Starting a Company

It's always special to see young women of God making their dreams come true. Tiffany Wong did just that, founding the purse brand Velé with her friend, Lauren.

Tiffany has been a fashion buff since she was little, and she pursued her dream without turning back. Let's get to know the fabulous Tiffany and learn from her zeal!

Tell us about Velé!

It all began in seventh grade sewing class, as fashion nerds with imaginations runway high. Yet, as we dove deeper into the industry we felt constrained by fast fashion's message that we were never quite enough. Our chats as friends quickly spurred our desire to tell a new story in the fashion industry. The name Velé is derived from the Latin root of the word wanted, because we believe all are worthy, wanted.

Amidst a sea of unrealistic expectations of beauty and worth, we want to provide you with a safe haven to exhale – you are so much more than enough. The Creator knit you together with passionate care and intention. You are a work of art. To honor you as well as our artisans, Velé is committed to equipping you with an ethical supply chain which highlights the beauty of master craftsmanship sharpened over generations. Additionally, with every order, 10% of your purchase goes to support Velé’s nonprofit partner to fight to end human trafficking.

While we are constantly making mistakes and pivots along this journey, it has been such a joy to be reminded that our identity is not found in our sense of success or achievements, but in the truth that we are seen as so worthy and wanted by God.

Tell us about your love for fashion!

Since I can remember, fashion has provided an outlet where I feel free within my own skin. To me, fashion is a space where you can express yourself in all your scintillating moods and seasons – nothing is off limits. A friend once told me, “Tiff, there is no spectrum to which you can be bound.” And I think fashion is one of the most accessible ways for me to live out this truth.

What does your usual daily outfit look like?

Now that it’s summer, my look is most often some culottes, the perfect light, white cotton tee, and some muted red mules I’m obsessed with. Jewelry is minimal, but always gold [☺]

Was it hard to start your purse company? What were the steps?

Oh my goodness, starting Velé was and is so difficult (but incredibly rewarding). The first steps were my best friend / business partner called Lauren, sketching out the Hayes Clutch Crossbody on her fire escape in NY during the summer of our jr. year in college. From there, it was heading to factories pitching them our idea, and hoping they couldn’t guess I was just a college student. It was complete Jesus magic we got through those initial months.

Did you rely on God during the process? If so, how?

God is definitely the rock and anchor for both Lauren and I. We are always praying, asking whether it’s worth moving forward with Velé, and at the end of our strength, God always pulls through. It’s been amazing to see how the Lord always provides.

What's a typical day like for you?

There is no “typical day,” but right now I’m in Portland and we just did an amazing photo shoot in Downtown. It was one of the moments of light, creativity, and collaboration that makes it all worth it.

Do you have a "God moment" in your life you can share?

In my life, I think the most meaningful “God moments” have been those sweet, seemingly small instances. Just the other day, we had been coming off around a really wild week, and I was at my complete breaking point – shattered. And as I was tearing up, driving away from the city, I saw the most stunning sunset. And I feel there was just this soft voice saying that God cares more about who I am, and how I’m doing, than anything I could ever do or achieve. It was a reminder that I am worthy, wanted by my Creator. And that is everything.

Favorite Bible verse?

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Seeing God’s light and reflecting that is the most beautiful thing for me.

You donate 10% of proceeds, right?

Yes! We believe all are innately beautiful, valuable, and wanted. From the beginning. we have been passionate about fighting human trafficking as well as anything that sees anyone’s body as a commodity. We are thrilled to be partnering with Not For Sale to help bring empowerment and restoration for the exploited.

Advice for other aspiring young women who want to be entrepreneurs?

Seek the God you are wildly loved by with all your heart, mind, strength, and soul. You are defined by the love in the Lord’s eyes looking straight at your own – not what you do.

What are your dreams for 10 years down the road?

In 10 years, I hope Velé has created an authentic community of women who empower one another. On a more fashion oriented note, I would LOVE for you to be clothed in conscious Velé essentials from head to toe.

We just launched Velé and are excited about our next steps! In order to fund our first round of production, we are offering you the chance to buy our Crossbody Clutch at $155 (retail $295). Use the code sharevelelove to redeem at www.thisisvele.com and follow them at @thisisvele! You are wanted. Come on in!