Meet Angel Zhang | Owner of BlueberryHugs

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angel Zhang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angel, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of Blueberry Hugs Tableware is authenticity — staying true to the feeling I want people to experience when they step into the store. Blueberry Hugs was born from a wish to create a space where people could slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the quiet beauty of everyday life. Every ceramic piece, every handmade item is carefully chosen not just for its craftsmanship, but for the warmth and emotion it carries.
I believe that genuine connection — with artists, with customers, and with the stories behind each piece — is what makes the brand special. It’s not about trends or perfection, but about the simple joy of holding something made by hand, and feeling a little more human because of it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always believed that art lives in the quiet moments of everyday life — in the cup you drink from every morning, or the plate that holds your favorite meal. Blueberry Hugs Tableware was born from this belief — that handcrafted objects can bring warmth, stillness, and connection into our daily rhythm. Before opening my shop, I spent years working in the luxury fashion world. It taught me about aesthetics, storytelling, and the importance of emotion behind design — but it was after becoming a mother that I truly understood what I wanted to create: a space that feels like an embrace.
Building Blueberry Hugs has not been easy. Starting a cross-cultural business, importing from independent artists in Japan, and building everything from the ground up required patience and courage. But each step — every collaboration with a Japanese artist, every conversation with a customer whose eyes light up when they hold a handmade piece — reminds me why I began.
What sets my work apart is sincerity. I don’t chase trends; I chase feeling. I hope people who visit Blueberry Hugs can slow down, touch something made by human hands, and feel a small sense of peace — as if the world paused just for a moment.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d start by taking them to my favorite spot — the ocean view at Heisler Park in Laguna Beach. We’d grab coffee from Zinc Café or Ahba and sit by the cliffs, watching the morning light dance on the waves. From there, we’d stroll through the local galleries and boutiques in the village — places filled with art, ceramics, and little handmade treasures that remind me why I fell in love with this town. Lunch would be at Active Culture or The Deck, where the food feels as fresh as the sea breeze.
In the evening, we’d visit Blueberry Hugs Tableware, my store, where we’d enjoy a cup of matcha surrounded by handmade Japanese and Chinese ceramics. It’s always my favorite place to slow down and reconnect.
Other days might include exploring Crystal Cove, visiting Sherman Library & Gardens, or catching the sunset at Victoria Beach.
For dinner, I’d take them to Broadway by Amar Santana or Selanne Steak Tavern, followed by a quiet evening walk through the streets of Laguna, where the ocean hum is always near.
Laguna Beach has a soul of its own — creative, calm, and endlessly inspiring — and I’d want my friend to feel that same sense of peace and wonder that first made me call it home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to the people who have quietly walked beside me on this journey — my family, my dear friends, and the incredible artists I’ve had the honor to collaborate with. My husband, daughter and mom have been my constant source of strength and inspiration. Blueberry Hugs wouldn’t exist without their love and patience — especially during the long nights of preparation and the moments of doubt.
I’m deeply grateful to the Japanese and Chinese artists who trust me to share their work across the ocean. Their craftsmanship and sincerity remind me every day why I started this path.
And finally, to the Laguna Beach community — the customers who stop by just to chat, the local creatives who inspire me, and my friends like TigerBlossom Studio, who bring beauty and kindness into every collaboration — thank you for making this dream feel alive.
Blueberry Hugs is built on connection, and I carry each of these people in my heart with every step forward.

Website: https://bluberryhugs-tableware.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueberryhugs_tableware/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/blueberry-hugs-laguna-beach-2

Image Credits
Angel Zhang