Background & Upbringing
Willow grew up in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighborhood, embraced by a family that balanced West Coast tranquility with the hustle of a big city. Her parents, originally from Hong Kong, ran a family-owned café that became a gathering place for people of varied backgrounds—a microcosm of Vancouver’s multicultural fabric.
Education
She attended an international baccalaureate program in high school, then pursued a BA in Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Eager to expand her horizons, Willow spent a year in Melbourne, Australia, as part of an exchange program.
Professional Background
After undergrad, Willow worked as a social media strategist for a local environmental nonprofit, developing a knack for concise and engaging storytelling. On the side, she wrote poetry and short fiction capturing Vancouver’s coastal landscapes and diverse communities. Her breakout came when a local publisher picked up her collection of introspective short stories, each infused with a hint of the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty.
Places Lived
Mostly based in Vancouver, Willow has also spent summers in Tofino, soaking in its surf culture, and Melbourne during her university exchange. She continues to travel throughout the Pacific Rim, weaving her international experiences into her writing.
Influences
Willow resonates with the dreamy prose of Ruth Ozeki and ways Kim Thúy captures immigrant experiences. She also finds inspiration in the city’s vibrant art scene—particularly local indie music and the culturally rich festivals at Granville Island. Reflecting Vancouver’s blend of laid-back coastal vibe and global perspective, Willow’s writing highlights how the personal and the cultural can seamlessly intertwine.
