Today we’d like to introduce you to Kat Sayavong.
Hi Kat, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Kat Sayavong. I’m 22 years old and am a proud Lao-American. I’m currently in the process of becoming a Lash Extension Specialist as well a Business Owner!
My story has start with my parents. They both were born in the capital of Vientiane, Lao. When my dad was 18 years old, he planned a MAJOR escape. He had to leave my grandma, grandpa, his own siblings behind, cross the Bangkok River, then to jail, then a refugee camp, leave his own life, and fly to The United States of America all with only hopes, dreams, possibly a suitcase and a drive for a better life.
He ended up working any job you can think of to go back home when settling back to “normal”. He came back to the U.S with my grandpa, aunt, and his soon-to-be wife, my mom…
Despite the fact of everything they’ve both been through, they made a life here in Dallas, Texas. It’s still insane to me how we went from barely making ends meet, to being told the news of being able to go on very own first family vacation, and lastly, owning an extremely successful business. I’m truly truly blessed. I defiantly forget how much I am at times, but as I’m typing this out, my heart fulfilled with gratitude.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life comes with obstacles. It’s inevitable, but the first thing that came to mind was being growing up as a first-generation kid. I’m the eldest daughter and have a younger brother. Although it’s not the ‘worse’ situation to be in, it’s still absurd in my opinion… I doubt many people realize how much pressure it comes with to have that role unless you have experienced it yourself.
To this day, I’m expected to be a parental figure to my brother. It is immensely frustrating when you are treated like a child, but for whatever reason be responsible for another child. For instance, I would basically be punished and scolded at because I was the one who was supposed to remind him to sign up for his own classes or get his license, or to not play in the street. I did as my parents told me of course, but according to my little brother, I’m bossy and not his mom. Ironic if you ask me.
This caused a huge toll on my mental health amongst plenty of other factors such as neglect, verbal and physical abuse, etc.
As I’m getting older, I’m recognizing why things did play out that way, not just the fact that it happened. I know how blessed in life, yet I’m still struggling with my mental health. I could have everything I ever wanted and still feel miserable living my life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am in the process of becoming a Lash Extension Specialist and hope to own my very business
My biggest accomplishment is getting out of my comfort zone. I was always quiet and shy growing up because of what I did go through, but that made me who I am today. Knowing how cruel the world can be, I set myself apart from others because of how empathetic I am.
The society today lacks not having an open mind. Most people focus on their own selfish opinion on ‘how things need to be’ when really, if they were to even attempt to try to see others point of view, maybe just maybe, we’d have a little more peace.
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