Today we’d like to introduce you to KK & Chu Lin.
Hi KK & Chu, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
KK:
I was born and raised in Taiwan, while growing up, I always had a curiosity about other cultures. When I was in the 6th grade, my mom took a year of sabbatical leave and took me and my sister to live in Big Island, Hawaii. It was my first encounter with Western culture, and that experience in Hawaii became a wonderful memory. It was during that time that I decided I wanted to come back to the U.S. After finishing college in Taiwan, I moved to New York, where I studied Computer Arts at the School of Visual Arts, kickstarting my career as a motion designer.
After graduating, I moved to the Bay Area. Working full-time as a Motion and Visual Designer for post-production houses and tech companies for several years. However, beyond design, there was a persistent desire for something more – my own venture. I discovered Taiwan’s vibrant socks industry, inspiring me to blend my roots and start a socks business.
I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with socks, struggling to find ones that are both comfortable and visually pleasing. Teaming up with my sister, Chu, we founded Ohana Sunshine in 2022, a sock company redefining the very essence of comfort. As a designer by profession, my aim was not only to share aesthetically pleasing designs but also to ensure unparalleled comfort. Through the development process, I discovered the delicate balance between design and comfort. Understanding how weaving techniques and materials profoundly impact comfort became a revelation. Finding this delicate equilibrium continues to be a fascinating journey for me.
Chu:
I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and spent my childhood in Taiwan until the age of 13. As KK mentioned earlier, my mom took me and my sister to spend a year living on the Big Island, Hawaii. Initially, I thought it would be a one-year adventure, but my parents decided that I should continue my education in the U.S. So, I attended a boarding school in Honolulu while my family returned to Taiwan. The first year was challenging; I missed my family and struggled with the language barrier, experiencing a sense of loneliness and fear. However, things began to change as I started building my community in Hawaii. In the local culture, known as the ‘Hawaiian spirit,’ everyone is treated like family. Despite not being blood-related, these people embraced me as their own, and I grew up surrounded by the love of my ‘Hawaiian Ohana.’
After high school, I moved to Indiana to study sociology and later pursued accounting in New York, where I discovered the intriguing connection between accounting and sociology. Contrary to the misconception of being confined to number-crunching, accounting involves daily interactions with clients, providing me with valuable insights into the business world. Relocating to the Bay Area with my husband, I continued my career in accounting. As both of my sons started kindergarten, I transitioned to part-time and prioritized involvement in their school life.
During Covid, the reduced commute afforded me the opportunity to rekindle a daily connection with my sister KK, reigniting a bond that hadn’t been felt since my boarding school days. In our daily conversations, KK shared her vision for Ohana Sunshine, inviting me to embark on this new venture. The name ‘Ohana Sunshine’ embodies the spirit of those who became my ‘Ohana’ in Hawaii, infusing brightness into my life. Inspired by the love and support I’ve encountered, KK and I aspire to extend this connection through our sock, providing warmth and comfort to wearers. Additionally, a portion of our proceeds supports animal shelters, aligning with our commitment to make a positive impact beyond just comfort and style.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
KK: Running a small business is not easy, it means juggling a variety of roles due to our limited resources – we take on the roles of accountant, salesperson, marketer, product development, and designer all at once. It’s no walk in the park, but we embrace the challenge, learning from trial and error and seeking advice when needed. In 2023, small businesses faced their own set of challenges, but we set a goal to attend weekend markets and craft fairs to promote our brand and gather customer feedback. One memorable encounter at Unique Market in LA stood out. A customer made a substantial purchase on the first day, and she came back to the market the next day.
She expressed astonishment at the quality of our socks. Told me to take pride in what we create, emphasizing that wearing Ohana Sunshine socks is an experience worth sharing boldly with everyone. In Asian culture, we are often taught not to brag about ourselves, but what she told me taught me a new lesson – if I don’t tell people about the great product we have, no one would know.
So, starting out as an entrepreneur isn’t all smooth sailing, but with people cheering you on and learning from our customers every day, it makes the entire journey worthwhile.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
Chu: We founded a sock brand called “Ohana Sunshine,” our mission is simple: to create high-quality products that eliminate the discomfort associated with wearing socks. Our focus goes beyond just providing comfy pairs; we aim to build a meaningful connection with our customers through a purpose-driven mission that portions of our proceeds go towards supporting animal shelters and rescues. The term “Ohana” originates from Hawaii and signifies “extended family.” It embodies the idea of a close-knit community, reflecting our belief that collective efforts can truly make a difference. At Ohana Sunshine, each step is dedicated to filling your journey with joy and creating a positive impact.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
KK: Looking back to 2020, still feels foreign yet vivid – a moment when the world hit pause in an unexpected way, an experience unprecedented and shared globally. Suddenly, isolation became our reality, and the simple act of hugging our loved ones felt like a distant memory. Borders slammed shut, carefree travel became a relic of the past. These recent years have been a rollercoaster, a shared struggle with mental health issues due to the lingering effects of COVID. It was a challenging time for me.
Amidst the chaos, my sister and I found ourselves on the phone every day, navigating this new normal together. We rekindled our connection during this madness, and from that chaos, the idea for Ohana Sunshine was born. Right in the middle of the craziness, we decided to team up and embark on something new.
Looking back, it’s clear that even in the face of unprecedented challenges, there is resilience, growth, and the potential for new beginnings. And with Ohana Sunshine, every step forward is a celebration of connection, resilience, and the hope for brighter days ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ohanasunshine.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohanasunshine_official/
- Other: https://faire.com/direct/ohanasunshine
