Author: Lydia Loo
Company: Momentshoes
Profession: Founder & Creative Director of Momentshoes
《Perseverance is the rarest courage for ordinary people. As small lights slowly gather, even the most ordinary souls will eventually shine.》
Perseverance is the most extraordinary courage in an ordinary life. Small sparks form a flame, and an ordinary heart can burn with passion. Every slow step carries the strength of accumulation. All perseverance will eventually shine.
I was never fond of academics growing up; instead, I loved handcrafts. The meticulous artistry of sewing, tailoring, and weaving always helped me ground myself, bringing me joy and inner peace. After graduating from secondary school, I moved to Kuala Lumpur to study fashion design and start a new chapter. Upon graduation, I entered the fashion industry. Though I put my heart into it for several years, I always felt it was not my true calling.
That was until I was first introduced to footwear design, which was an absolute revelation. Shoes demand not only aesthetic appeal, but also precision in structure and practicality—a combination that reignited my passion. From that moment on, I devoted myself to the footwear industry, spanning nearly thirty years. Introverted by nature, I lived a simple life: working, returning home, and enjoying quiet days. Yet as the years went by, I came to realize that no position in the corporate world is permanent. Design, after all, is a stage for the young. Rather than staying stuck in place, I decided to take a leap of faith for my own life.
So, I decided to start my own business. It was more than a career change; it was a personal challenge. Moving from solely handling design to facing clients directly, resolving crises, and making independent decisions—saying it wasn’t tough would be a lie. The beginning was exceptionally difficult. Aside from facing doubt and condescension, financial hardship posed the greatest pressure. With only a few thousand dollars on hand, I had to cover the costs of our initial samples, rent, raw materials, and marketing…
Almost every day, I was calculating: Can I hold on for just one more month? But I told myself that since I had made my choice, I had to push forward bravely. Fortunately, at my lowest point, I met mentors and benefactors who lifted me up, rekindling my belief that even the faintest light can illuminate the road ahead.
During those early days of entrepreneurship, I gained a profound understanding of the different kinds of people around us. There are two types: The first type will always gossip behind your back. They doubt your potential for success, labeling you as too impulsive and naive. Some would even ask with a sarcastic tone, “How long can she really last?” They only seek to witness your fall, turning a blind eye to the silent effort you put in. At first, these voices hurt deeply and made me question my own capability. But eventually, I realized that people question you simply because they cannot see the conviction inside your heart.
The second type of people are those who quietly support you from behind.
They don’t say much; they simply remind me when I am most exhausted: “Don’t give up.” They never ask how much money I’ve made—they only care if I’m eating well and resting enough. They are my parents and my family. They don’t need me to be successful; they only wish for me to be safe and to keep going. It is precisely because of their steadfast presence that I have been able to pick myself up time and time again.
The former taught me resilience; the latter taught me gratitude. Having been doubted, I learned how to prove myself; having been loved, I found the courage to stand where I am today.
Just as my business was taking off, both my parents fell ill one after the other, leaving me physically and mentally drained. Yet, I always believed that rock bottom exists to make us stronger. As long as we hold on, a turning point will come. Looking back, I am deeply grateful to the self that never gave up. Every experience—whether bitter or sweet—is a meaningful footprint along my path.
I would like to dedicate these words to you, who are striving right now: Do not fear walking slowly; fear only the hesitation to start. You do not need to be perfect, but please, keep persevering.