Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Wong
Hi Kayla, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am originally from Hong Kong, went to school for fashion merchandising and marketing and started my own sustainably driven clothing brand at 23. I did that along side having a social presence for about 7 years and learned a lot along the way that helped me with forming my new business idea – LANG.
I only moved back to Los Angeles last March with my wife and I knew that I wanted to do something a little different. Something that wasn’t just solely about retail but also community. LANG is ultimately a love letter to my heritage and my adoration of fashion.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think with any new business there are a lot of learning curves. Back when I was in Hong Kong, I was mostly working on my own so to now have a company with employees, one of the challenges is definitely learning how everyone works differently and to make sure that each persons potential is able to shine through their work.
Managing different tasks with a small team can also get overwhelming but I am grateful to have a team that is very hands on!
As you know, we’re big fans of LANG. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
“Lang” or “靚” in Cantonese means “beautiful” in its most literal sense, but the word itself is culturally diverse in a way that is impossible to adequately translate into English. “Lang” can be used to describe aesthetic beauty, but it can also be used in snarky “cha chaan tang” diner jargon when waitress aunties are describing female patrons. “Lang” can be used to describe pretty girls, but also handsome boys. The word itself is simple and abrupt – phonetically plain and unassuming – but the weight that it carries is significant and loaded with cultural meaning.
Born from a vision to celebrate beauty in its many forms, LANG has established itself as a standout Asian fashion clothing store in the heart of Los Angeles. Our mission is to offer a retail experience unlike any other, paying tribute to the vibrant spectrum of casual wear fashion, art, and design emanating from Asian communities. Inspired by founder Kayla Wong’s roots in Hong Kong, LANG is more than just an Asian fashion clothing destination; it’s a platform that uplifts Asian artists, designers, and creators, showcasing their unique perspectives and narratives. Here, we’ve curated an eclectic mix of art, fashion, and home items that defy conventional labels, bridging gaps between cultures and languages. LANG is dedicated to uncovering beauty in the myriad, from the elegant to the unconventional, the familiar to the surprising. Join us in Los Angeles as we celebrate this colorful array of creativity and invite you into our world of extraordinary discoveries.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think staying humble and being open with the people that you work and interact with is the most important. It helps you stay grounded and connect with people in an more authentic way that they will feel and appreciate.
Hard work and fearlessness of failing and getting back up again are also key qualities that I think contribute to success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://langstore.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/langlosangeles/
Image Credits
Daniel Nguyen
Ashley Chaang
