We were lucky to catch up with Eric Chang recently and have shared our conversation below.
Eric, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Honestly, I don’t think the feeling of imposter syndrome ever goes away. In a creative industry, there is always someone who can be better, more dynamic, or more cutting edge. There’s something about that little bit of insecurity that also acts as a driver for you to keep pushing harder and keep innovating. The desire to want to be the best is what makes you the best.
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 the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Hellman-Chang alongside my childhood best-friend, Daniel Hellman. What started as a self-taught hobby in Dan’s parents’ garage lead to a Best of Year Design Award from Interior Design Magazine’s inaugural design competition, which in turn brought in our first clients: The Four Seasons, Sex and the City and Gossip Girl. In our early 20’s we were recognized immediately as one of the first Brooklyn-based furniture craftsmen, and that paved the way into becoming a globally renowned, high-end, made-to-order furniture line that’s hand-crafted in America (now in Georgia). The two most fulfilling things about our passion-driven business is that we get to work with the most talented and creative interior designers and architects in the world, which keeps us constantly innovating, humbled and inspired. We also have the privilege and responsibility of cultivating a community of amazing craftsmen who are keeping the art of woodworking and furniture fabrication alive in America. It’s one of the true joys and honors of my lifetime.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most impactful qualities in my skill journey are 1) Listening. In an ego-driven world like design, this is something that can be rare, While you are designing something that you feel is beautiful, you can’t forget that you are designing for someone else, so understanding their needs and what they’re really after is essential to creating a successful product. On the other side of business, listening to your employees to understand what their motivations are is critical to their growth and willingness to work hard and create value for your company. 2) Connecting. So much of the high-end luxury world is based on relationships. At this level, the best designers and architects can specify furniture from ANYONE – and product design is better than its ever been. So the baseline is that they will buy from the people and brands that they like and have relationships with. I’m so fortunate that the connections we have with our clients are truly genuine and come from the heart – just like our products. It’s something that really can’t be faked, and one of the things I love most about our industry. 3) Empathy. Like any other art form, the best design is about evoking emotions in others. To do so effectively, you have to understand what elements of your design will trigger and create that emotional connection. There’s nothing more creatively fulfilling that realizing your work has sparked real joy in someone else’s life.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
Growth. For any luxury brand, scaling growth while maintaining all of your high-touch promises of service, product quality, personal relationships is always the most difficult challenge. As a creative, your customers work with you because of YOU – and the connection you bring to the table with your brand, your communication and the quality of your work. Scale is directly counter to all of those elements. So figuring out how to produce more, introduce more product, touch more lives, but maintain the same level of access, customer service and craftsmanship is a tricky dance. Compromising in an uncompromising line of work requires tremendous strategic planning, execution and human capital.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hellman-chang.com
- Instagram: hellman_chang / personal: designer_gent
Image Credits
Headshot Portrait: Jonathan Thorpe
Dining Room Setting with large window and crystal chandelier: Design by J Layton Interiors, photo by Michael Blevins
all other images: Hellman-Chang
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
