I talk to myself as I would to a friend. Remind yourself of how far you have come and how your passion, hard work, and unique set of skills can lead you to do whatever you set out to achieve.
Please tell us about Burma Boutique Design & Decor.
The majority of my orders are wood signs that are made from scratch. The wood is purchased from a lumber yard and is cut, painted, and framed in the workshop. The signs are unique in that we frame our signs with miter corners and only use premium responsibly sourced materials. I love designing custom pieces, it is so rewarding for me to help translate someone’s idea into something concrete.
What sets my products apart is the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into every piece, whether it is a wood sign or a custom wood keychain or a wholesale order. Having a medical/surgical background, I am a bit of a perfectionist. I see my products as a work of art… like T. Eker says “how you do anything is how you do everything.”
Who have you been inspired by?
Ruth Bader Ginsberg is an icon to me. She faced a lot of adversity but she overcame it by focusing on her goal, working hard case by case, not settling, and doing it all with grace. She found her passion and she never gave up even when she had setbacks. She is a great example of what women can do when they find and pursue their passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.burmaboutique.com
- Phone: 7079803168
- Email: burmaboutique@gmail.com
- Instagram: burmaboutique_signs
Image Credit:
@meganannphotography
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