We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dohyeon Lee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dohyeon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

I think I would focus on further developing my collaboration skills. In the design field, especially within a company, there are so many different teams, and I’ve come to realize just how important communication and teamwork are among them. I also believe that building strong bonds with teammates is another crucial aspect of collaboration that I need to improve on, so I’m keeping that in mind as I work on strengthening this skill. Collaboration is one of the most essential elements in a design company—working with teammates you’ve built trust with can significantly speed up the process, and exchanging ideas often leads to better, more refined outcomes. It’s an area I still find a bit lacking in myself, so I’m continuing to work on it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

After completing my military service in Korea, I began learning leathercraft at a small workshop. At the time, I had already decided to study abroad in the U.S., and my intended major was motion design. I chose motion design because it was the area I had explored the most deeply among the various creative paths I had considered pursuing professionally.

When I arrived in the U.S. for my first semester, I lived in a dormitory. Even while taking motion design classes, I found myself constantly working on leathercraft projects in my room, using the tools I had brought with me. My passion for leatherwork never faded.

At the end of that semester, I started looking into other majors and discovered the Accessories Design program—which focused on designing and making handbags and footwear. I enrolled in one of the courses the very next semester, and just a week into it, I realized this was where my true passion lay. I changed my major soon after. Thankfully, my parents fully supported my decision, and their encouragement motivated me to work even harder.

I successfully completed the program, and although there was a four-month gap after graduation, I eventually landed a job as a handbag designer at a well-established company in New York. For me, starting my own business can come later—my first goal was always to gain experience working at a larger company. It’s now been about seven months since I started, and since I didn’t have any prior internship experience, I’m still learning a lot every day—while also adjusting to the rhythm of professional life.

Sometimes I imagine myself designing my own line of bags, starting a brand, or opening a leather workshop. But I know that in order to make that dream a reality, I need to stay focused on the opportunities in front of me right now. One day, whether in the U.S. or elsewhere, I hope to open my own workshop and live as a true artisan.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’m not sure if this story fully answers the question, but I’ll give it a try.
There were two main reasons I came straight to New York after graduating. The first was that I had landed an internship. It wasn’t a role I really wanted, nor was it with a brand I particularly admired. But I had already missed out on several opportunities by that point, so I worked really hard to get this one—and I was grateful for it.

The second reason was that, to me, coming to New York felt obvious. It’s the center of the fashion industry in the U.S., and I believed there would be more opportunities here than anywhere else. So I moved right after graduation.

But I couldn’t start the internship immediately. As an international student, I needed official work authorization after graduation, and I couldn’t legally begin working until I received the physical work permit card. Unfortunately, the process took longer than expected. Eventually, the company emailed me saying they could no longer wait.

That’s how my very first opportunity in New York fell through, and it was incredibly disheartening—especially as an international student. It felt unfair in a way. But I also knew there was nothing I could do about it, so I tried to look on the bright side. It wasn’t my dream brand anyway, and maybe it was for the best.

By shifting my mindset, I was able to regain focus. I started applying to new positions again—through LinkedIn, BOF, and other platforms. When I applied to the role at the company I’m working at now, I even created a brand-new project tailored specifically to them and included it in my portfolio. That led to an interview, and eventually, a job offer.

What I learned through that experience is that things don’t always go as planned—but what truly matters is how you respond and move forward. Because I stayed focused, I was able to turn that setback into motivation and prepare an even stronger portfolio.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Of course, it’s when people say they like my designs and think they’re beautiful—that’s definitely one of the best feelings.
So far, most of my work has been from school projects, but whenever friends or professors complimented them and told me they looked great, I felt truly happy and proud.

And honestly, when a bag turns out exactly the way I envisioned it, I feel the most satisfied—regardless of what anyone else says.
One day, if I open my own workshop and create my own brand, I want to hold on to the feeling I have right now as I answer this question.
If I do, I believe I’ll be able to endure any doubts, hardships, or setbacks that come my way.

Because in the end, my ultimate goal is to live a life doing what I love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dohyeonlee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/komeboy__/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dohyeon-lee

Image Credits

Sophia Lee, Amelia Langton, Amira Kopeyeva, Emma White, Karen