Deep in my memory, there is an animated film from my childhood called "A Deer of Nine Colors." In the film, a nine-colored deer saves a drowning snake charmer. The deer asks the snake charmer not to tell anyone about his existence, but the snake charmer betrays him and leads warriors into the woods to capture him in exchange for a reward. The snake charmer pretends to fall into the river again to try to lure the deer, but finally pays with his life for this ungrateful act. The story for the film is based on a wall painting called Ruru Jadaka in the Mogao Cave, one of the most famous Buddhist cave sites in China. When the name 'Dazzle Deer' came across, this story played in my mind immediately. The deer is a common symbol in Chinese culture: wealth, health, luck, and beauty. In Buddhism, the deer stands for justice, kindness, and peace. For a business to promote traditional Chinese culture, Dazzle Deer fits. 

 

I was born in Shanghai, China, and now live in Colorado. I grew up with an enthusiasm for literature and finally pursued my dream of studying Chinese Literature at Tongji University in Shanghai. My interest in Chinese culture deepened when I began studying traditional opera. I led the student organization for Kun Opera at the University and tried my best to promote this beautiful art to more young people. Two years of volunteering in Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe gave me an appreciation for slow living, for finding joy in small things.

 

In the summer of 2012, I quit my promising job in digital marketing and embarked on an extended backpacking trip. I spent half a year in Asia, traveling through Tibet, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. I was amazed by the incredible culture differences and was fascinated by the cultural heritage created and inherited by the local people. Growing up in a big city like Shanghai made me almost forget what is deep in my blood. In 2013, I volunteered in several organic farms in Australia for two months and had many new experiences in my life. During the last trip in Europe that summer, I met my husband, Vlad, in Florence, Italy. After coming back from my trips, I signed a contract as a freelance writer with Ctrip.com, the biggest travel agency in China, and published many travel guides. Travel and writing - these were the two most beautiful things for me at that time. I used my words to show the world I saw and to share its culture.