Quick Question
Plus, the BONBONWHIMS founder discusses imposter syndrome and building a business from scratch.
In Bustles Quick Question, we ask women leaders all about advice.
Here, BONBONWHIMS founder Clare Ngai discusses starting a business as a woman of color.
After a decade-long career in digital marketing, Clare Ngai found herself feeling unfulfilled and searching for something more.
Ngai, who is Chinese-American, could no longer sit idly by.
But even now, supporting charitable efforts remains a central part of the brand identity.
Here, Ngai chats with Bustle about the importance of building community, imposter syndrome, and manifestation.
What is the most rewarding part of owning your own business?
That is something so special to me.
Have you faced any struggles unique to being an Asian woman business owner?
Its great that you started with the charity component from the beginning.
It was always a part of the brand DNA, just as a person of color.
I really wanted to create joyful, fun jewelry for people to escape from reality during the pandemic.
I love that you integrated Black Lives Matter and #StopAsianHate.
Uniting the two communities together is really beautiful.
I wish more brands would do that.
But I think that if you are not a minority-owned business, it doesnt come naturally or authentically.
What advice would you give someone looking to start their own business?
Learning how to tune out the naysayers is really important just having confidence in yourself.
I still really struggle with that.
The highs are really high and the lows are really low.
I would also add: finding a circle that celebrates you, that rallies around you.
What are common mistakes you see on job applications from people trying to enter the fashion industry?
I think people have too much of a relaxed mentality when it comes to applying to a fashion-related job.
In the vein of resumes, any tips?
If you worked retail, just make a run at tie it into the job you are applying to.
Connecting the dots is important, so I dont feel like you just blasted this to 500 different people.
And every cover letter is tailored to the person who is receiving it.
Are there any celebrities you are manifesting to wear BONBONWHIMS?
I think from a Y2K perspective, Dua Lipa and Bella Hadid.
Obviously someone like Rihanna or Beyonce would be epic for me personally, so manifesting that.
There was a time that I was listening to Ariana Grande literally all day everyday.
I feel like I put the message out in the universe and then she wore it.
Manifestation, plus hard work, equals results.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
This article was originally published onMay 13, 2022
