Employee Spotlight:
Theresa Cheng
Finding Comfort in the Footwear Industry
Growing up as a “third culture kid,” I was born to parents from different countries (China and Korea), spent my childhood in Hong Kong and, very early in life, had a strong anchor in American culture because of the international school that I attended. As a student there from kindergarten to the 12th grade, I was lucky enough to develop a relationship with all cultures but never had full ownership of any.
Hong Kong was home to many expatriates. I was so blessed to have made childhood friends with people from all over the world, but I also experienced the bittersweet goodbyes as they returned to their home country after a few years—which never got any easier for me. Being surrounded by an international group of kids and teachers from the US, I grew up feeling more “American.” That is, until I came to America.
While attending university in Boston, I started asking myself: Who am I? Where do I belong? Do I fit in here? Am I supposed to represent my Asian heritage? I was a little lost and confused. I started having a love-hate relationship with the question: “where are you from?” It wasn’t until I started my career in the footwear industry that I really started embracing my Asian heritage. From KTV to slurping my noodles, I almost even named my dog Tofu.
While working alongside some of the most talented leaders, shoemakers, and factories overseas, I realized why I found so much comfort in the footwear industry. Diversity. Just last week I collaborated with a French Designer, discussed strategy with a Filipino Product Director, had a conference call with Japan, created a global assortment with the Swiss, and worked closely with my all-star American merchandising team. Sixteen years and many shoes later, the diversity I was surrounded by felt familiar—and my experience at Deckers’ is no different. Simply put, Deckers’ hybrid of cultures has made me feel at home again.
If you are reading this and can somewhat relate, just remember that home is not a geographical location. Home is where you are surrounded by friends, loved ones, and good food. While I am not officially an American (yet), I am proud to celebrate the Asian American Heritage month. And, most importantly, my dog is grateful that he wasn’t named after a bean curd.
Deckers Careers 