The Founder’s Journey: Why I Started Thrivingfam

Hi there, I’m Alice Ding—educator, mom, business owner, and now, the founder of Thrivingfam. If you’ve landed on this page, chances are you're someone who cares deeply about your family’s growth, well-being, and future. I see you—because I’ve been you.

For years, I’ve worn many hats. I started as a classroom teacher with a passion for shaping young minds. Later, I became a business owner, launching i-Immersion, and eventually Nihao School, a dual-licensed Mandarin preschool designed to celebrate language, culture, and early childhood development. Through it all, I was also learning how to be a parent—juggling milestones, questioning decisions, and constantly seeking the “right” answers.

But as much as I poured my heart into education and family life, I couldn’t ignore the gap I saw over and over again: the lack of support for families when it came to finances, life planning, and overall empowerment.
 

The Turning Point

It wasn’t one single event that sparked Thrivingfam—it was a thousand little moments. Conversations with fellow parents who were overwhelmed. Teachers who were passionate but under-resourced. Small business owners in our community just trying to keep things afloat while dreaming bigger for their kids.

As someone who has coached educators and guided families, I knew that information alone wasn’t enough. We needed a space where support was consistent, culturally aware, and centered on real-life needs—from budgeting and childcare choices to legacy planning and emotional wellness.
 

Merging My Passions

In time, I became a licensed financial professional. This added a new layer to my work: now I could help families protect their futures through life insurance, retirement planning, and financial education—all while continuing to coach and serve my community.

Today, I lead Thrivingfam not just as an educator or advisor, but as a connector. I bring together my background in curriculum design, wellness advocacy, financial literacy, and community service to build tools and experiences that truly meet families where they are.

What Thrivingfam Stands For

Thrivingfam isn’t just a resource hub—it’s a movement. It’s for:

• Parents who want trusted answers without spending hours researching
• Educators who need guidance beyond the classroom
• Small business owners who dream of sustainability and security
• Immigrant families navigating life in a new country with hope and resilience

Every guide, webinar, blog post, and tool I create is rooted in this mission: empowering families to thrive—at every stage, in every season.

Where We're Headed 

I’m currently developing digital programs, family coaching series, and curated resources to make it easier for you to plan, connect, and grow. Whether you're starting a family, launching a business, or navigating big life transitions, you’ll find support here.

We’re just getting started, but I truly believe that when families are equipped with the right knowledge and resources, they can create ripples of positive change in their communities.

Thank you for being here and being part of this journey.

With heart,
Alice Ding, MBA
Founder, Thrivingfam
Licensed Financial Professional | Educator | Mom | Advocate