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

Hi J., can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m a creation of god through my umma (mom in Korean) and appa (dad in Korean). Umma, is a word I frequently say because she is the one that raised me with my halmeoni (grandma). They immigrated from South Korea with my ill grandpa and 2 aunts when I was born. Appa, is a word I never use because I’ve never met my birth dad. I’ve had 2 stepdads while I was growing up. Before I get into the story of appa, I’ll start with my umma. She is one of the most resilient people I know. She came to the US. when she was 19 to study. While studying, she had to make money to support her and her family since her dad became ill in Korea. My grandpa practiced Traditional Chinese Medicine. The healer lineage comes from my umma’s side. Being raised by my mom and grandma has shown me how important family is. Everyone has their part in being part of a family. My umma changed my name to Jessica Han when I was 12 going into 6th grade in a new city, San Diego. I was born Jane Yoo. Yoo is the last name of my dad that I’ve never met. My last name changed twice while growing up and I was even given a middle name by my first step dad, Sharon lol. One name that has never changed is my Korean name, Joo Hyun. I prefer to go by J. Han or Joo Hyun. Names have an energetic vibration and I always knew I wasn’t a Jessica. Mr. Yoo left my umma and I when I was 1 month old. She never told me about him and I never asked. I grew up ok not knowing who he was. Through doing work of self-discovery and what other purpose I have to contribute to humanity and the environment during this life time, I searched for my dad. Through this process, I had the support of a mentor and a dear friend. I found my dad’s address, mailed him 3 letters because the first two I wrote the wrong zip codes not thinking clearly. It wasn’t until the third one he wrote back. My letters came from a place of forgiveness, love and compassion. It’s been a year since the day California went into a state-wide closure due to Covid-19, I received a letter from him. It said: I sent the letters back because I can’t do anything now. I’m sorry and thankful for your good growth. I don’t have any good answers for you. I’m sorry I just want to live like you never lived and I never lived. I hope you understand. I don’t want you to contact me anymore. I hope you live healthy and well. At first, I felt rejected, and then I was sad for him. I’m sad that he is a prisoner of his own mind. His unwillingness to even have a conversation with me has nothing to do with me, it’s whatever is going on with him. I hope he finds freedom and peace one day. If my dad had been the dad I wanted, I may not be the woman I am today. Who I know myself to be is someone who is courageous and not stopped by someone’s response or reaction. Growing up, umma never said a bad word about him nor shared about him. She said she didn’t share because I never asked. Who I know my mom to be is someone who not only takes risks when it comes to business and love, she is resilient and does not let any circumstance stop her in life. She always shows up. After I came back from graduating at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, we started opening more stores and had 13 stores. Now we have one store in Ocean Beach called Closet. My mom is a go-getter and was not properly educated in financial literacy. Now I have the opportunity to learn and teach financial literacy and I am committed that individuals, families, and businesses have the proper tools to thrive. Continually, resilience shows up everywhere in my life. I get to share my story of resilience in a book I’m apart of called, Asian Women Who Boss Up. I’m 1 of 16 inspiring Asian women. Everyone has a unique story and how we band together to share ours. I’m forever grateful to be raised by two powerhouse women. I know that whatever I trust my mind and heart to, I can achieve with the love and support of my communities. The Asian community has been in the spotlight due to unfortunate hate crimes. The beauty of all of this is that Asian are uniting to become one force that will leave an impact. This world is meant for all of us to move and groove in together, no matter your ethnicity, culture, religion, the color of our skin. When our skin melts, all that is left are bones. Can you differentiate humankind into separate races then?

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My umma (mom) became an entrepreneur at the age of 19. She saved all her money and with $2,000 she started selling walkmans and radios in front of a gas station in Compton, CA. From there she started going to Swap Meets on the weekends while she was attending college during the week. She opened 2 stores in LA. Neither of us went to school for business. It was all trial, error and success. It was not an easy road and I embraced every moment. I’m a multi-passionate entrepreneur. Yes, that is possible. There is no right or wrong way to live life and go about your business. How will you know if a business is for you if you haven’t tried it? Exploring what is offered by life has been a process of discovering what I align with and what I don’t align with. Before Covid, we opened a new store in February 2020 and closed 1-month later. The hardest part is notifying team members that they are out of a job. Closing a store is not new to me, I’ve opened and closed 20 stores collectively through time. Each store has it’s own ups and downs. What business doesn’t? During covid, Closet, in Ocean Beach was closed for 2 months! Thank god for Zoom! I created an online graduation ceremony for 3 of my team members who were scheduled to walk down the aisle after graduating college. Also, I was able to share one of my passions and guided my team into mediation with my crystal singing bowls. We stayed connected, even when the store was closed. Closet, in OB is the only Closet remaining and we are honored to continue serving San Diego with our products that are friendly on the wallet. Covid, amidst the pain and suffering some of us went through, was also a blessing to many depending on how you view your current circumstances. I took this opportunity of being home to take on another career in teaching financial literacy, which should be taught in school. This position is remote and I am able to help individuals, families, and businesses all over the country. Also, amidst the pandemic, I am 1 of 18 authors in a book called, Asian Women Who Boss Up, which received #1 best seller. Through the process, I’ve had opportunities to be guests on several different podcasts to share my stories and also be apart of the Asian Women Who Boss Up Summit 3/29-3/31/2021. What I want the world to know is that my sister Kat coined me as, NWP (Ninja Warrior Princess). Second, everything I do falls under the umbrella of inner peace and that access is there when you show up and do the work. Show up even when you don’t want to and take time for self-care and love. Also, became ordained as the Minister of Peace through the Universal Life Church and I have the honor of officiating one of my best friends since 6th grades wedding. Third, Love and gratitude are the answers! I have a practice called, Gratitude Attitude. 3 gratitudes are written every night and when there are day(s) skipped, I go back and reflect to complete that day. Fourth, being resilient! I will not let any circumstance keep me from living the life that I love, Lastly, have FUN and stay curiously connected!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Yes, every day will be filled. Monday: Pacific Beach: Yoga on the lawn at Law St. Get dope socks at CA Sock Co. Grab a drink at, Fire House. Eat at, The Grass Skirt. Rent a hot tub boat from Mission Bay Sports Club and cruise the bay. Dinner at Miss. B’s Coconut Club. Tuesday: Little Italy: Go hungry. Dessert first, by getting Salt & Straw Ice Cream. Visit Jimothy of Chi Stylez and go on an Urban Festival tour by walking through the Waterfront, walk along the bay, and to Sea Port Village. Stop at Puesto for Taco Tuesday. Visit the top of the Hyatt for a great view of San Diego. Wednesday: Ocean Beach: Meet at Closet on Newport Ave. to shop. Walk along Sunset Cliffs and watch the sunset. Enjoy all the local offerings at the Farmers Market in the evening. Make an appointment for the crystal store called, Philosopher’s Stone. Stop and pray with Stephan at his Dry Cleaner store on Cable St. Thursday: Torrey Pines: Hike up and come down to the beachside. Go to Pacific Beach for a CA burrito from Taco Surf. Friday: Encinitas: Starting with 6:30 AM Moonlight Meditation at Moonlight Overlook. Enjoy the Self-Realization Temple meditation garden. Eat At Nectarian Grove & everything is good, especially the banana chocolate chip muffin. Hula hoop with Hula Kat at Beacons Beach. Tune in with Jon and Life Attunement for an ultimate sound bath with all the Tibetan bowls and the biggest gongs I’ve ever seen. Saturday: South Park. Eat at Kindred! They know how to do vegan. Check out the small businesses. Cruise Balboa Park, with it’s museums and Cactus and Rose garden. Hungry again? Go to Point Loma’s Liberty Station and check out the Public Market. Stop at Pigment for your creative and cute knick-knack needs. Sunday: Get fish tacos from Oscars and take it to Torrey Pines Glider Port. Chill, eat and watch people take off into flight. Then, chill nude at Blacks Beach! Catch the sunset and eat dinner at George’s at the Cove.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Umma, who continues to be strong and graceful. Halmeoni, for making sure that we are cared for. Closet team members for being the backbone of the store & Closet customers. David, for supporting us through the most difficult times. Barry, Trisha, Gina, Brad, Ruth, Rhea, Mandi, Michael, Jaimie, Kia, Sia, Ida & Joe, who continually stand for something greater than themselves. Through my participation with Landmark, I’ve had the opportunity to release baggage I’ve been holding on to so dearly and discovering blind spots in my life that weren’t visible before which allows me to have the courage to express myself. PQ homies, SQUAD, Sahrah, Moonlight Meditation, Team Virtue, Asian Women Who Boss Up, and everyone I have connected with so far in this life time. Lastly, to me, for stepping into my Boss Lady power, speaking up, being at peace, and having fun. Thank you to everyone who speaks up, even when it is confronting and uncomfortable because you inspire and allow others to rise.

Website: www.closetsignature.com

Instagram: @closetsignature @jhanintegrates

Facebook: facebook.com/closetsignature

Other: https://www.closetsignature.com/products/women-who-boss-up-book

Image Credits
@closetsignature @christinarogersphotography @rainbowsolstice @womenwithvisioninternational

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