I have in the past overly trusted people and was, in turn, let down by some. Since then, I have learned the difference between putting faith into people and blindly trusting them.
Forever 21 is my American Dream.
I feel truly blessed by Forever 21's success.
When I first immigrated to the United States, there were not many jobs that stood out. So I worked at a gas station, cleaning.
Because I didn't have much money, I bought a small shop that fit my budget. The previous six owners had closed their business in three years. The store had no people traffic and, because of that, I was able to focus on figuring out how to provide a better service to each and every one of the customers that did come through.
That is a reward that humbles me: the fact that immigrants coming to America, much like I did, can come into a Forever 21 and know that all of this was started by a simple Korean immigrant with a dream.
It's important my daughters learn from the hard work my wife and I put into this company. Who better to look out for your best interests than family?
You can't go into business thinking that success will come to you in just one or two years.
When we started, the business name was 'Fashion 21.' And change it to 'Forever 21' later.
I noticed the people who drove the nicest cars were all in the garment business.
Our target customers are people in their 20s. Old people wanted to be 21 again, and young people wanted to be 21 forever.
