Sue Wong is a study in contrasts. She appears petite, yet possesses a commanding presence and grand energy that fills an entire room. While there is power and strength in her designs, there is a romantic fantasy and poetic lyricism that informs her work, which nonetheless remain rooted in undeniable pragmatic reality. The elegant economy of her gestures belies the strength and determination with which she has managed her business for over two decades. This collision of polar opposites creates the frisson that fuels Sue Wong’s gorgeous designs and has established the Sue Wong signature style.
Born into humble circumstances in a remote countryside in southern China, at the age of six, Sue was spirited away from Communist China by the courageous leap of her mother, who bribed a border guard with her wedding jewels in exchange for freedom into Hong Kong with her young daughter. Journeying to the United States a year later, mother and child reunited with Sue’s father in Los Angeles. As a child, her initial creative tendencies drew her to art. The daughter of struggling immigrants, there would be no budget in the spare family economy for toys; Sue would create her own paper dolls and their entire lavish wardrobe, practicing her nascent interest in Fashion Design. However, Sue started making her own clothes when she was nine years old. In High School she was chosen from over three hundred female classmates to be a member of the May Company Teen Board, and landed the opportunity to work in various capacities including modeling, assisting in window display and merchandising. While she was still trying to earn a fashion degree, she interned with the resource brand Arpeja, after winning first place in a scholarship sponsored by the company, apprenticing under the head designer.
With a successful 15 year track record in the digital, social and media fields, Mark Samuels has combined his talents for fostering brand development into the founding of Nimbus Eco®. Having worked with brands like Volcom, Nike, Rockstar, and Surfer Magazine, Samuels has developed a strong set of marketing and branding skills that have helped a multitude of companies position themselves for success in our fast-paced digital society. Working with directors for sustainability and corporate responsibility, Samuels has helped execute campaigns that give back to organizations, like the Sumatran Orangutan Society - a nonprofit working to end deforestation in Indonesia.
As a successful media entrepreneur, Samuels has fostered a diverse network of business leaders, marketing directors, and tastemakers that will all help to bring awareness and strategic partnerships to Nimbus Eco as the brand continues to grow. Responsible for overall brand strategy, marketing, and development of strategic alliances, Samuels’ unique insight and approach to engaging the consumer and building brand loyalty are pivotal aspects to the success of his latest venture at Nimbus Eco.
