Karen Dar Woon is a third-generation Chinese Canadian born in Vancouver, British Columbia. Coming of age in the late 1970s, Karen was attracted to a toned-down hippie style. In 1978, she participated in Vancouver Chinatown’s beauty pageant competition with twelve other Chinese Canadian girls. Karen’s father opposed her participation, and Karen was also conflicted about this choice. However, she joined anyway and learned a lot about makeup, elegance, and presenting herself in public. Living during the Vietnam War and the second wave of feminism in the West, Karen was eager to find her position in the world. Most of her wardrobe is western clothing. However, for an evening gown competition from the beauty pageant, Karen had to wear a custom-made cheongsam, and she kept the dress to this day. Karen tried many jobs throughout her life. Starting with a chemical engineering degree, she then left the field to become a graphic artist, a researcher and worked for museums. Karen currently has her own culinary business and works as a private chef.