Going Against the Grain: Thanh Le Hoang

 

Thanh has wanted to be many things: an artist, a designer, an entrepreneur, a humanitarian.  Starting her jewelry company sprang naturally by coming from two generations in the jewelry business.  It is where she developed a true and impressive eye for color and design.  As the founder and creator of Le Dragon d’Or, Thanh creates extraordinary pieces with a passion that ignites from deep within her.  Nothing is ordinary, but everything is extraordinary.

Born in Quy Nhon, Vietnam, Thanh along with her family immigrated to the United States when she was two.  Thanh received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in marketing and management from the University of Texas.  After graduation, Thanh then went on to work in sales and managed her family’s jewelry business.

Thanh has been actively involved in helping underprivileged children from foreign countries, supporting a numerous of charities.  One is to help sick and special needs children around the world.  Thanh resides in Los Angeles and enjoys traveling all over the world, collecting inspiration for her jewelry collections.

On her first trip back to Vietnam in 2008 with her sister Dr. Dane Hoang, Thanh witnessed first-hand the dire poverty that so many of our children face on a daily basis.  Thanh and her sister made it a mission to help the needy children around the world by working tirelessly to form the Le Hoang Foundation with the help of their family and friends. Thanh developed a true understanding of how one person can make a difference in the lives of others, and the most powerful path towards change is by empowerment through education.  Thanh passionately believes that the Le Hoang Foundation has the power to affect that change, and she knows that every journey truly does begin with that first step.  The task that lies ahead seems daunting, but Thanh also knows that this children’s charity will truly be the seed of positive change in the lives of countless children.

Full name

Thanh Le Hoang

Hometown

Quy Nhon, Vietnam

Current city

Los Angeles, California

Ethnicity

Asian-American

 What does it mean to you to “Go Against The Grain?”

Going against the grain is to march to the beat of your own drum; to do things and live on your own terms regardless of what society and industry says is the norm.  I try to be true to myself and my own vision rather than following a course set by others.

What made you decide to pursue your career? 
Growing up in the family jewelry store definitely played a huge influence on, and helped develop my passion for jewelry and design. I remember as a child admiring the luster of polished metals and the intricacies of some of the designs; touching the carved curves of some of the jade pieces we had. It sounds corny, but their creation was kind of magical to me. Even at that early age, I already knew what I wanted to pursue.

What have been some of the challenges you faced/lessons you learned as an Asian American in this field?

I think I’ve been lucky to not have faced many challenges as an Asian American in my field because jewelry is art and art is objective.  It’s all about connection and whether the person has a connection to the jewelry piece.  The challenge I face is balancing work, family and friends.  Also, I’m learning to live in the moment.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment, and why?

My biggest accomplishment is to have stayed true to myself personally and professionally.  Personally, being open and honest with yourself and others is the best in order to have authentic and meaningful relationships.  Professionally, many people told me I should look into producing lower quality jewelry due to our economy, but it just wasn’t me.  It wasn’t about making money to me…it was about making beautiful art by designing from my heart.

What’s up next?
I have a trunk show coming up in November hosted by my dearest friends.  It’s being held at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills and is benefiting Operation Smile, a non-profit charity that provides free surgeries to children with facial deformities.  Also, I’ve been working on a bridal line and plan to launch it next year.
Quote to live by:
“What you think, you become.”  – Buddha; I’ve learned that our mind is a powerful thing.  Never ever let negative thoughts get into your mind.
Sign (Eastern Animal Sign & Western Zodiac):  Dragon/Capricorn.  We’re very passionate about our work, thoughtful and have a lot of compassion towards people.
Passionate about: I’m passionate about spirituality, because it’s a part of my growth and development in liberating my soul through truth, giving and love.
Favorite food:  I love all things sweet!  There’s this little charming bakery called Sweet Lady Jane on Melrose Avenue.  They make this amazing Triple Berry Shortcake that is to die for!  It’s a yellow butter cake filled with three layers of lightly sweetened whip cream and layers of fresh berries.
Can’t live without:  My mobile phones and my date planner, because it keeps me organized.
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