Story & Lesson Highlights with Trixie Leuck of West Valley

Trixie Leuck shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Trixie, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are sacred. I start with movement and sunshine. Sometimes it’s a walk outside, other times it’s stretching while the world is still quiet. I follow that with prayer and meditation to center my mindset and align my intentions before the day rushes in. I limit screen time during this window; it’s my protected space to think, breathe, and simply be. Those early moments set the tone for everything that follows—how I lead, how I show up for others, and how I care for myself.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello Duchess is a modern baby gifting brand with a heart for adoption and a passion for celebrating motherhood. We design small-batch swaddles and curated gift boxes that make meaningful gifting effortless and personal. Every product tells a story & crafted with intention, designed to last, and created to give back.
What makes Hello Duchess special is that we don’t just sell gifts, we share connection. For every purchase, we give back to the adoption community, honoring the love, sacrifice, and joy that make every family’s story unique.
The brand was inspired by my own journey into motherhood through adoption, and it’s grown into something much bigger than I ever imagined—a community of moms, gift givers, and storytellers who believe every baby deserves to be celebrated

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that the parts of me that were different needed to be hidden. My family immigrated from the Philippines, and when we arrived in the U.S., I was often put into boxes I didn’t belong in. I spoke perfect English, but I was still placed in special language classes because of how I looked and the faint accent I carried. For a long time, I thought blending in was the goal.

Now, I know better. Those very things that once made me feel othered are the things that make me distinct. My culture, my voice, my story…they’re my strength. If I could tell that little girl anything, it would be this: you were never meant to fit in a box; you were meant to stand out with pride

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
As a small business owner, I’d be lying if I said the thought of giving up never crossed my mind. In fact, it tends to show up every six months or so. Usually when the weight of doing it all feels a little heavier than usual. But that feeling always fades the moment I see the joy our products bring or hear from a mom who felt seen through our brand.
Entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart. It asks for resilience, self-discipline, and courage—sometimes all in the same day. And while it’s impossible to be fearless all the time, I’ve learned that showing up anyway with faith, purpose, and heart, is what keeps the dream alive.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think smart people often get it wrong by believing they always need to be the smartest person in the room. True wisdom isn’t about having all the answers…it’s about creating space for others to bring theirs.

I’ve learned that growth happens when you surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking, expand your perspective, and make you better. Intelligence is valuable, but curiosity and collaboration are transformational. I’d rather sit at a table full of brilliant minds than try to lead it alone.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply is that people don’t just need products, they need to feel seen. Whether it’s through leadership or through Hello Duchess, my focus has always been on creating psychological safety through exceptional kindness.

At Hello Duchess, every swaddle, every note, every box we send out is rooted in that belief. We’re not just wrapping babies; we’re wrapping families in love, belonging, and care. Kindness is how we give back—it’s how we remind others they’re not alone, that their story matters, and that even small gestures can create big ripples of hope.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Shophelloduchess.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helloduchess_shop?igsh=aXVlcHJuemFkZ2Vt&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Dream Feed Media