Meet Kai Matsukuma | Founder of Sango

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

Hi Kai, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I really wanted to create a brand that gave me the freedom to create what I want and on my own terms. I’ve worked at creative advertising agencies for 6 years and it was a great experience working with amazing brands such as Google, YouTube, Netflix, HBO, Logitech, and others. However, it was always so restricting having to take the clients requests and more than likely, take the safe route. And after working with so many different brands and with such brilliant people on various projects, I felt it was time to start something of my own. I was over saying, “What if…” and eager to just do it. All I knew going into it was that I wanted a platform to create whatever I wanted and creatively tell stories through several mediums. Then it happened, Sango was born.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started my clothing brand, Sango in January of 2020 and it has been the best decision I’ve ever made. Right when I thought of the concept I knew it was something special. It just felt right. In our artist collections we collaborate with an artist we genuinely connect with and share their truth of important experiences, mindsets, and lessons they’ve garnered from committing to their passions. We share their stories by writing an article, producing a documentary, designing garments, and hosting an event to showcase everything we’ve created together. As our audience stays engaged with the artists’ stories, we hope to provide inspiration for them to find and follow their truth.

I wouldn’t say the road was easy or difficult to get to where I am today (also, I am still in the beginning stages of the brand). I think it really came down to three important factors: just doing it, having the right intention, and staying consistent/persistent. Challenges will always occur in whatever dream you have, but when you really love what you do, nothing really matters. You just naturally make it happen one way or another. As you invest your time into the industry you’ll meet all the right people you’re meant to be connected with. And those people are the best to seek advice from.

The eagerness to design my own clothing really started with the struggle in finding pieces with the right color, fit, and design. Then I started doing research online on YouTube and random websites that provided the foundation of clothing design. Since I never went to school for design, I just kept practicing by drawing as many designs as I could in a sketchbook or on the computer. It did take a lot of time (and still taking time) to understand the correct fabrics for my design values which are longevity, functionality, and comfortability. Being resilient is what I am most proud of. No matter how bad my samples would come out, I would keep improving them until they were perfect. I never gave up and just kept going.

I have a strong faith that as I keep pouring my heart into this brand and continue to love what I create, everything will fall into place. It’s a special feeling being able to create the things that are authentic to your own story.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is actually one thing I really take pride in is being able to show my city. Los Angeles is so huge it’s easy to get lost or directed in the wrong direction from the typical google search “top things to do in Los Angeles.” Whenever people visit me I always tell them to stay for longer than a week since it really does take that much time to see the city.

– For food, I would take them to Leo’s Tacos, Guisados, Afuri Ramen, Sushi Gen, Quarters KBBQ, Night + Market Song (Silver Lake), Peppers (Jamaican Food), Bacari, In-N-Out (of course), and some Capital Seafood DimSum.

– To see more of the city I would take them on the metro and start in Pasadena (my hometown) Goldline and take them to downtown Union Station and make stops at Highland Park, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, and the Arts District. Maybe go to Hollywood if they really needed to see it (usually I’ll just drive by).

– For going out we would go to Ace Hotel, Dirty Laundry, Break Room 86, The Short Stop, and Cliftons.

– For shopping I would take them to The Row, Silverlake, and Rose Bowl Flea Market.

– For concerts I would always prefer going to El Rey, Kia Forum, Hollywood Palladium, or Hotel Cafe.

– I love walking/hiking so I would take them around Silverlake Reservoir, Wisdom Tree Hike, Will Rogers State Park, and Runyon Canyon.

– Of course beaches are a must in LA. I would take them to Malibu to swim, but definitely take a bike ride / skateboard from Will Rogers to Venice Beach. And if they surf I would take them to Malibu, Venice, or would have to go to OC.

– To end the day at sunset, I would take them to a spot of mine that I call “Kobe Hill” since it’s a view next to Kobe’s old home in the Palisades.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I know this might be weird, but I would love to dedicate my shoutout to Donald Glover. He is someone I’ve been inspired by and have a pure appreciation for what he has accomplished. His path has opened so many lanes into my peripherals on what we can achieve creatively. I’ve been a big fan of his for quite a while now and spent a lot of free time learning about his story and digesting all his forms of art. When I first came across his music I started reading every article I can find to learn more about his story. Then as I got more fascinated I watched his interviews and other content on YouTube, attended his concerts, and bought his merch. After being a part of his experiences he created for his community, I was sold. I felt like a legit fan and part of a tribe. But most importantly, it inspired me to follow my own path. And when I was at one of his concerts, he said something that I’ll never forget, “never give up on your dreams and find your truth.”

On a more personal note, I would love to shout out my girlfriend, Chrissy. She has been my biggest supporter of mine and I don’t know what I would do without her. Attending every single flea market of ours and helping out with customers/orders has been crucial in the brand’s survival. Also, whenever I’m feeling discouraged or hard on myself she’s always there to pick me right back up. So thank you my love for always supporting and loving me. You are an angel.

Website: www.sangolosangeles.com

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SangoLosAngeles

Other: kaimatsukuma@sangolosangeles.com

Image Credits
Kai Matsukuma The Creative Abe