Meet Yena Sam

We recently connected with Yena Sam and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Yena with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic was shaped by watching my mother—an unstoppable force who never took no for an answer. No matter the circumstances, she always found a way to make things work. Her resilience became my blueprint.

So when I started from the very bottom, I was fueled by a deep desire to build something of my own, on my own terms. At 19, I accepted a hair modeling job—one that left me with a less-than-flattering mullet—just so I could afford a plane ticket to Los Angeles. I arrived with no connections, no safety net, and no family support, as my decision to leave home didn’t align with the traditional expectations of my Asian upbringing. But I knew I had to leap, even if it meant doing it alone.

I’ve always carried an insatiable curiosity—a hunger not just to learn, but to master. I never wanted to be great at just one thing; I wanted to understand everything. Over the past 20+ years in the fashion industry, I’ve worked with brands like Velvet by Graham & Spencer, Ed Hardy Shoes, Nine West, and Joe’s Jeans. Every time I felt I’d reached a ceiling, I chose to pivot—stepping into new roles, new departments, and climbing my way back into leadership. Eventually, I became a Director, leading teams and traveling the world while sharpening my skills in development, negotiation, strategy and leadership.

I’ve always known I was relentless when it came to my work, but more than that, I was determined to do it my way. After more than a decade in corporate life, I realized the ladder I was climbing wasn’t leaning against the right wall. So I made the boldest move yet: I walked away. I joined forces with my best friend, and together, we built a company (Sew FYI) with one clear mission—freedom.

Our concept was untraditional, something no one else had done before. We asked ourselves, “Will this make us rich?” The answer? “Maybe not. But it will give us freedom.”

Every challenge, every reinvention, and every unexpected detour has shaped who I am today. And looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Those experiences didn’t just test me—they transformed me. They taught me resilience, courage, and the value of betting on myself. And for that, I am endlessly grateful

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Yena Sam, and my professional journey has been deeply rooted in my passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and building a space where people can learn and thrive. I co-founded Sew FYI, a sewing studio dedicated to empowering individuals through hands-on learning, creativity, and community. What makes Sew FYI special is that we are more than just a place to sew; we are a hub for growth, innovation, and self-expression.

Our studio offers a variety of classes tailored for all skill levels, from beginners exploring their first stitches to experienced designers refining their techniques. What excites me most is witnessing our students transform their ideas into tangible creations. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people walk in with uncertainty and walk out with newfound confidence and skills.

In addition to our classes, we provide workspace rentals, mentorship opportunities, and specialized workshops designed to nurture creativity. We’ve recently expanded our offerings to include business-focused sessions, helping aspiring designers and entrepreneurs turn their passion into successful ventures.

One exciting new development is our YOUTUBE page and upcoming Sew & Social event series, partnering with various talented creatives to create fun and exciting workshops. Designed to bring together creatives from diverse backgrounds to connect, collaborate, and inspire one another, these gatherings will feature guest speakers, live demonstrations, and opportunities for hands-on learning in a relaxed, social setting.

Our goal at Sew FYI has always been to create a space where individuals feel empowered to experiment, take risks, and embrace their creative potential. Whether someone is sewing for fun, building a fashion line, or exploring a new hobby, we want to be a resource and community for their journey.

I’m incredibly proud of what Sew FYI has become, and I’m excited to continue expanding our services and fostering a space where creativity can flourish. If you’re curious to learn more, join us at one of our upcoming events or visit our studio to experience the magic firsthand!
www.sewfyi.com

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, there are three key qualities and skills that have been most impactful in my journey: Resilience, Curiosity, and Adaptability.

1. Resilience: Throughout my career, I’ve faced countless challenges — from moving to Los Angeles on my own at 19 to navigating the complexities of building a business from the ground up. Resilience allowed me to push through rejection, uncertainty, and setbacks. For those starting out, my advice is to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Each challenge will shape you, so stay focused on your goals and trust that persistence will pay off.

2. Curiosity: I’ve always had a strong desire to learn and explore beyond my comfort zone. This curiosity led me to work in various departments within the fashion industry — from design to production to marketing — which gave me a well-rounded understanding of the business. For those early in their journey, I encourage you to stay curious. Ask questions, seek mentors, and never stop learning. The more skills you develop, the more valuable and versatile you’ll become.

3. Adaptability: The fashion industry — and business in general — is constantly evolving. Being open to change and willing to pivot has been crucial to my success. When something didn’t go as planned, I found new ways to approach the challenge. My advice is to develop a mindset that welcomes change rather than fearing it. Flexibility and creativity in problem-solving will help you thrive in uncertain situations.

For those just beginning their journey, remember that growth takes time. Be patient with yourself, stay open to new experiences, and never lose sight of your goals. Success isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about being willing to learn, evolve, and keep moving forward.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, I am always looking for new talents and creatives to collaborate with in order to build the best possible space for our community. I believe that everyone has unique talents and something special to offer, and I’m passionate about bringing that diversity into our space.

I’m particularly interested in partnering with individuals who are creative, driven, and eager to share their skills — whether they specialize in sewing, design, art, or other hands-on crafts. I also welcome collaboration with entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders who are dedicated to inspiring growth and learning.

If you’re interested in collaborating, I’d love to hear from you! Please reach out via our website, social media platforms, or visit our studio in person. Let’s connect and explore how we can create something meaningful together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sewfyi.com
• Instagram: SewFYI
• Facebook: SewFYI
• Linkedin: SewFYI
• Twitter: SewFYI
• Youtube: SewFYI
• Yelp: SewFYI