Part One: How Big Dreams, Little Money, and a Willingness to Learn Shaped My Path
After graduating college, I was eager to carve out my own corner of the world. Instead of following a traditional career path, I dove headfirst into entrepreneurship, founding a production company called Flibbertigibbets. The name itself was whimsical, a reflection of our boundless creativity and aspirations. I partnered with two brilliant minds who specialized in Flash animation, and together, we dreamed of revolutionizing the animation industry. The reality? None of us had the faintest idea what we were doing.
Big Dreams, Little Money
Starting Flibbertigibbets was a leap of faith for all of us. What we lacked in industry experience, we made up for with an abundance of dreams and ambition. Our goal was to create groundbreaking animations sharing folk stories from around the world for children that would captivate audiences and redefine the medium. But like many dreamers before us, we quickly realized that having a vision wasn’t enough. Animation, as it turns out, is a complex and demanding industry that requires not only creativity but also significant resources and expertise.
We were working on a shoestring budget, trying to compete in a world dominated by seasoned professionals and well-funded studios. To make matters more challenging, my two partners also ran a successful graphic design company, which often took precedence over our fledgling animation dreams. Despite our collective talent, Flibbertigibbets remained on the back burner, and progress was slow.
Flailing Like Ducks
We threw ourselves into every project with enthusiasm, but the learning curve was steep. Animation wasn’t just about creating beautiful visuals; it was about understanding storytelling, technology, and the nuances of an evolving industry. We often joked that we were like ducks, paddling furiously underwater while trying to appear calm and collected on the surface.
In truth, we were flailing, unsure of how to navigate the waters of entrepreneurship and animation. Our inexperience and lack of focus ultimately became obstacles we couldn’t overcome. It became clear that our passion wasn’t enough to sustain the company, especially when my partners’ attention was divided between Flibbertigibbets and their established design business.
The Turning Point
Amidst the struggles, a new opportunity presented itself. It wasn’t in animation, but rather in filmmaking—a chance to explore a different side of the creative world and finally put my film degree to use. The decision to pivot wasn’t easy. I had poured my heart into Flibbertigibbets, and walking away felt like abandoning a piece of myself. But deep down, I knew it was the right choice. Sometimes, letting go of one dream is the only way to make space for another.
With a mix of trepidation and excitement, I embraced this new chapter. For the first time, I was able to draw directly from my film school education—storyboarding, cinematography, and editing came rushing back to me. I began creating films that told stories in ways I never thought possible. It was a different kind of challenge, one that allowed me to tap into my storytelling instincts, apply the skills I had learned in school, and explore the transformative power of visual media.
Finding Success in the Unexpected
The transition to filmmaking turned out to be one of the most transformative experiences of my life. My work found its way into several film festivals, where it resonated with audiences and critics alike. Some of my projects even garnered awards, affirming that this new path was more than just a detour—it was a calling.
Here are some snapshots I took while screening my films at (HIFF) Hawaii International Film Festival (2002) and (SDAFF) San Diego Asian Film Festival (2003).
Notable moments came when one of the films I was a producer on was featured on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Howard Stern Show. Seeing my work reach such wide audiences was surreal, a testament to the risks I had taken and the lessons I had learned. And then there that time, when the same films was banned in Singapore. While some might see this as a setback, I saw it as a badge of honor. To me, it symbolized the power of art to challenge norms and spark dialogue.
Lessons in Adaptability
Looking back, my time with Flibbertigibbets taught me some of the most valuable lessons of my career. It showed me the importance of adaptability and the courage to pivot when a path isn’t working. It taught me that failure isn’t the end—it’s often the beginning of something new. Most importantly, it reinforced the idea that success isn’t about sticking to one vision, but about being open to where your journey might lead.
Letting go of Flibbertigibbets wasn’t a failure; it was a stepping stone. It allowed me to find my voice as a filmmaker, discover new talents, and build a foundation for the career I have today.
Hi, I’m Alyx—a mom, wife, and proud owner of Chabot Business Solutions. My journey from Flibbertigibbets to filmmaking to digital marketing has been anything but linear, but every twist and turn has brought me closer to where I’m meant to be. If you’re navigating your own uncertain path, I’d love to connect—whether it’s over coffee, tea, or a shared story. Let’s see where the conversation takes us.