We were lucky to catch up with Amy Wong recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Often the greatest growth and the biggest wins come right after a defeat. Other times the failure serves as a lesson that’s helpful later in your journey. We’d appreciate if you could open up about a time you’ve failed.

I am intimately familiar with the concept of failure, and I believe it has played a crucial role in shaping my journey. In my early 20s, I embarked on a venture that marked my initial foray into the world of entrepreneurship—an apparel business. While I had the privilege of some resources and the encouragement of my brother, who believed in my potential, I was still navigating uncharted waters as a young and relatively inexperienced individual. The business journey was filled with ups and downs, and looking back, I can clearly see that it wasn’t a financial success. However, the lessons I learned during that time were invaluable. It was my first taste of marketing myself and negotiating consignment deals with established businesses. Despite the financial setback, this experience ignited a passion within me and laid the foundation for my understanding of business dynamics. In hindsight, that perceived failure was a pivotal moment, strengthening my resolve to persevere and thrive in the face of challenges. From then on, I created more businesses and new failures.

Amy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a firm believer that life’s experiences shape us, and my journey reflects that belief. From humble beginnings and a deep desire for survival, I’ve navigated a path that led me to where I am today. My entry into the industry started with bold experimentation and learning from setbacks. I’m now the proud owner of Boldface, a dynamic Beauty Bar, and I also hold the role of Co-Lead Director at World Wide Walls, formerly known as POW! WOW! Hawaii. Moreover, I stand beside my husband as a crucial figure in his diverse business ventures.

My background boasts a rich tapestry of retail and customer experience in luxury brands, a testament to my determination to support myself through various jobs, including juggling three at once to cover my college tuition. Financial success wasn’t immediate, but these experiences cultivated my unwavering work ethic and tenacity.

In my current roles, I partner with my husband Jasper Wong to drive World Wide Walls, a global mural festival that’s all about community-building, one wall at a time. My focus revolves around enhancing sponsor and artist/brand experiences, nurturing networks of artists, and fostering lasting friendships.

At Boldface, I adopt an external perspective to ensure my team thrives. For me, success means facilitating growth in my team members, many of whom have the potential to become entrepreneurs themselves. I lay the groundwork and mentor them towards self-sufficiency, even if it means them eventually branching out on their own. Each team member’s journey is unique; I take the time to sit down with them, work on personalized business plans, and provide guidance on essential steps, such as obtaining necessary licenses and registrations.

What sets me apart is not just my diverse roles but my genuine dedication to elevating individuals and communities. The experiences that have built my character fuel my commitment to shaping future entrepreneurs and fostering meaningful connections. From my role in the Beauty industry to my leadership at World Wide Walls, I’m immensely proud of the impact I’ve had on those around me and the communities I’ve helped build. My ethos centers on empowerment, growth, and the realization that success is a collective effort and not just a financial gain.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A pivotal story that left a lasting impression, especially in the midst of the challenging year that was 2020. The backdrop was the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, a period marked by widespread fear and unparalleled uncertainty. During this time, my business, Boldface, was poised for remarkable growth in terms of annual sales. We were riding a positive trajectory until the pandemic-induced lockdowns threw us into a whirlwind of confusion and uncertainty.

As our operations came to a grinding halt due to the lockdown measures, it became clear that inaction was not an option. It was during this phase that I recognized the need to pivot swiftly and proactively. While waiting for official government guidelines seemed like an impractical strategy, I chose to take matters into my own hands. I initiated the implementation of comprehensive Covid safety procedures that would ensure the well-being of both our team and customers when we eventually reopened.

Communication with my team became paramount during this time. I maintained a constant dialogue to keep everyone informed, engaged, and reassured. Simultaneously, I ventured into the world of grant applications, tapping into available resources to sustain our operations during the challenging period. But I didn’t stop there—I embraced innovation and pivoted toward online sales, focusing on PPE.

Every penny that flowed into the business, whether through sales or grants, was channeled towards covering employee salaries and the essential operational expenses that continued unabated. Our unity in the face of adversity was palpable, and this collective spirit became our anchor during those uncertain times.

Through sheer determination and adaptability, we managed not only to weather the storm but to emerge stronger than before. The experience taught us the significance of taking charge of our circumstances, adapting rapidly to change, and fostering a sense of unity within our team. This pivot wasn’t just about survival; it was about resilience, growth, and showcasing our ability to thrive amid unprecedented challenges. The journey of navigating the pandemic reaffirmed my belief in the power of proactive measures and the unwavering strength of a united team.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

One of my most cherished marketing stories harkens back to the early days of Boldface, when we were taking bold steps into the world of beauty and esthetics. In 2017, we brought on board an esthetician who was in a unique phase of her career. She had transitioned away from a full-time role in esthetics to work in the hotel industry, but her passion for the craft remained steadfast.

During her interview, we presented her with a challenge that also turned out to be my personal initiation into a new beauty technique. We asked her to thread my entire face, an experience that was entirely novel to me. Her adeptness in this unfamiliar territory was evident, yet her lack of an established client base posed a hurdle to overcome.

Determined to bridge this gap, we embarked on a grassroots marketing campaign that epitomized our commitment to building a loyal clientele. We hit the streets, visiting businesses throughout the area, and courageously offered our threading services for free. This hands-on approach not only allowed us to showcase our esthetician’s skills but also allowed us to establish connections within the community and create lasting impressions.

The journey from those early days to the present brings a smile to my face. I am immensely proud of how far our esthetician has come. From those humble beginnings of offering free threading services, she has evolved into a sought-after professional who has carved her own path to success. Her dedication and skill have propelled her to the point where she is fully booked, a remarkable achievement that reflects the transformation she’s undergone. To know that she was able to purchase her first home speaks volumes about her journey and the impact of the collective effort we put into those initial marketing endeavors.

This story is a reminder that even when the odds appear to be stacked against us, unwavering determination and innovative marketing strategies can lead to remarkable outcomes. It’s a testament to the power of nurturing talent, fostering growth, and building relationships within our community. Looking back, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the journey we’ve undertaken, and this story encapsulates the spirit of Boldface – where dedication, risk-taking, and perseverance translate into remarkable success stories.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bold-face.com
• Instagram: @amyluuwong
• Facebook: @amyluuwong
• Tiktok: @amyluuwong

Image Credits
Brandon Shigeta