Meet KK Lin | Co-Founder of Ohana Sunshine

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

Hi KK, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?

My journey into entrepreneurship began alongside my sister Chu. The concept for “Ohana Sunshine” was born from our quest for the perfect pair of socks. finding socks that were both comfortable and stylish turned out to be quite the challenge. Before launching our brand, I seldom wore socks, often disappointed by their fit and feel. This got us thinking: why not create the ideal pair ourselves?

I was born and raised in Taiwan but moved to the U.S. after graduating from college. A few years back, I stumbled upon the sock manufacturing hub of Shetou, a small town in the central part of Taiwan also called the “Sock Capital of the World.” This tiny town is a powerhouse in the global sock manufacturing scene, known for its high-quality products, innovative designs, and efficient production processes. This discovery was instrumental the idea in founding Ohana Sunshine  

Tracing back to 2020, the world was turning upside down. Stuck at home during the pandemic, Chu and I spent a lot of time talking over the phone. Those talks not just brought us closer, but also sparked the idea for Ohana Sunshine. Despite the uncertainty and feeling cut off from the world, we found a silver lining and started this journey together.

“Ohana” means “extended family” in Hawaiian. It symbolizes the support, warmth, and care that unite us, creating a community that extends beyond simple transactions. And that’s the vision of “Ohana Sunshine.” With every pair of our socks sold, we give back a portion of the proceeds to local animal shelters and rescues. We hope that when our customers wear our socks, they not only experience joy from the comfort but also know that with every purchase, they are part of something bigger and making a difference.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

I started my career as a motion graphic and visual designer, working in both New York and the Bay Area. While designing and working for other clients, I felt a pull towards creating something of my own, inspired by Taiwan’s innovation in sock manufacturing. Chu and I officially launched Ohana Sunshine in Mid 2022, aiming to craft socks that perfectly balance style and comfort.

Running a small business requires wearing multiple hats, and it’s been both challenging and rewarding. Whenever I feel defeated or if things aren’t moving at the pace I envision, I remind myself of the encouragement and feedback from our customers. I particularly remember one day at a craft fair in LA when a customer not only loved our products but also told me how important it is to be proud of what we do. That chat taught me something big: sharing our story and our products boldly isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-do. It’s a lesson that has guided us ever since.

Starting Ohana Sunshine has been a complex yet fulfilling adventure, enriched by community support and the joy of continuous learning. It’s a testament to the idea that blending creativity with practicality can create something truly special.

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?

Absolutely! Los Angeles’s museum scene is a treasure trove of creativity, with many offering free admission. The Getty Villa, the Getty Museum, and The Broad, with its contemporary art collections, are must-visits. The city’s culinary scene is just as vibrant. For a taste of Taiwan, I recommend Pine and Crane in DTLA—an experience that mirrors the city’s rich artistic culture.

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?

In an earlier part of our interview, I shared Ohana Sunshine’s commitment to giving back a portion of our sales to local animal shelters. This philanthropic aspect of our business is deeply personal to me, especially considering my recent experience with my foster dog, 

So I want to highlight my recent foster, Courage (who’s now happily renamed Otis), and the amazing team at Ventura County Animal Service. Over the last two years, volunteering and fostering with them has been an incredible journey. Their commitment to helping animals find their forever homes has deeply inspired Ohana Sunshine’s mission. We aim for our brand to not only succeed but to also champion the cause of shelter animals.

Fostering Courage (Otis) for nine months was an immensely rewarding experience. Watching him grow from a shy, scared dog into a confident, joyful one has been extraordinarily fulfilling. It was hard to say goodbye when he found his forever home, but knowing he’s happy and loved makes it all worth it. These experiences, and the relentless dedication of groups like Ventura County Animal Service, motivate us to make a difference. As Ohana Sunshine grows, we’re committed to supporting shelter animals and encouraging others to join us in this cause.

Website: https://ohanasunshine.com

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

Other: https://ohanasunshine.com/pages/wholesale

Image Credits
I have the right and permission for the photos