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

Hi Yinn, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from a sunny little island in Malaysia called Penang. I have always loved all things fashion, especially styling and jewelry and studying Interior Design in University further shaped my interest in creating and designing new things. My parents who are business owners themselves, always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and that gave me the courage to start my own business.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We are Gung, a demi-fine jewelry brand that focuses on good-quality pieces. We call it ‘attainable luxury’. The name ‘Gung’ means majestic palace in Korean and I chose this name because I wanted everyone to have an equal chance to feel royal.

After many years of experience, I am most proud of being able to grasp the needs of my consumers and reflect them in my designs with a touch of Gung.

It took a lot of hard work and sleepless nights to get where we are today and I’ll be honest, it wasn’t easy. But for me, challenges are a good thing and they motivate me to improve and elevate the business.

Our brand creates jewelry for every occasion, every mood, and every style to celebrate the individual and the eccentricity that comes with them. We believe we can achieve that through fluid shapes and structural forms, in both movement and stillness, with effortless elegance and subtle edge. Our jewelry is meant to gently highlight the charm and beauty of the wearer. If there is such a thing as being elegant yet bold, subtle yet distinctive, understated yet outstanding, structural yet fluid, Gung is the embodiment of it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It has to be Penang, my hometown! It’s the food capital of Malaysia. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to hawker food. Some must-try dishes are Char Kuey Teow (fried noodles), Prawn Noodles, and Cendol (a sweet dessert).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this to my family, friends, and wholesome team. They have always been supportive throughout my journey. I would also like to thank my loyal customers, our brand wouldn’t be where we are now without their endless support.

Website: www.gungjewellery.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yinnooi/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gungjewellery

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6_2htfIIjw

Image Credits
Jemmie (personal photos) Where’s Gut Studio, Harlow, Zac (additional photos)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.