Jennifer
Hwang
I’ve come to appreciate my openness to new experiences as one of my greatest strengths.
Jennifer’s ethos of embracing learning and adaptability fuels the excitement she pours into her work collaborating with founders and their teams to build brands that people love.
RENAISSANCE CHILD
As a kid I tried choir, tennis, piano, watercolor painting, and even a math program where we used a mental abacus for calculations. At the time, I felt scattered, but I was laying the groundwork for a lifelong love of learning and an ability to thrive in any situation.
THE VIEW: HOME EDITION
Our dinner table was the stage for fascinating conversations that could range from elementary school science fairs to college roommate experiences to the challenges of running a small business — we covered so many topics in a single meal!
PASSION FOR THE PROCESS
I get such a special feeling when I see our brands’ stores and products on shelves — these sightings are a constant reminder of the hard work it takes for a founder to mold an idea into a tangible brand that reaches the consumer in the real world.
Building a beloved brand requires constant innovation, adaptability, and a deep understanding of consumer needs. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of that journey.
Let’s start way back. Are there lessons you learned as a child that have stuck with you?
To stay curious and open-minded to new experiences. I dabbled growing up and tried my hand at a wide array of activities — choir, tennis, piano, watercolor painting, and even a math program where we used a mental abacus for calculations.
That’s quite an assortment.
At the time, I felt scattered and concerned that I wasn’t excelling in any single area. Later I recognized that my approach reflected a mindset that has served me well. What once felt like a lack of focus was actually laying the groundwork for a lifelong love of learning and an ability to thrive in any situation.
Describe what it was like to grow up in your family.
I grew up in a family of five, each of us with distinct experiences and perspectives. My brother is much older: when I was starting first grade, he was already heading off to college. My mother is a small business owner, who brought creativity and adaptability to our daily lives. My father is a civil engineer, so he complemented this with his analytical thinking and structured approach.
I can imagine that kept things interesting!
We covered so many topics in a single meal! Our dinner table was the stage for a range of fascinating conversations. It’s helped me appreciate and constantly seek out different viewpoints.
How about early work experiences — any that made an impression?
My first job was as an ice cream scooper at Baskin-Robbins, where I learned about the importance of customer service and how small, personal interactions can create moments of joy. I still remember mastering the perfect scoop — not so much as to give away extra product, but generous enough to delight our customers.
Jumping to the present: do you have any passions or hobbies outside of work?
I picked up golf a few years ago as a way to have a shared activity with my dad and my husband and I’m very passionate about it now! I also love any sort of craft: I’ve made golf-related cakes, clay coasters, vision boards…oh! and I host regular poker nights with my friends.
You had me at golf cake. Can we expect one at the next company potluck?
Maybe…I could even add the perfect scoop of ice cream on top.
Yes please!
