Today we’d like to introduce you to Eugene Chan and Thomas Hung
Hi Thomas and Eugene, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our Journey
Established in 2019, Helt Studio embarked on a mission to redefine the capabilities of your workwear. Those who wear uniforms often find themselves in them for extended periods compared to everyday attire. However, traditional workwear tends to be rigid, uncomfortable, and lacking in style. Our vision is to revolutionize this experience by engineering soft, functional, and comfortable fabrics, transforming them into well-designed uniforms right here in Los Angeles. This mission has enabled us to collaborate with renowned establishments, including Joey Restaurant, Patina Group, Panda Express, Alfred Coffee, Ritz-Carlton, and many others. At Helt Studio, we firmly believe that what you wear to work should work for you.
About Us
Thomas Hung (in RED), CMO
Thomas, hailing from a digital marketing background with expertise in diverse affiliate programs and digital advertising campaigns during the advent of the social media era, transitioned into restaurant ownership. Faced with challenges in sourcing the ideal uniform, Thomas embarked on a journey to enhance the situation. This exploration culminated in the co-founding of Helt Studio in 2019. Currently, Thomas spearheads marketing initiatives and cultivates partnerships with various major media outlets. Explore Helt Studio’s story, where expertise meets innovation in workwear solutions.
Eugene Chan (in beige), CEO & Creative Director
Embark on Eugene’s entrepreneurial journey, inspired by a transformative trip to Napa Valley where a passion for wine and cuisine ignited. Upon returning to Hong Kong, Eugene materialized his vision with the establishment of Lof10, a unique wine & coffee concept in Central. A homage to California wine, loft living, and his daily ritual of visiting Handsome Coffee at 10 am, Lof10 flourished and evolved into a thriving restaurant group. Yet, faced with the familiar challenge of sourcing suitable uniforms, Eugene joined forces with Thomas, co-founding Helt Studio. Driven by a mission to redefine workwear, Eugene spearheads business development and strategy while providing creative direction for Helt Studio. Experience the journey of Lof10 and Helt Studio, where passion meets innovation in the world of culinary fashion.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s Never a Smooth Road, Right?
Pandemic / COVID
Like the rest of the Food & Beverage world, the pandemic hit us hard. Restaurants and coffee shops were closing, the industry was on pause, and financial uncertainty was everywhere. But we’ve always believed that where there’s struggle, there’s opportunity.
So, we pivoted—big time. We shifted gears and started producing reusable masks and coveralls for frontline healthcare workers. While chefs and kitchen teams kept serving their communities, we stepped in to help keep them safe. We even donated masks to hospitals and local organizations, doing our part to support the cause in any way we could.
As the world reopens, the lessons of the pandemic inspired us to get even more creative. Now, we’ve launched a full merchandise program for our restaurant and coffee shop clients. Not only do we offer apparel solutions, but we’re also helping them create branded merch to sell—giving them an additional revenue stream to help support their business long-term.
We’ve been impressed with Helt Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Helt Means “HERO” in Norwegian.
We’re Helt Studio, a chefwear and uniform apparel brand with a laser focus on innovative, tech-forward fabrics. We believe that chefs, kitchen workers, and baristas are the real heroes—both in their communities and for their families. They work tirelessly in hot, challenging environments, and especially during the pandemic, they’ve been on the front lines. We want to be part of their story by providing stylish, high-performance apparel that helps them look and feel their best. Think of us as the Alfred to their Batman.
How Helt Studio Uniform Solutions Came to Be
Helt Studio was born out of the belief that culinary professionals deserve the same high-tech, functional fabrics as pro athletes. When we saw that most kitchen uniforms were stiff, outdated, and made from heavy poly-cotton or twill, we knew we had to shake things up. So, we went all in, designing tech-enhanced uniforms built to withstand the heat of the kitchen while keeping chefs cool, comfortable, and looking sharp.
The Science Behind the Fit
At Helt, we’ve always been committed to celebrating chefs and kitchen crews as the heroes they truly are. For too long, their uniform needs have been overlooked. We set out to change that with ethically made, U.S.-produced apparel that keeps them looking and feeling amazing, shift after shift.
To bring this vision to life, we teamed up with a top-tier fabric manufacturer and created CrewTech Fabric—our first innovation. It’s a 4-way stretch, water-repellent, sweat-wicking material designed to keep wearers cool, dry, and stain-free. This tech-backed fabric gave birth to our first chef coat, and from there, we didn’t stop.
A year later, we launched our first apron. Even though we used traditional materials like denim and cotton canvas, we leveled them up with our Durable Water-Repellent Coating. Unlike other canvas aprons that absorb stains and liquids, our version keeps spills at bay—whether it’s grease, sauce, or whatever else the kitchen throws your way. So, even after the messiest shift, you’ll still look fresh.
In 2019, we introduced CrewTech Lite—a lighter, more breathable version of our original CrewTech Fabric, offering the same performance and comfort but designed for even hotter kitchen environments. It’s the ultimate balance of function and flexibility.
Innovation Meets Style
Helt Studio is one of the first brands to combine chef uniforms with cutting-edge fabric technology. We’re here to lead the way in culinary apparel, ensuring that chefs and kitchen workers feel better and work better—because #notallheroeswearcapes (though an apron’s basically a cape worn backwards, right?).
What do you like and dislike about the city?
L.A. is this magical mashup of sun-soaked beaches, endless taco trucks, and a creative energy that just never stops. It’s like you can catch a wave in the morning, see a world-class art exhibit by noon, and maybe spot a celebrity grabbing a latte by evening. Plus, every neighborhood has its own flavor — from the laid-back vibes of Venice Beach to the rooftop bar scene in DTLA. Oh, and can we talk about the sunsets? They’re like nature’s Instagram filter, no editing needed.
Oh, the traffic — it’s a rite of passage, really. Getting from point A to point B sometimes feels like an epic journey, minus the fun road trip playlist. And parking? You’d think you were searching for the last golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s factory. But hey, at least it gives us a chance to enjoy more of those palm tree-lined views while we’re sitting still, right? Classic L.A. quirks!
Pricing:
- Our chef coats price from $80 – $130
- Our aprons price from $50 – $80
- Our Lifestyle apparel price from $40 – $90
- Contact us for wholesale pricing
- Contact us for customization need
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heltstudio.com/
- Instagram: @heltusa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heltusa/
Popular
-
What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
-
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
-
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
-
Life, Lessons, & Legacies
-
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
-
Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
