We recently connected with Ivan Huang and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ivan, so happy to have you on and really appreciate your openness to discussing a topic so many shy away from. Let’s jump right in – can you talk to us about overcoming bankruptcy?
To be honest, at first—I didn’t. Not right away.
When my business collapsed, it felt like my identity went with it. I had poured everything into it—financially, emotionally, creatively. I had equated success with self-worth, so when it failed, I felt like I had failed as a person. The hardest part wasn’t the money—it was facing the silence. The shame. The quiet after the chaos, when the emails stop and the phone doesn’t ring.
But sometimes the breakdown is also the doorway.
I gave myself permission to pause. To grieve. I started journaling again. Volunteering. Taking long walks with no destination. I didn’t try to rebuild immediately. I let the dust settle—and in that space, I began to hear my own voice again, not the voice of pressure or panic.
The turning point came when I realized that what I loved about my old business—the human connection, the art of gathering, the storytelling—that part never died. I just needed a different container for it.
That’s when Pinkie, founder of 628STUIO, came into the picture. She didn’t see me as “the guy who went bankrupt.” She saw my experience. My grit. My care. She reminded me that creative work doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from presence. From lived experience. From knowing what it means to start again.
So how did I overcome bankruptcy? I didn’t do it in one grand act. I did it slowly. Quietly. Through people who believed in me, through learning to believe in myself again, and through choosing to begin anyway, even when it still hurt.
Now I see that chapter not as my downfall—but as my foundation. It stripped me down to what matters. And what matters is this: meaningful work, honest connections, and the courage to keep showing up.
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?
I’m an event and wedding planner at 628STUDIO, and I can honestly say—I’ve never felt more aligned with my work.
After the ups and downs of owning my own business, joining 628STUDIO wasn’t just a career move—it was a rebirth. I now get to be part of a studio that doesn’t treat weddings like cookie-cutter events or rigid timelines. At 628STUDIO, every celebration is a living story, and we design it with heart, soul, and artistry.
What excites me most is how much intention we pour into every detail. We don’t just plan weddings—we curate experiences that reflect the essence of a couple’s love story. From color palettes to ceremonial flow, from family dynamics to cultural nuances, everything is personalized. It’s deeply creative, emotionally intelligent work—and I feel honored to be part of it.
Professionally, I’m currently focused on expanding our event planning division and refining the client experience from inquiry to “I do.” I’m also helping to build new systems behind the scenes—bringing in what I learned from my past business to streamline operations while keeping things boutique and heartfelt.
We’ve also been growing beyond San Francisco—taking on destination weddings in LA, Seattle, New York, and even overseas. We’re exploring styled shoots in Japan and Italy, and dreaming up creative partnerships that merge photography, design, and immersive storytelling.
What I want people to know is this: 628STUDIO isn’t just a wedding company. It’s a creative house rooted in human connection. Everyone here is an artist in their own way. And our clients aren’t just clients—they’re collaborators.
That’s not just work—it’s healing. It’s purpose. And I’m all in.
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?
Three things that shaped my journey:
Resilience – Learning how to stay grounded when things fall apart.
Advice: Don’t fear failure—let it shape you, not define you. Rest, then rise.
Emotional intelligence – Especially in weddings, reading the room matters more than reading the schedule.
Advice: Listen more than you speak. Learn to hold space for people.
Creative problem-solving – Things will go off-plan. How you respond is everything.
Advice: Stay calm, stay curious. Solutions often come from slowing down, not speeding up.
How would you describe your ideal client?
Our ideal client is someone who trusts us and sees us as creative partners—not just vendors. They value intention, not just aesthetics. They’re emotionally present, open to ideas, and able to communicate clearly about what they want, even if it’s just a feeling.
We work best with people who care about meaning—who want a wedding that feels true to them, not just trendy. When there’s trust and clarity, we can create something timeless, soulful, and one-of-a-kind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.628studio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/628.studio/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
