Author: Joan Chen 陈晓筠
Brand: LA’DERM
Industry: Beauty Services & Professional Skincare
Position: Northern Region Sales Manager
《My Story Is Not Dramatic, But It Truly Records The Growth, Perseverance And Changes Of These Years》
I have been with LA’DERM for 17 years. Even today, I still remember the day of my very first interview — it happened to fall on April 1st, April Fool’s Day. Many people laugh and ask me, “Really?” But for me, that day was no joke. Instead, it felt as though fate had quietly opened a door for me. From the young woman who stepped into the company with uncertainty about the future, carrying both nervousness and anticipation, to the person I am today, I have come to realise that true growth takes time.
I have always been someone who sets high expectations for myself. Whether at work or in life, I want to take responsibility for what I do and give my best to everything. Many people see me as gentle, attentive, mature and independent, as though I can remain calm no matter what happens. But only I know that the journey has not always been easy. I have experienced confusion, self-doubt and moments when I silently carried all my emotions under tremendous pressure. I simply became accustomed to hiding my vulnerability, because I understood that many responsibilities had to be carried by myself, and many roads could only be walked one step at a time.
Seventeen years of work experience has been more than a career to me; it has been a journey of personal growth. I have experienced frustration and exhaustion, but I have also felt the fulfilment of seeing my efforts recognised. I have witnessed the realities of human relationships, yet I have also experienced genuine trust and warmth between people. Through every challenge and turning point, I gradually learned to become independent and, more importantly, to find my own direction in the realities of life.
Over the years, I have come to understand that growth does not mean suddenly becoming strong. It means choosing to stand up and continue moving forward after every fall, disappointment, and even moment of emotional collapse. Hard work may not always produce immediate results, but I have always believed that every act of perseverance has meaning.
People often think I am rational and strong, as though I can handle everything well. But I get tired too. In quiet moments late at night, I sometimes ask myself, “Am I really doing well enough?” During difficult periods, I have even struggled with sleepless nights. Yet I have never been willing to admit defeat easily. Because I know that even when life is difficult, what I truly want is not simply to get through each ordinary day. I hope that my future self can have a more stable life, greater freedom of choice, and the ability to care for my family and the people around me.
Finally, I am deeply grateful to every mentor and friend who has helped, supported and accompanied me throughout this journey. I am especially thankful to my family, my boss, all my colleagues, and the business partners who have always trusted and supported me. Because of all of you, I have been able to move forward step by step and become who I am today.
In the future, I will continue working hard, growing, and becoming a better version of myself.
— Joan Chen