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WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR OWN YOUTUBE CHANNEL?
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I started making YouTube videos with my best friend, Sarah, on July 2010. At the time, there wasn’t much emphasis on fashion on YouTube and I thought it was a gap that Sarah and I could fill. That summer we picked up my point and shoot and started filming. On August 2011, I transferred to a university and moved 400 miles away from home. Sarah and I both agreed that I would move forward with the channel from then on.
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WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR DAILY INSPIRATION FROM WHEN IT COMES TO DRESSING YOURSELF?
My style is a mere reflection of my mood. It's very fluid and it changes everyday depending on what environment I'm in. Context is everything to me. I'm inspired by everything around me -- it could be a song or podcast I've listened to, a mannequin in a store front, or even a person walking by.
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Does vlogging empower you as a woman? How?
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Yes, vlogging does empower me. I've always struggled to find my voice in everything from class discussions to din' ner parties. Vlogging is what helped me express myself visually first and as I continued to do this throughout the years, I was able to become more confident with myself and my style.
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Do you find that your personality is the same on screen and off or is there a certain level of performance involved?
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I'd say my personality is the same. I might be a little more amped up and a touch more put together. There is an aura of professionalism in my videos, but my wacky side does come out from time to time, especially in candid vlogs.
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What inspired you to create your own clothing line? What makes it special and unique?
My subscribers have always commented that I need to have my own clothing line one day, but I wanted to make sure the timing was right. Last year I dipped my toes into the space with brand collaborations with ColourPop and Mejuri. After getting a feel for everything, I finally felt confident in my vision to start my own brand in 2017. I infused my personal aesthetic and diverse perspective on style, paired with my Korean heritage to make the line true to me. There is truly something for everyone from polished to punk, delicate to street, staples to statement pieces. WHO WERE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE VLOGGERS THAT YOU LOOKED UP TO?
At the time, Michelle Phan dominated the field. She was one of the first people I watched and grew fascinated with.to capture the energy of a city while showing my subscribers what I wore there. What makes you stand out from all other vloggers?
I want my viewers to feel like they’re actually there with me. I’m very fortunate to be able to travel so I document all my trips like Japan, Singapore, Dubai, London, etc. I love being able to capture the energy of a city while showing my subscribers what I wore there.
Who is your ideal audience?
People who are open-minded and who aren't quick to judge others on what they wear. My main message for my the channel is to wear whatever makes you feel good, whether it's that big ill-fitting shirt with ketchup stains or that tight green sequin mini skirt. Life is too short to wear something you don't like. WHEN DO YOU THINK THE TURNING POINT WAS FOR YOU WHEN YOU REALIZED THAT YOUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL WAS BECOMING BIGGER THAN WHAT YOU HAD IMAGINED? AND, WHAT CHANGED FOR YOU AFTER THAT?
The first time it hit me was when I was invited to New York Fashion Week last year. Chictopia sent me out as their representative and I'm so grateful that they allowed me to have that experience. The turning point for my YouTube channel was when it simultaneously became my hobby and my career. I'm living my dream job. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GOTO OUTFIT?
A band tee and some skinny jeans.
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