Meet Sofia Chang | Business Owner of Shleggwear

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

Hi Sofia, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want people to think about Shleggwear and feel empowered to dress as boldly as they wish! You can wear anything you want, and you can use fashion to have a lot of fun. I consider my pieces bold accessories for everyday wear- they’re comfortable and functional, but they make you stop and stare.

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 Shleggwear in October of 2020 as I was entering my third year of college. I’d just moved back to LA, into an apartment with five of my super-creative and caring friends. I loved making funky accessories and using crochet as a meditative process- it helped me cope greatly throughout quarantine. I started to make hats and decorated them to excess. The more, the better- the bolder, the better. As I posted my creations to social media, my business began to gain more and more followers. In December of 2021, I made a TikTok video of my father modeling my hats. It went viral, and my business blew up overnight.

As Shleggwear gained more exposure, I became so incredibly excited. I love seeing people wear my hats and being so boldly and incredibly themselves. Wearing a bright and multicolored hat with dinosaur spikes or bunny ears feels empowering in a new and different kind of way.

I have faced some challenges being a full-time student- it became hard to balance school, a campus job, my internship, and Shleggwear at the same time. I do need to learn to give myself a break and let myself breathe. But nonetheless, I’ve had the greatest time working on all aspects of Shleggwear. It’s really helped me grow as a person.

I want you to feel bold, to feel empowered, to feel strength and confidence in everything you wear. That’s what Shleggwear is all about.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LA is full of amazing, exciting things. I’d definitely take my best friend to some of LA’s best art museums. The Hammer in Westwood is one of them (I interned there this year!)- it features extremely talented contemporary artists, and it’s free for all. I also love MOCA, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, and LACMA. I would also check out some of LA’s flea markets. There are so many great small businesses- I’d check out Melrose Trading Post, 88 Trade (@88trade on IG, I’ve vended there and had a fabulous time), and the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shout out my parents for constantly supporting my creative endeavors. If it wasn’t for their support I wouldn’t be studying the arts, and I wouldn’t have found the supportive, loving, creative community of friends that inspire me to design boldly every day. My friends and my partner have constantly supported my business ventures and every single wacky idea I’ve had, and I want to make them proud!

Website: shleggwear.com

Instagram: @shleggwear