Mission
Our mission is to establish a mutual aid fund that provides individuals with a reliable source of financial support for essential needs such as groceries, bills, rent, and more, as I firmly believe that having the means to meet these necessities is fundamental to maintaining good mental health. To realize this mission, we first will dedicate 10% of our profits to The Trevor Project until we are ready to dedicate 10% of our profits towards building the fund, with the ultimate goal of channeling 100% of our profits towards this vital cause.
Together, we can create a community where financial security and mental well-being go hand in hand.
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The Journey
How We Started
Mode Korvidae emerged from Mode’s personal journey of triumphing over hospitalization, where they faced the loss of language skills and memory. Seeking solace and a platform to share my struggles, they established this candle and home goods company, dedicated to fostering honesty, destigmatizing mental health, and raising awareness.
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Our heartfelt endeavor began in the Autumn of 2019, approximately one year after my hospitalization, during which they encountered significant challenges in language processing, communication, and daily functioning. With unwavering support and care, they persevered, gradually regaining the ability to connect with others and care for myself independently.
Mode’s personal journey of rebuilding has been a continuous process spanning five years. Each passing day reinforces the importance of community, fueling my drive to create something meaningful for those facing regular wellness difficulties.
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In the Spring of 2021, Mode Korvidae celebrated the successful launch of their first pre-sale release. Thanks to the support of cherished family and friends, we were able to acquire the necessary materials to complete our inaugural production run.
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Summer 2022 marked the beginning of our journey into pop-up markets, initially with modest success. Despite investing significant personal and investor resources, the proceeds barely covered the table fees. However, the tides turned in winter when we participated in AAPI-centered markets. It was here that we finally witnessed tangible results and connected with a community that wholeheartedly embraced our creations, advocacy, and commitment to mental health awareness.
Today, we proudly stand as a resilient team, surpassing our own expectations and embracing a remarkable journey of progress.
Handcrafter, Designer & Mentally Ill
Mode Zhao
Hi all,
I'm Mode, the founder of Mode Korvidae. My journey to creating handcrafted candles and home goods was born out of a deep restlessness—a restlessness fueled by the challenges of facing problems that require patience and the frustration of not being able to change my circumstances as quickly as I would like. Living in a state of persistent trauma has often made it difficult to feel valid and understood.
In the Autumn of 2019, during a particularly painful holiday season marked by seasonal affective disorder and the aftermath of a hospitalization, I found solace in candle-making. This therapeutic practice became my anchor, helping me navigate the lingering effects on my language processing and daily functioning. Through this creative process, I discovered a powerful way to connect with my true self across all dimensions of mind, body, and spirit—an experience that has been both self-disparaging and self-empowering.
I hope to uplift those with mental illness, like myself, by bringing forward concepts that are often hidden, offering products that are both aesthetically pleasing and deeply meaningful. Through my candle creations, I aspire to support the creative energy that transmits emotion through the written word and to provide a sense of connection and understanding to those who encounter them.
Thank you for being a part of this. Your support and shared stories inspire me to continue creating and advocating for mental health togetherness. And together, we can make mental illness less lonely and foster a community of deep understanding and compassion.
Warm regards,Mode