Meet Nay Huang

We were lucky to catch up with Nay Huang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nay, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Finding my purpose was neither easy nor quick. When I was younger, I was uncertain about my interests and career path; I simply lacked direction. My mother played a significant role in shaping my aspirations. She owned a restaurant and always dressed in stylish, high-quality clothes, managing her business and team with great independence and diligence. Observing her leadership skills gradually drew me toward the fashion industry.

During my college years, while studying fashion design, I finally discovered my calling. Starting a career in fashion is challenging. The initial pay is often insufficient to cover living expenses, forcing many to take on multiple part-time jobs. I remember working as an intern at a fashion company during the day and at two restaurants at night. Despite the hardships, I never gave up. I continuously sought opportunities and introduced myself to factory owners, always promising to give my best. Fortunately, I encountered many generous individuals who provided me with opportunities and supported my journey.

I’ve consistently followed my heart, maintaining consistency, patience, positivity, and resilience in the face of challenges. Focusing on my purpose and striving to excel have profoundly influenced not only my career but also my personal growth. Now, I remain dedicated to that purpose and cherish every moment of pursuing it.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

A few years after working as an intern with various brands and manufacturers, I secured a position as a production manager at Blue Ribbon, a local atelier. The owner placed his trust in me, greatly assisting my career development and imparting the intricacies of managing the atelier. In 2018, when he decided to retire, he offered me the opportunity to take over. Despite some initial hesitation, I chose to keep the workshop running to support our skilled workers and to fulfill my dream of owning a business, inspired by my mother.

By the time I took over, the glamour of the clothing industry had diminished. Many brands had shifted their production overseas to cut costs, a significant change for New York, once the heart of global fashion. Despite these shifts, we remained committed to transforming designers’ visions into tangible, exquisite garments, focusing on the stories each piece tells.

A persistent issue in the fashion industry is the delayed payments by prominent brands. Attracted by these big names, many workshops compete for their business, often resulting in lower prices and compromised working conditions. This vicious cycle has worsened over time, as the cost of goods continues to decline. At One to 13 Studio, we prioritize fair and timely wages for our workers and align ourselves with brands that share our values.

Thanks to the support of our customers and partners, One to 13 has collaborated with over 30 brands worldwide in the past seven years. We have broadened our expertise to include wedding gowns, suits, cocktail dresses, and runway pieces. Looking forward, we aim to sustain our success with local brands and expand our offerings directly to customers, enabling them to create their own distinctive apparel.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I believe that being humble, respectful, and honest has truly shaped who I am. Throughout my journey, many people have helped me reach this stage, reminding me to do the same for the next generation. Sharing my knowledge and experiences, and staying open to new ideas, are central to my philosophy.

Being humble keeps me grounded, constantly reminding me that no matter what I achieve, there’s always more to learn and new ways to grow. Respect is vital for building strong, positive relationships with everyone, from my team members to industry peers. It’s about valuing each other’s contributions and experiences.

Honesty is also crucial because it fosters trust. In creative fields where collaboration is essential, trust is the foundation of everything.

For those just starting out, my advice is simple: stay humble, respect others, and be honest. These qualities will take you far, not just in your career but in life as well. Also, don’t forget to share what you know and keep an open mind. You never know what new lessons you might learn or from whom. Work diligently and keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges. Persistence is the key to long-term success.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

Whenever I’m overwhelmed, I take a moment to stop everything and breathe deeply. If I’m able to, I go outside. A simple walk or just some time alone in a quiet place can be incredibly beneficial. It shifts my viewpoint, showing me that the world is expansive and my issues aren’t as overwhelming as they might initially seem. This shift in perspective aids in self-care and in appreciating the people in my life. It also clears my mind and helps me refocus.

Being in nature teaches me to slow down. The rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the gentle breeze all help me relax. It’s a reminder that life isn’t all about rushing—it’s also about enjoying peaceful moments.

After these breaks, I return feeling refreshed and ready to face whatever challenges come my way. Taking time to step back is important for me. It keeps me balanced and reinforces that sometimes, the best way to advance is by taking a moment to pause and go somewhere that can relax you.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photographer : Kelly Wang & John Cornelius, Nay Huang

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