Rooted in Mud, Reaching for Light
Rooted in Mud, Reaching for Light
As I write these words, my heart returns to a place I once tried to forget—a small mud house on the edge of a forgotten village in southern China. It’s the setting of my earliest memories and the origin of a story I’ve never fully shared—until now.
I’m thrilled to announce that my upcoming book is finally in the works. It is a story born from hardship and hunger, but also from light, laughter, and relentless hope. This book is my soul on paper—raw, real, and radiant with the spirit of a little girl who refused to let her dream die.
A Childhood in Poverty: A Glimpse Into the Book
“Deep in the far corners of my childhood, there is a yellowed page of memory that always flips open quietly in the stillness of night…
That little spark was my inner dream—a bit of light, a bit of warmth, a bit of silent stubbornness buried deep in my chest. It burned quietly, pulling me out of hopeless nights, pushing me toward an unknown dawn.”
These are the opening lines of a chapter I wrote during a sleepless night, remembering what it felt like to be five years old, cold and hungry, holding on to a flicker of hope as the wind howled through the cracks in our crumbling roof. Our home was not built for comfort, but love found a way to live inside those clay walls. My mother, sewing under the dim oil lamp, became the light that kept us going.
“That was the first time I understood what it meant to be warmed by love.”
From the Fields to the Future
My story isn’t just about poverty—it’s about the richness I discovered inside it. The rhythm of rice fields, the scent of wildflowers in spring, the joy of catching shrimp with bare hands—these memories aren’t just nostalgic. They are sacred. They taught me to see beauty in the bare, strength in the silent, and love in the little things.
“When the roof had cracks, light could enter. Every crack became a window through which I could see the world.”
Through every crack in my childhood, I caught glimpses of a life beyond the mountains. I didn’t know what America was, what entrepreneurship meant, or how I’d ever escape the generational cycle of survival. I only knew that I couldn’t let the dream go out.
Why I’m Writing This Book
I’m writing this book for every little girl who ever whispered to herself:
“Just hold on a little longer. Walk a little farther. You’re almost there.”
I’m writing for every immigrant who’s stood on unfamiliar ground with nothing but courage. I’m writing for every woman who’s carried family on her back and built something beautiful with trembling hands.
This book is not just about where I came from—but where I’m going. It tells of how that little girl grew up to become a businesswoman, an entrepreneur, a beauty and wellness expert, and now, a mentor to others walking their own hard paths. It’s a story of resilience, faith, family, and the unstoppable power of love.
What You Can Expect
Inside the pages, you’ll find:
Poetic recollections of my childhood, like the seasons of a forgotten village.
Honest accounts of trauma and triumph.
Lessons learned from building a life and business as an immigrant woman.
Reflections on identity, legacy, and what it means to thrive beyond survival.
This is more than a memoir. It’s a testament to the power of beginnings—no matter how broken.
Coming Soon…
The book is still in the works, and every chapter is a step closer to healing—for me, and I hope, for you too. I can’t wait to share it with the world. Until then, I invite you to walk with me—through the fields, into the city, and beyond.
“There, in the mud, nurtured by love and hope, I quietly stretched out the very first branch of my dream toward the light.”
Stay tuned for more updates, behind-the-scenes writing moments, and reflections as I bring this book to life. Thank you for being part of this journey.
With love and gratitude,
Zhen Tao Main
