Le Ching V shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Le Ching, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’m a big fan of heavy lifting for mental health and injury prevention. I recently joined a new gym where I’ve been fine-tuning technique and experimenting with new implements, like a steel mace. What excites me most is the challenge of learning new movement patterns. It’s awkward, clumsy and humbling in the best way, not unlike running a business, where progress comes from embracing challenges and staying open to growth.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Le Ching, and I’m the co-founder and head of operations at Roncy Packs, a family-run business that handcrafts bags from reclaimed textiles. I have a background in paediatric nursing and I never imagined I’d be running a sustainable fashion business, but it’s been an incredible journey.
What makes Roncy Packs special is the connections we get to build with individuals and small businesses in our community. Together, we divert tons of textile waste from landfills, extending that material lifespan by turning them into something functional and cherished over time. On top of that, Roncy Packs has been a way to celebrate my mom’s skill and creativity. She handcrafts every single bag herself, making her artistry truly the heart of our brand.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Like many immigrant families, my parents arrived with very little and built everything through sheer hard work and dedication. My dad spent long hours as a restaurant chef, while my mom learned to sew on the job, working in garment factories for years before becoming an expert and working with independent designers (all while raising three children at home!!). Alongside their work ethic, they also taught us the importance of balance: rest, recovery, and taking time to reflect.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
The last time I really changed my mind about something important was when I decided to leave my nursing career. Letting go of that part of my identity came with a significant amount of internal conflict and grief. But, nursing taught me how to connect with people on a deep, meaningful level, an ability that’s just as important in business. We don’t just make bags. We build relationships, understand the stories behind the materials we work with, and collaborate closely with our customers and community. That human connection is what makes our work at Roncy Packs (or any work, really) worthwhile and meaningful.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think more folks could reconsider the assumption that doing more automatically leads to better results. There’s a tendency to try to meet every need, optimize every process, scale up constantly, or squeeze maximum efficiency out of everything. But whether in business, parenting, or life in general, I truly believe less is often more.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Gosh, it has to be the first weekend of every One of A Kind Show in Toronto. Twice a year, we set up a 10×10 booth at the largest craft show in North America. We get to meet so many of our customers in person, along with thousands of new faces discovering our work for the first time. We spend months preparing inventory for these events, and there’s something incredibly energizing about being completely immersed in craft, creativity and a community that truly values handmade work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://roncypacks.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/roncypacks/
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/roncypacks
Image Credits
Quang Vuong
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