Today we’d like to introduce you to J. Han.
J, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born into an entrepreneur’s world, raised by my mom and grandma. My mom came to the US at age 19 from South Korea to go to school for acupuncture. In order to pay for school she started selling Walkman’s and radios in front of a gas station in Compton, CA. Then she went on to selling various merchandise at the swap meet and found love in offering clothes that are friendly on the wallet. Then she owned & operated stores in LA. In 1998 we moved to San Diego and opened the first Closet in Pacific Beach. I used to play dress up with my friends and pretend we were mannequins in front of the big windows. When people walked by, we’d strike a pose ha-ha. At one point we had 13 stores and now we have two, a Closet in Ocean Beach and Close-Knit in Las America’s Premium Outlets.
After I came back from graduating from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa with a BS in Apparel Product Design & Merchandising, I was placed as the VP of Operations. I had no idea what I was doing, there was no manual. I’ve developed skills to troubleshoot any situation quickly. I used to be such a push over and didn’t want to hurt people’s feelings that it would impact the workplace. Now I’ve fully stepped into my power. We’ve gone through various obstacles and challenges. One day I changed the context of, Why me??? Why do these obstacles keep happening to me?!! to Why Me? Because I can handle anything! I am the one to learn, grow and add this to my wisdom bank so one day I’ll be able to support someone else.
As a child I didn’t have the opportunity to play sports until I was able to choose soccer in high school. Then in college I played roller derby where I tore my PCL. I did not let that stop me from being active. After moving back from college, I saw an aerial silks performer and I found Aerial Revolution in San Diego. I became an aerial silks performer for Desert Hearts. I loved the strength and grace this performance art portrayed. Then through the stay at home order due to Covid-19, I was at home for two full months not being able to work in the store. I earned my meditation practitioner certificate. I facilitate guided meditations with my crystal singing bowls. I love being able to create a space where we can connect with our mind, body, & spirit I’ve also been seeking a way to be of service.
One way is by teaching financial literacy because it should be taught in our school system. Having a career that fulfills me is important. I wake up the next day excited to make a difference with someone so their future selves will thank them. I am grateful to integrate the two jobs by hosting events such as Women, Wealth & Wellness to empower our community. Contact me for a free consultation 619-786-1678.
Has it been a smooth road?
On a personal level, I never met my birth dad. I had a fear of upsetting my mom and I was perfectly fine not knowing him because I’ve come this far. Not speaking up because I didn’t want to upset someone showed up in my workplace and in other relationships. Then realizing that one day I’ll have a family and I’ll always have a question mark over my head of who the other half of the reason I am here is. This year I searched for him and found his address online. I sent him three letters coming from a place of forgiveness and with the last letter he sent it back. He wrote, I’m glad you grew up healthy and well. I have no answers for you. I do not want to be connected to your family. I wish you never lived, and I never lived. Please don’t contact me anymore.
At first, I felt rejected and then sad for him because he is so stuck and unwilling to have a conversation. I didn’t let this stop me from moving forward because who I know myself to be now is courageous. Someone who is unstoppable, not allowing any of my reasons to contact him stop me. Our mind is so powerful. I have the power to control my thoughts and not let my thoughts control me. With my dad, I have a peace of mind and freedom with who he is. I have so much gratitude for my dad and my mom because they are the reason I am here. I’m so honored to be raised by my mom, one of the hardest working, resilient, kind people I know.
As for work struggles, our brick and mortar stores were not working, and we closed them one by one. I used to think of closing the stores as a failure. Now I have a different context that these were risks my mom took in order to expand her business even without knowing what the outcome would be. It’s only with taking action that you’ll be able to discover if your business will succeed or fail. Do you want to sit and wonder, or do you want to fulfill on your dreams?
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Closet, offers women’s clothing, accessories, and luggage that are friendly on the wallet. We also love to support local artists and creators. Our promo’s two for $10 and three for $10 are well known. Also, we are now San Diego’s face coverings headquarters. We have facemasks starting at $.99 and clear face shields $3.99. Part of our customer service is the affordable price.
Contributing to our community is important to us. Every month we contribute to a local San Diego organization. For every bag that is refused by a customer, we donate $1 to the chosen organization of the month. This August we are contributing to DetourEmpowers.Org. DETOUR is a mentoring program for girls of color. Their vision is to see equity and inclusion for teen girls of color in higher education and priority sector employment. This August we are celebrating 22 years in San Diego and launching ClosetSignature.com on Sat. 8/22/2020. For every purchase we will plant a tree. Our community and environment matter to us and we are here to help make a difference.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that our city has access to the beach, desert and mountains. You can go to all three in one day. There are so many outdoor activities to do: hike, surf, swim, kayak, jet ski, catamaran, stand up paddle, bike, hang-glide, and more. I’m grateful to have grown up and continue to live in this city. After coming back from a trip, I am excited to come back home to San Diego. I love that my family and friends live in this city. My favorite places to take visitors are the Self-Realization Meditation Garden in Encinitas, Torrey Pines Glider Port above Black’s Beach, Bali Hai for the city view, Top of the Marriott Downtown for the overview, and Julian for Mom’s Apple Pie.
What I least like about our city is that not everyone has a home. Transients that live on the streets, I understand that some people choose to live on the streets and some people have no choice to live on the streets. I do what I can by having conversations and offering meals. Also, I would love to see more bike paths and public transportation in our city.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4878 Newport Ave. San Diego, CA 92107
- Website: ClosetSignature.com
- Phone: 619-786-1678
- Email: support@closetsignature.com
- Instagram: @closetsignature
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClosetSignature/
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