Meet Alex Louie

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alex Louie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alex below.

Alex, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I’ve always believed in the value of hard work and the principle that success is earned through determination and perseverance. This mindset was ingrained in me from an early age, shaped by my family’s experience of running their own small business. Many cherished memories of my childhood revolve around our family restaurant, where everyone dedicated themselves to long hours and various tasks each day.

I firmly subscribe to the notion of giving your best effort and persisting in the pursuit of your goals. True success seldom materializes overnight; rather, it emerges from a series of trial and error. It’s crucial to press on despite inevitable setbacks, recognizing that it’s how we navigate and learn from these experiences that truly matters.

By combining hard work with strategic thinking, one can begin to witness the fruits of their labor more clearly. Success becomes tangible when we apply ourselves diligently and intelligently to all that we do.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a graphic designer, my passion has always been to communicate concepts visually. Recognizing humans’ innate inclination towards visual and social connection, my partner, Sun Kim, and I embarked on the journey of launching our graphic t-shirt brand, STORY SPARK. Our vision was to connect individuals who share our love for art and technology through unique and expressive designs.

In 2015, STORY SPARK came to life with six original graphic t-shirt designs. Each design was something that we created by hand and is a fusion of technology themes with everyday experiences – aimed at sparking curiosity and conversation. Embracing labels like “geek wear” or “nerd shirts” as compliments, we celebrate the passion and enthusiasm they represent. Our goal extends beyond mere aesthetics; we aim to inform and entertain with our designs, understanding that success often comes hand-in-hand with experimentation and growth.

Differentiating ourselves through our distinct designs, we strive to share the inspiration and stories behind each creation. With a commitment to innovation, we release new graphic t-shirt designs at least three times a year, continuously seeking to stay current and responsible in both concept development and material choices.

While our focus currently lies in art and tech-inspired apparel, we envision expanding the STORY SPARK brand into new territories that seamlessly integrate our tech-inspired themes.

The journey ahead is both exhilarating and daunting, but we embrace the uncertainty, finding joy in the adventure.

In a world of endless possibilities, we encourage thinking uniquely and staying positive. Together, let’s spark stories and inspire imagination.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on our journey as creative entrepreneurs, three qualities stand out as having the most profound impact: empathy, optimism, and gratitude.

These qualities are not just ideals to us; they are guiding principles that shape our decisions and influence our product design. By keeping empathy, optimism, and gratitude at the forefront of our mindset, we navigate our path forward with a sense of purpose and integrity.

Maintaining a forward-moving mindset and embodying goodness in all aspects of life are values we hold dear. They not only define our approach to business but also reflect who we aspire to be as individuals.

For those embarking on their own creative entrepreneurial journey, I recommend taking time for deep self-reflection. Understanding who you are at present and envisioning the person you aim to become can serve as a powerful motivator, propelling you toward success in your business endeavors or any other life pursuits.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When overwhelmed, which happens more often than I’d like, I’ve learned to cope by taking a step back. Overthinking can lead to a never-ending spiral of despair, so I’ve discovered the value of pausing, reflecting, and approaching situations with an open mind. Sometimes, we’re our own worst enemy when it comes to stress.

Creating a physical checklist with pen and paper helps manage overwhelming tasks. Focusing on one item at a time and physically crossing off completed tasks works wonders for reducing stress.

Additionally, talking about the situation with a friend, partner, or mentor can provide valuable outside perspective and remind you that you’re not alone in facing these challenges. Sharing your burden with someone else can make a significant difference.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Nick Sutjongdro

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