Story & Lesson Highlights with Solomon Ngo of Los Angeles, CA

Solomon Ngo shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Solomon , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What battle are you avoiding?
A battle that I have been avoiding fully getting into is the battle of placing myself as the face of my brand. I am determined to tackle this challenge that I have been avoiding for so long and figure out a way to effectively communicate with my customers and future customers. As an introvert, approaching someone to start a conversation, building on that initial engagement, and maintaining relationships has always been a struggle for me. However, with my business, it’s essential for me to step out of my comfort zone and engage with my audience, my customers, through social media.

While this feels daunting, I recognize that building a successful fashion brand means the designer needs to be visible. In today’s world, social media dominates the marketing landscape. Products must be relatable, and consumers crave transparency—they want to connect with the brand and understand its story. This connection is often the driving force behind a successful brand. I am committed to overcoming this challenge, as I know it is crucial for both my personal growth and the success of our brand.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Solomon Ngo, the founder of Solgo Atelier, a women’s contemporary fashion brand that launched in late 2023. We specialize in producing small collections of styles that feature unique twists and “quiet luxury” detailing. Each piece is crafted with exceptional craftsmanship and includes special details that may require a second look to fully appreciate how we differentiate ourselves from the rest.

My journey began in my mom’s tailor shop in Southeast Asia, where I spent my childhood observing her work, stitch by stitch. This experience, combined with many years as a designer in the fashion industry, has culminated in the creation of Solgo Atelier. While my story may not seem extraordinary, what I have cultivated through my experiences is what truly sets me apart in this industry.

We prioritize high-quality materials, meticulous finishes, and careful attention to small details in every garment we create. Despite offering our pieces at accessible prices, we often receive the question, “How do you do that?” We’ve discovered our unique approach to maintain quality while keeping prices manageable. With the support of our customers, we aim to continue improving and growing while staying true to our values.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
There are two people in my life who have taught me the most about work. The first person is my mom, who is the hardest-working person I know. She began her working life at the age of 15 and continued until she was 71. During the last 25 years of her career, she worked seven days a week, almost every day of the year. She rarely took vacations or days off, only doing so when required by national holidays. Even when she wasn’t feeling well, she still went to work. Now, at 76 years old, she often expresses how much she misses working. If her health allowed, she would still be on the job. She loves her work, not because she is a workaholic, but because it brings her joy. My mom taught me that when you do what you love, you can find the energy to keep going, even when you are exhausted.

The second person is my closest friend, who is like family to me. He has shown me the importance of doing my best, no matter what I do once I start, or whether I enjoy it or not. He has shown me a good work ethic by working hard and giving his all, despite being in a situation where he doesn’t have to. He takes his responsibilities to his team and his company seriously. Often, it can be extremely difficult to find the motivation to push through when faced with obstacles, but watching my friend tirelessly work without complaint, tackling tasks that many would delegate, is inspiring. The long hours and strenuous labor take a toll on him, yet he continues, saying, “My team needs me.”

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were many times when I almost gave up, and I am sure there will be many more in the future. So I won’t mention one here. However, I firmly believe in self-perseverance. When the timing, situation, and environment are right, good things will happen.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
Success comes to those who never give up. While I can’t definitively prove this yet since I’m still on my journey, I am committed to not giving up. As a small business owner during these challenging times, I often feel discouraged. However, whenever I receive compliments about our brand or positive feedback from customers, I feel re-energized and ready to keep fighting forward.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Definitely and no doubt about it. Everything I do stems from my heart, what I truly feel is the right thing for me to do, and it is something that I want to do. I am not looking for acceptance or approval; therefore, I don’t expect to be praised for it. Though I do think that at a certain time and place, praise does play an important role in motivation and encouragement. However, I think that it’s only rewarding when you do something because you want to and feel the need to do so for yourself, and not do it because you want people to praise you. This is where that thin line between living for yourself and living for others crosses paths.

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Image Credits
Tian Liu

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