Asian Founder Courage: Samantha Ong Shows Up With Confidence

Our founder, Samantha Ong, was recently featured on The Tao of Self Confidence podcast. And honestly, this conversation felt like a deep exhale. The kind where you finally feel seen.

This episode is about courage. It’s about identity. And it’s about what it really means to show up fully as an Asian founder, especially when you’ve spent years doing the opposite.

If you’re a parent raising kids who deserve to feel proud of who they are, or an educator shaping inclusive spaces, this story is for you. Because representation doesn’t start in adulthood. It starts in childhood.

Today, Joeydolls has sold over 13,000 dolls worldwide. It has been featured on Dragons’ Den, CBC, and Good Housekeeping. It has earned multiple parenting and toy awards. And it all started with one woman choosing courage.

This is what Asian representation and confidence looks like in real life.

On The Tao of Self Confidence, Samantha shared a definition that stopped us in our tracks.

Self confidence isn’t about being loud.

It isn’t about being fearless.

It’s about embracing who you are fully. Your culture. Your story. Your voice. Without shrinking. Without hiding. Without apologizing.

That message hits especially hard when we talk about self confidence for Asian women.

So many of us were taught that confidence looked like arrogance. That leadership wasn’t meant for us. That blending in was safer than standing out.

But Samantha’s story challenges that belief. And as an Asian Founder, she shows what’s possible when you decide to show up anyway.

Before Joeydolls, Samantha ran a photography business.

At first, it was terrifying. Speaking up. Giving direction. Calling herself an expert.

But something shifted.

She realized she could do things she once thought she couldn’t.

That was the moment confidence stopped being theoretical and became real.

That confidence didn’t come from perfection. It came from action. From doing the thing even when her voice shook.

And that lesson carried over into everything she built next.

Joeydolls was born from Samantha’s lived experience.

As an Asian Founder and a mom, she noticed something missing in the toy aisle. Dolls that reflected Asian cultures with care. Dolls that weren’t stereotypes. Dolls that kids could see themselves in.

So she created them.

Joeydolls are 18-inch soft plush dolls. They’re safe for all ages. They feature embroidered details and culturally meaningful outfits. Each doll includes a QR code so families can learn more about the culture being represented.

This is how Asian women in leadership create change.

Not just by talking about representation, but by building it into everyday life. Into bedtime routines. Into classrooms. Into play.

Samantha’s podcast appearance isn’t just exciting because it’s press.

It’s important because stories like hers still aren’t told often enough.

When kids see confident Asian women leading businesses, creating impact, and owning their stories, it changes what they believe is possible.

That’s Asian representation and confidence in action.

• For non-Asian families, it opens the door to empathy and understanding.

• For Asian families, it creates mirrors instead of gaps.

• And for parents everywhere, it’s a reminder that toys are never just toys. They carry messages. Values. Belonging.

Want to hear Samantha’s full story in her own words?

You can listen to Episode 927: Have the Courage to Show Up on The Tao of Self Confidence podcast via Player.fm or Podcast Republic.

It’s honest. It’s encouraging. And it’s a beautiful reminder that growth is possible.

At Joeydolls, our mission has always been clear.

We create dolls that celebrate culture.
We create dolls that feel soft and safe.
We create dolls that help children feel proud of who they are.

Because confidence begins in childhood.

Our dolls are designed for:

• Bedtime snuggles

• Classroom learning

• Cultural conversations

• Everyday play with meaning

They help families talk about identity in a way that feels joyful and natural.

If Samantha’s story resonated with you, we invite you to explore Joeydolls.

Each doll is a reflection of culture, care, and confidence. Each one is designed to help children feel seen.

When you choose Joeydolls, you’re supporting an Asian Founder. You’re supporting representation. And you’re choosing toys that grow with your child’s heart.

If you believe in raising inclusive kids, our VIP list is for you.

When you join, you’ll receive:

• Early access to new doll launches

• Cultural stories and educational resources

• Exclusive offers just for our community

It’s more than an email list. It’s a community built on pride and connection.