5 Asian Minds Ahead of the Times

In celebration of Asian-Pacific Heritage Month, we’re celebrating the culture, traditions, and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. Here are five Asian entrepreneurs that found success through innovation and hard work:

1. Charlotte Cho

Charlotte Cho is a South Korean-American esthetician, author, and entrepreneur. She’s the co-founder of Soko Glam, a well-known company that specializes in Korean beauty products. Soko Glam was one big step for Korean beauty into North America’s beauty market, and was a big influence in making K-Beauty a mainstay.

What We love: Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence Intensive Moist (a dupe for the coveted but pricy SK-II Essence!)

2. Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang is one of the most-known streetwear fashion designers of our generation. Coming from an Taiwanese immigrant background, he’s known for his use of black fabrics and tailoring skills shown on his garments. Wang launched his first full Women collection in 2007 and his collections are stocked in countless luxury department stores such as Barneys, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergendorf Goodman, etc.

What We love: Attica Fanny Pack

3. Alicia Yoon

Alicia Yoon is a New York City-based South Korean entrepreneur, best-known for founding Peach & Lily, a Korean Beauty Retail Website. Having a past esthetician and business background, Yoon knew what was good for the skin and how to monetize her passion for skincare and business!

What We love: Glass Skin Refining Serum

4. Don Won Chang (founder of Forever 21)

Don Won Chang is the founder of Forever 21, which is now a multi-billion enterprise. When he first moved to Cali with his wife in 1981, he had no money and had to work multiple jobs (coffee shops, gas stations, small office-cleaning job) to get by. He and his wife opened the first Forever 21 store that was only 900-square-foot with $11,000 in their savings.  And that was the start of something special, the first out of the 600 something stores that now exist worldwide.

What We Love: Basic High-Rise Leggings

5. Angie Myung (½ of Poketo)

Angie Myung is the co-founder of Poketo, a design and lifestyle store that she co-owns with her husband, Ted Vadakan. Poketo was initially an online store, and the first product was an artist wallet that was produced through collaborations with their artist friends. That kind of collaborative mindset followed through all their other products and their brick-and-mortar store. The store also became a space for friends and the local community to gather, for workshops and events.

What We Love: Concept Planner in Midnight

We’re proud that we’re able to celebrate Asian-Pacific Heritage Month in good company!

Interested in growing your company through strategy and design? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!