Meet Ranen Chang | Culinary Stylist

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

Hi Ranen, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
Everyone says to niche down, to specialize in one area and excel in that. I see many people have day jobs that fund their passions, however they are just hobbies. For me, that does not seem fulfilling to reduce my passions into hobbies. I did not want to sacrifice something I love for the sake of the other. I feel that all my passions combine create who I am, So rather than niching down and specializing, I decided to combine my passions for food and fashion, exploring the intersectionality of the two. I would say it has opened up a world of infinite inspiration as both worlds are expansive, yet they build upon each other. Because those two worlds are so personal to me, it feels natural to excel because it is who I am. I’d say it is more powerful to tap into your identity and live fully than to niche down and specialize. Your focus then becomes living life, rather than working. For me, life is truly more fulfilling this way.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a Culinary Stylist, I explore the intersectionality of food and fashion. Essentially, I am answering the questions of “What would Louis Vuitton taste like? What would red wine braised oxtails look like as an outfit?”. It took me several years to develop this concept, and it continues to evolve as I do. By combining my skills for cooking and styling, it opens up a new perspective and allows conversation between these two established communities of food and fashion. One of the signs I knew I have come across a great idea that set me apart from others was the realization that people not only enjoyed my craft but believed in it too. Because there is no rule book, standard, nor major for what I do, its hard to navigate this space. Unlike medicine with its time dedicated for schooling, residency, and specializing, the space of food and fashion is fluid, there is infinite ideas that can come just by piecing the two in new ways. It wasn’t easy and imposter syndrome definitely set in. However, some things I learned along the way was to believe in my craft and my identity. Realizing that no one sees the way I do, nor has lived the life I have has allowed me to overcome imposter syndrome. Consistency also is a huge theme within my work. With each dish I make, each outfit, each idea, I slowly refine my craft. The way I see it, people do not just blow up out of nowhere. They have taken the necessary steps and spent grueling hours for their work to finally take flight.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
LA is definitely has it all, this is why I chose to stay after college. Starting with food, I’d definitely go to Angel’s Tijuana Tacos for their Angel’s Potatoes. They load up a baked potato with all the things of a taco, and they give your 6 tortillas to make your own tacos $16. Very worth. Korean food is also worth the trip, as my friends from Korea say it tastes better. Places like Jinsol Gukbap and SYTK Sullungtang are solid comfort food places. For a night of drinking, I would suggest Chichi’s for a pocha. They have these Ipads that you can challenge other groups for a bottle of soju.

In terms of fashion and thrifting, my go to is always 2nd street in Melrose. Then head across the street for Crossroads to look for shoes, I don’t really go there for anything else. If you are looking for furniture and other miscellaneous items, then Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a solid choice. Keep an eye out for any fashion pop ups too!

Galleries are also my favorite way to pass the time, I really enjoy the Hammer Museum and the Broad, as at times they would have events.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I thank God for how far He has gotten me. Because there is no guideline for success in the space between food and fashion, it is hard to navigate. Yet, each opportunity has lined up perfectly to get me to where I am, whether that be connections to each industry, truly supportive people who believe in my craft like Micchi Berry, or new ways to express food and fashion. Next is my family, it was challenging at first to tell them I gave up my path to medicine to become a Culinary Stylist. I thought I would meet harsh backlash and the wrath of my ancestors, but to my surprise, they accepted my decision with loving arms. For them, their priority is seeing me happy, and if food and fashion does that, then they’ll support me. I also want to thank Arine Kim who inspired me to pursue content. Seeing the inside life of someone who I’d say has a good standing within the social media community opened my eyes to what opportunity can come from utilizing social media. Not only do we bounce ideas around, but her support as one of my closest friends, along with Maggie Wang, is something so invaluable to me. They are always the first people I turn to when something good happens in my life.

Website: https://ranenchang.notion.site/

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

Image Credits
Oura Lee, Ethan Vovan, Jacob Ursua, Camille White