We recently sat down with Samuel Wang, founder and CEO of Akufuncture. The result? Funk, folklore, and Donnie Yen.
Steez360: Tell us a bit about yourself…we can start with the Asian Avenue classic, a/s/l?
Samuel Wang: Wow, an AA reference. I still remember the time when I used it. 27/M/Pomona.
The name is Wang, Samuel Wang and I am the founder and CEO (hate using that term since we are still a small company) of Akufuncture.
Was there a defining moment that led to the creation of Akufuncture?
Before it was actually started, I had planned for this idea for about two years. I put it on hold while I was finishing school and started my life in the real world, but I heard that my friend started his own line and I realized it’s now or never. Then I just went ahead and found the necessary people to get Akufuncture going.
So why, “Akufuncture”? What was the inspiration behind the brand and the name?
Since we decided to focus on Chinese culture inspired casual wear, we wanted a name that reflects our emphasis in our designs. Therefore, we took acupuncture, which is very tradition Chinese and added FUNK to it. BAM!!! AKUFUNCTURE.
This is our third year and it has been hard since there are so many other brands out there but we had progressed well this year. It felt like all of our hard work is starting to pay off. Seeing what it was in year one, Akufuncture has definitely come a long way and we really thank all of the Akufuncture customers, fans, and family that supported us then and now. LOVE!
What would you say is Akufuncture’s mantra?
The Modern Dynasty. We came up with this recently but it represents Akufuncture really well because it’s what we are striving to become: A Chinese Fashion Dynasty.What are Akufuncture’s goals in the next few years? I see that a lot of artists within the community rock your gear, are there any collaborations lined up that you’re especially excited about?
First, we definitely want to expand our product lines as we have outerwear in the works. Second, we want to exhibit at trade shows (Agenda, Magic, etc.) as we still haven’t gone to one yet. Last, we want to build a bigger Akufuncture family so we can support more creative/performing artists by providing a platform for them to showcase their talent.We are currently working with two companies for collaborations: Skunk Juice and The Imaginary Zebra. Skunk Juice is an earbuds/headphones company located in LA, and we are planning a special Akufuncture x Skunk Juice shirt/earbuds limited edition bundle. The Imaginary Zebra is a friend of mine up north and we have a collaboration shirt in the works.
A lot of the artwork is influenced by Chinese culture and folklore…any plans to expand that scope? Will we see other regional Asian influences in the future?
There are still much Chinese culture and folklore for us to explore, and we still would want to focus on that aspect for the foreseeable future. However, there are a lot of Chinese influences around the world, so we won’t say never. If the right opportunity comes up, we will give it a shot.
In a world with unlimited resources at your disposal, where would you next take Akufuncture?
I wish we were in that world!! I would probably expand our product line even more, but I would definitely use some money for scholarships for underprivileged kids in Asia (which is a goal of mine even if I don’t have unlimited resources). Also, I would probably further develop the platform for Asian American performing/creative artists to have a bigger audience to showcase their talent.
Who would be the ideal Akufuncture spokesperson?
ME! Hahahahaha I am kidding. Harry Shum Jr. would be a great spokesperson for us. He is good looking, very fit, a great dancer, and seems very down to earth. Sounds like a great fit for Akufuncture!!!
Any last comments for our readers?
Again, we just want to thank everyone who has supported us throughout the 3 years. Also, I want to thank our team for doing such a good job making Akufuncture great. LOVE!
Ok…One more question, Jet Li or Donnie Yen?
Donnie Yen. If you asked me 5 years ago, I would have said Jet Li, but sorry Jet, Expendables is no where as good as any movies Donnie Yen has been in lately.
