Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sam Hsieh. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sam, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Ever since starting med school, I’ve loved the idea of creating something and then seeing the final product. This passion for creation is what led me to surgery. In surgery, I visualize what needs to be done, plan for it, execute it, and anticipate the outcome. This process is incredibly fulfilling to me.

I’ve always had a love for cars, dating back to when I was a kid. I even thought I would become a taxi or bus driver. Growing up, I knew I wanted to solve problems, and that path led me to a career in medicine. However, my passion for cars never faded. I worked on cars throughout college and med school, which helped me financially and kept my love for automobiles alive.

Medicine is both an art and a science, and my artistic side found an outlet in car creativity. For me, the wheels on a car have always been a form of art. They can transform a car’s appearance, making it elegant or aggressive, sporty or luxurious. Wheels are like the centerpiece of a car, but mass-produced wheels rarely express the driver’s personality.

That’s where my idea for custom wheel designs came in. I wanted to give people the ability to express themselves through their wheels. Even if many people drive the same car, unique wheels can convey the driver’s individuality. The idea of helping people create a unique identity for themselves and their vehicles is what excited me the most. It felt like I was solving a problem that no one else was addressing, offering a unique approach to automotive customization.

Sam, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I grew up in a traditional Asian family alongside my two brothers. When I was 5, we immigrated to Canada, and we all had to adapt quickly to the new culture and environment. From an early age, we were taught the importance of discipline and financial responsibility. I can still remember my brother and I delivering newspapers at 5 am to help support the family financially.

As is often the case in many Asian families, there was a strong emphasis on pursuing a career in medicine, law, or engineering. That expectation didn’t quite stick with my brothers—they both went into business, following a path that seems to run in our family’s blood. But for me, becoming a doctor just felt right. Perhaps it’s the middle child syndrome that pushed me in a different direction, but while everyone else in my family gravitated towards business, I found my passion in medicine. Despite that, I carry a deep appreciation for the business mindset that runs through our family, and it’s something that has influenced my approach to my career.

With my captivation in creativity and design aspects of automobiles and my hands-on approach in surgery, it inspired me to start a business that allows clients to design their own unique wheels. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about providing a personal and unique experience. By giving car owners the opportunity to create wheels that represent who they are, we enable them to express their individuality through their vehicles. Each design tells a story, reflecting the personality and style of the driver.

Our business offers a platform for car enthusiasts to bring their creativity to life through custom wheel designs. We solve the problem of mass-produced, impersonal wheels that don’t tell the driver’s story. What sets us apart is that we allow clients to design everything from the design, size, color, hardware, down to laser engraving, custom embossing, and more. They can create their own one-of-a-kind wheel from forged blanks. This is different from many other custom wheel companies, which are still selling from premade models or forms. Our mottos have been always, “Breaking the Framework” and “Challenging the Status Quo” by providing a completely custom experience, guiding clients through every step of the process. It’s truly a unique and personalized experience.

What sets us apart is our dedication to individuality and personal expression. We provide a unique service that goes beyond just selling wheels; we offer a creative process that connects deeply with our clients. I am most proud of the impact we have had on our clients, helping them to create a unique identity for their cars and feel a deeper connection to their vehicles.

I want you to know that our brand is built on a foundation of passion, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. We are here to help you express yourself through your car in ways that are both innovative and deeply personal. Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement or add a subtle touch of elegance, our customizable wheel designs offer endless possibilities. Allow us to help you in redefining automotive art and making your vehicle a true reflection of who you are.

I also do want to spend a min to explain our logo which is the soul behind our brand: divine- the origin.

The idea for behind this logo “divine” which first emerged two decades ago, is both beautifully simple and yet challenging to grasp. The image echoes the eternal struggle between conformity and creativity, reality and imaginary. It embodies the resemblance and the revealing of a basic paradox: order and chaos. A boundless Chinese character “divine” breaking free from the boundaries encapsulating it. A “framed structure” representing guidance in creativity but a frame not so perfectly squared as there should be no symmetry to create. And finally, from habits of our creativity confidence, there can only be innovation if we are courageous enough to reach beyond and break free from it.

Divine is created to remind us the traits that make you one of a kind, that distinguish you. It illustrates individuality. Divine is a way of life. We are surrounded by frameworks of fundamentals that conventional wisdom bestows upon us when we first embark but there is not merely one way to go about it. Do not be boxed by the framework and when necessary – don’t hesitate, be passionate, be creative, be – yourself. We all harbor the power to revolutionize and be a trail blazer. It is our choice to unleash those shackles holding us back and emerge as a new beast entirely. You can read more about it at www.thedivineappeal.com

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

Yes, we do manufacture our products, and the journey to get here was quite extensive. It involved a lot of networking and serendipitous encounters that eventually led me to where I am today. As someone who has always loved cars, I naturally gravitated towards conversations with other car enthusiasts. My hands-on approach meant that I was constantly learning about the mechanics of cars, doing repairs and maintenance, and eventually working on improvements and modifications.

This practical experience deepened my understanding of both the mechanics and electronics of cars. Through these activities, I met more people who shared my passion. Thankfully my two brothers are also gear-heads. Through our connections, it introduced us to others in the automotive industry. One meeting led to another, and through persistent networking, We essentially were able to find a group of individuals who shared our vision of creating unique, customizable wheels.

Although the path was long and winding, it was precisely the journey I needed. Every step, every conversation, and every introduction brought me closer to realizing my dream. Meeting the right people and forming the right partnerships was crucial.

In terms of lessons learned, I’ve realized the importance of persistence and networking with people. You are bound to hit a few bumps on the road but building the right relationships and learning from the wrong ones can open doors and create opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

I believe the key to motivating people lies in providing three things: Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose. (“AMP” up the motivation!) Just as in my professional endeavors, these elements are vital. Autonomy gives team members control over their work, fostering a sense of ownership. Purpose connects their efforts to larger goals, making their work meaningful. Mastery allows them to develop and excel in their skills. By ensuring these three aspects, you can create an environment where your team feels valued, motivated, and enthusiastic about their work, leading to increased productivity, creativity, and overall success.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Divineautoaesthetics