Do Won Chang’s life is a modern immigrant story shaped by sacrifice, risk and relentless effort. It is a story of starting with almost nothing, learning through struggle and building a business that spoke directly to the energy and aspirations of young people around the world. His journey reflects the power of perseverance and belief in one’s own vision.
Born in South Korea, Chang moved to the United States in 1981 with his wife and a dream of building a better future. Like many immigrants, his early years were defined by hardship. He worked multiple jobs at once, including pumping gas, cleaning offices and serving coffee, often laboring for long hours just to survive. These years taught him discipline and humility, and they sharpened his desire to create something of his own.
Chang paid close attention to American consumer behavior. While working in retail and service jobs, he noticed that clothing stores seemed to generate steady revenue. He began studying the apparel business closely, learning how trends moved quickly and how younger consumers responded to affordability and style. This observation became the foundation of his entrepreneurial leap.
In 1984, Chang and his wife opened the first Forever 21 store in Los Angeles. The concept was simple but powerful. Trend driven fashion at prices young people could afford. The store catered especially to immigrant and youth communities who wanted style without exclusivity. Sales grew rapidly, and what began as a small shop expanded into a global fast fashion empire.
Forever 21’s success was built on speed, scale and accessibility. Chang understood how to bring runway inspired designs to stores quickly and at low cost. At its peak, the brand operated hundreds of stores worldwide and generated billions in revenue. For many young consumers, Forever 21 became a first entry point into fashion.
Chang’s journey also includes setbacks. The rapid expansion that fueled growth eventually led to operational strain, and Forever 21 filed for bankruptcy protection in 2019. The moment marked a painful but important chapter, highlighting the challenges of adapting to changing consumer habits and digital competition.
What makes Do Won Chang’s story inspiring is his willingness to take bold risks and learn from both success and failure. He never forgot where he started and often spoke about gratitude, faith and perseverance as guiding forces in his life.
His life reminds us that entrepreneurship is rarely smooth. It demands endurance, observation and the courage to begin again. Do Won Chang’s story stands as a testament to how far vision and hard work can carry someone, even from the most uncertain beginnings.