The story behind my logo is a tribute to my beloved canine companion, Cola, whose presence continues to touch my life even beyond the veil.

It was in September 2010 that our paths intertwined. While pursuing my Master's degree in California, fate led me to the Petfinder profile of a street dog named Cola living in Taipei, Taiwan. Her big soulful eyes and gentle timid demeanor melted my heart. Not to mention, airplane ears are my weakness! 😭

I submitted my adoption application and was immediately contacted. The adoption agency told me that Cola is… special, and needs someone just as special to love and care for her.

She was rescued from the streets at 6 months old and spent the following year fostered in a noisy schoolhouse. During that time, dozens had applied for her but the adoption agency never felt “quite right” about any of them. After a lovely chat with the absolute sweetest adoption coordinator, I was approved! Thrilled, I was still left curious about what made my seemingly ordinary application and phone call resonate with them.

Though soon enough, it became clear.

Our connection was profound and soul-deep, transcending the realm of chance and hinting at a cosmic tapestry woven through the ages.

Cola's anticipated arrival at LAX was set for mid-October. However, a few days before the scheduled pickup, I received the most heart-wrenching call — Cola had run away. The news absolutely devastated me.

Although we hadn't met in person, my love for her was already profound. I spent the first night in tears, and the days that followed were no different. Overwhelmed by worry, I couldn't bring myself to attend any of my classes. My emotional state was in shambles; her safety was all I could think about.

But then, after 4 agonizing days, the phone rang... it was the call I had been hoping for. Cola had returned! Deep within, I had a strong belief that she would come back to me because I knew our connection was destined to be.

Weeks later, on Halloween, I eagerly welcomed her at the airport and our journey began.

Cola was the most unique animal I’ve ever had the privilege to know and love.

I adopted her as a shy, timid, and sweet 1-and-a-half-year-old and over the next 10 years, she blossomed into a quirky, weird, hilarious, stubborn, unique, loving dog who made a lasting impression on everyone who met her.

Cola had a quirky and aloof personality that brought immense joy and laughter to my life. She would joyfully toss her kibble in the air, engaging in a spirited wrestling match before enjoying her meal. When excited, she would spin in dizzying circles, her exuberance contagious. During naps, her extra-long tongue would lazily hang out of her mouth, revealing her teeny tiny teeth.

Cola remained the steadfast constant in my nomadic and change-hungry life.

She became my loyal companion throughout numerous moves, accompanying me through 9 different homes across 4 states. Together, we embarked on countless cross-country road trips and explored endless parks and nature trails.

Cola was spry and nimble, an athlete, fearlessly conquering steep hills and rocky terrain. Her agility allowed her to effortlessly leap over fences, a testament to her Taiwan Dog breed.

Cola had a mind of her own and followed her own rules.

She possessed a stubbornness like no other, and oddly enough, it became one of her most endearing qualities. Being part of an ancient dog breed that was never really domesticated, she retained a touch of that wild nature. She was borderline untrainable, but I didn’t mind. I loved - and encouraged - her independent spirit.

Cola would frequently dart off into the woods, embarking on hour-long adventures, paying no heed to my calls. But I never worried. As a wild street dog at heart, I was confident in her ability to look after herself and return to me when she was ready. I understood her need to wander off solo and reconnect with her primal instincts.

She was not just a pet but my entire world. Our connection ran deep and continued to get stronger over the next decade. I saw a reflection of myself in her, and she relied on me just as much.

Then in June 2020, Cola was diagnosed with inoperable and aggressive liver cancer.

After consulting with traditional vets who said there was nothing that could be done, I tried the homeopathic route and found a vet who practiced Chinese medicine.

I began preparing her special food of cucumbers, fresh daily cod from the fish market, and tons of cancer-fighting mushroom supplements. I gave her cold baths to help soothe her hot, feverish body while massaging her lymph nodes, attempting to flush out the cancer cells, as the vet suggested.

Unfortunately, these efforts were in vain, and in a mere 2 months, she struggled to walk more than a few feet. But she still loved car rides and I’d take her for evening rides along the many Providence-area water ways, allowing her to savor the scents and maintain a semblance of independence.

On August 22, 2020, my world was forever changed as I faced the heart-wrenching decision to say goodbye to my beloved soulmate. She peacefully crossed the rainbow bridge, with me and my family by her side.

I had to grant her the freedom she deserved.

The pain and heartache that follows the loss of a pet are beyond words, so I won’t even attempt it, but I was truly shattered to my core. The tears flowed incessantly, and they could have filled 36 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

In the midst of my grief, a resolute determination emerged: I would never let her memory die.

It was only natural to incorporate her into my business as her essence aligns seamlessly with the core principles that guide my brand.

When Cola departed, the kind words shared by friends and family captured her essence:

"One of a kind"

"Truly unique"

"Something beyond special"

"One in a million"

"So odd and such a spaz"

Remarkably, these very attributes align perfectly with the guiding principles I embrace when crafting unique, custom resumes and career narratives for my clients (ok, maybe not the last one 😆).

Are my resumes different? Absolutely.

Do they leave a lasting impression? Undoubtedly.

Do they balk in the face of tradition and what’s expected? You bet.

So that's why Cola’s spirit is honored and embodied in my logo, my business, and every corner of my life.

Run free, Cocobean ❤️