This section explores the lived experiences of content creators. Through their personal stories — from their creative beginnings, moments of burnout and negotiating audience expectations, to the pursuit of authenticity, they reflect on what it truly means to build influence today.
Sharing Everyday Joy
I started taking photos of Deng and Doumi quite naturally. It happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, when everyone was suddenly confined at home and the world felt unusually quiet and a little heavy. At that time, we began to long for something simple and light-hearted, something that could ease the tension in everyday life. For me, watching my dogs eat, sleep, and play brought a sense of calm and comfort. Their steady, ordinary routine gave me a feeling of stability when everything else felt uncertain.
At first, I just wanted to record their everyday life, and I never expected so many people to enjoy it. Later, some brands reached out for collaborations, especially around festive seasons, and that’s when I gradually realised this wasn’t just a hobby — it had become a form of creation. Each time I take photos, I put thought into new compositions, themes, and moods. To others, they may simply look like a few cute pictures of dogs, but to me, it’s a genuine form of expression — my way of understanding life and sharing emotions through images.
When it comes to filming, Deng and Doumi have completely different personalities. One is calm, the other mischievous, yet also two ways of approaching life. It made me realise that what I capture through the lens isn’t just the dogs themselves, but also a reflection of how we grow together. Whenever I manage to catch that “just right” moment of their expressions, their wagging tails, the light falling at the perfect angle, I’m always moved. That instant is fleeting, but it feels so real.
Because of my two dogs, I’ve met so many kind-hearted people — dog owners, followers, and brand partners. We meet because of a shared love for dogs, and when we talk, there’s no need to pretend, no talk of efficiency or gain.
I’ve always believed in taking small, seemingly boring things seriously. Looking back now, I realise that this creative process has a deeper meaning. Through it, I’ve come to see human connections in a new light. Because of my two dogs, I’ve met so many kind-hearted people — dog owners, followers, and brand partners. We meet because of a shared love for dogs, and when we talk, there’s no need to pretend, no talk of efficiency or gain. Those interactions feel genuinely warm, and they remind me that even in a world that moves faster and grows more commercial by the day, there are still people willing to slow down to pause, smile, and be healed by dogs.
I’ve always felt that Deng and Doumi have taught me the most important lesson — to live in the present. They don’t look back, nor do they worry for tomorrow; they simply find joy in today. Through my photos, I hope to remind people that even in such a complicated world, we can still be moved by the purity of the present moment. Sometimes, just a few seconds of watching them smile is enough to make us remember what life is meant to be: simple, gentle, and worth cherishing. ■