This Mother’s Day, we sat down with the woman whose name quietly lives behind every label we sew, every jacket we cut, and every story we tell.
Ida is not just the name of our brand, she is the mother of our founder, a woman whose life has been marked by quiet resilience, deep faith, and a commitment to others. In this conversation, she reflects on the strength of the women who raised her, her unexpected role in the founding of a fashion label, and the joy of seeing her son carry their shared values forward.
Can you tell us a bit about your story and how your experience shaped the way you see resilience, strength, and beauty?
I was raised in Hong Kong by a traveling pastor and his wife, my adoptive parents. We lived humbly, supported by the kindness of strangers and the modest pay my adoptive father earned as a speaker.
I was one of seven children, six of us adopted. My adoptive mother was strict, but I knew she loved us deeply. She always reminded us of the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. My birth mother, whom I was separated from at a young age, would write to me over the years. I still remember one line she often repeated: “Let your light shine, not for recognition, but to bring good into the world.”
It wasn’t until I was 50 that I moved back to China and was able to live in the same city as my birth mother again. We made it a tradition to visit every Wednesday, and over 20 years, I witnessed her quiet yet strong presence, the way people sought her out, brought her fruit, and asked for her counsel. She was 88 when I returned, and yet she was still helping people, housing an injured church sister, comforting others, speaking plainly when needed, and always showing compassion.
She passed away in 2022 at the age of 108. Her way of living shaped how I choose to treat others, with presence, kindness, and responsibility.
When your son told you he was going to call his new brand IDA, how did you feel knowing your story helped inspire something so meaningful?
I was very surprised. Honestly, I thought it was a mistake! I’m not famous. I’m a behind-the-scenes type of person — and I’m 71. It just seemed so unexpected.
But the team had already started the process of registering the name. In time, I came to accept it. Because in the end, a name is just a name — what matters is the people behind it, and how much they care. That’s what gives anything meaning. Even though the brand carries my name, it’s never been about me. It’s about the people who put their trust in us — and our responsibility to be worthy of that trust.
If you could choose one piece from IDA that reflects your spirit or story, what would it be and why?
I like to dress simply and comfortably, that’s always been my style.
What does Mother’s Day mean to you now, at this stage of life, with everything you’ve lived through and built together?
It makes me reflect on the gift of having had two mothers. This business has brought me more material things than either of them ever had, but what they gave me was far greater.
They gave me something far more lasting: a spiritual inheritance that grows more precious to me with each passing year.
And finally, what’s something about your son that might surprise people?
He’s always had a mischievous streak! When he was little, he was very ticklish — and very quick when he was trying to escape it. These days, I see his son doing the exact same thing, which always makes me laugh. It's such a joy to watch that come full circle.
From our family to yours, happy Mother’s Day.
Sometimes, the greatest strength comes from the women who raised us, stood by us, and helped light the way.
