From 2 Bankruptcies to BTS V’s Favourite Handmade Bracelet Brand; CCNMADE is Making Headlines
The beauty behind handmade products is that they always have a deep story. Whether it is the designer’s story or the person that had the product custom made, it is a story nonetheless.
At CCNMADE each and every product introduced by the brand tell various stories. Starting from the kind of thread being used to the meaning behind the beads and stones, every design is carefully thought through. After going viral with BTS V being found to have worn some of the signature products of the brand, CCNMADE, is now making its mark in the handmade designer world!
I was honored to be given this opportunity to interview the head designer herself and the founder of CCNMADE Choi Chang Nam and this is what she had to say.
Where did the name CCNMADE originate from?
CCN is the initials of my name; Choi Chang Nam. And ‘Made’ is my way of adding a sense of responsibility and pride into every product that I introduce through the brand.
What would you say is unique about the products and designs of CCNMADE?
Every design introduced by our brand is a 100% handmade. We are also particular about using materials that are harmless to the human body. Even though our products may be considered a casual accessory, the customers who wear our designs can express their affection for the product as ‘skin jewelry’. It could be worn anywhere, any day and for a long time.
We’ve also introduced a ‘repair service’ where our customers can get their designs adjusted, regardless of when it was purchased. So in case of a damage, you can always get it fixed!
Where do you get inspiration for your designs from?
Most of my designs are the results of the conversations I have with people. I like to capture those feelings felt during those moments and weave them through the designs I make. It makes the products more heartfelt and meaningful.
It has been over 27 years since CCNMADE was established in 1993. But things haven’t always been great for the brand especially with counterfeits taking over. But after going viral, CCNMADE is now known across the world.
How has the brand’s journey been so far?
I started making bracelets after my mother’s hanbok business went bankrupt. Our family was going through a hard time, and as a daughter, I wanted to be able to help. So I used the red silk threads and the leather straps she used to make hanboks with, to design my first set of handmade bracelets. I sold them on the streets of Apgujeong, which is a famous street in Korea for handmade products.
After a lot of hard work, my business finally picked up and I wanted to help others too. I started giving out a portion of our profits for charity, I was involved in UNICEF projects and helped whenever and wherever possible. But my business went bankrupt again and we struggled to get by. Still from all of this experience and this journey, I learnt a lot. I was able to start over thanks to our customers who helped and had faith in our brand.
And today I am proud to say that even though I started from the streets my brand is now the Number 1 handmade street accessory brand. Our outlets are in some of Korea’s famous department stores and I have one of the best teams I could ever ask for. I want to thank them a lot and hope that we could keep working together for as long as possible. I am also grateful to my family and our customers without which this journey wouldn’t have been easy to get by.
Is there a particular incident that influenced you to donate for children and animal charity?
At the beginning, I started it without much thought. I was so grateful to the world alone for being young that I wanted to help a child with heart disease as much as I could. I kept that in mind, and then I got connected to a group for children and animals in those difficulties, and I was very happy to be with them. Today my wish has come true and it is also a happy story that I’ve experienced in person.
Your products have been worn by BTS members, featured on the drama When the Camellia Blooms by Gong Hyo Jin and more, what was that like?
It’s amazing. Thankfully, many Korean celebrities have worn it since the beginning of 1993. Everyone helped us a lot, but among them, BTS, TWICE, Gong Hyo-Jin, and IU were amazing. Especially, BTS is the best. Thank you!
Are there any new product lines that you are working on recently?
It’s a secret for now, but to tell you, I’m working with the design team to make a personal wish of mine come true. Through the new line, I want to be able to represent a mother’s affection. Mothers are some of the greatest people in the world and I hope that this new line will be able to show our love and respect to all of them.
I have the greatest team and I have confidence that it is going to be great. Please look forward to it!
Although the brand currently operates mostly through its online platform due to the COVID-19 restrictions, CCNMADE also has its physical and international store branches.
Where and how can people find your products locally in Korea and internationally?
There are three stores in Apgujeong, Seoul, Korea, on the 3rd floor of Lotte World Mall, and on the 4th floor of Hi Insadong.
http://ccnmade.co.kr/ is our official website and you can find the designs worn by BTS members in it. We also have our Instagram @ccnmade where we update new designs and popular products.
Our designs are sold through qoo10.jp/ccnmade in Japan and we are currently planning to enter the Chinese market too.
Is there anything you would like to add lastly?
I want to say something that I don’t usually say to my team.
I’m sorry for the hard times you had to go through in the past, but at the same time I’m truly grateful for all your support. We wouldn’t have made it this far if it weren’t for all of you. I also want to thank all our customers for their love and support for CCNMADE. Although the whole world is having a hard time due to corona, I pray that everything will pass easily and safely.
I wish that our clients are always healthy and happy. I hope to see you all in Korea.
Thank you!
In addition to the brand’s standard designs, CCNMADE also lets you customize your order and create a unique piece for yourself. They offer 1 day classes and DIY kits to give customers the opportunity to try their hands at designing themselves too.
For more information on CCNMADE visit http://ccnmade.co.kr/
To read more exclusive interviews with Korean designers visit Heol Korea!
