May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Throughout the month, Broadway Stages will feature and celebrate exceptional people, businesses, and organizations of Asian and Pacific Island heritage. We invite you to join us in recognizing their accomplishments and contributions! Today, we shine the spotlight on the fabulous fashionista and philanthropist, Wen Zhou.

Wen Zhou grew up in the small town of Ningbo, China. Her father, a professor, and her mother, a seamstress, taught people in the village how to sew clothes.“The thing I remember from childhood is the soothing sound of my mother’s sewing machine putting me to sleep. I came from a town that had no plumbing, no heat, we were simply looking to survive. I wanted to do better.”

At the age of 12, her family moved to New York City. Her mother continued working as a seamstress while her father worked as a dishwasher. Wen Zhou didn’t speak English but learned an unbeatable work ethic from her mother and father. During high school she worked part time in garment factories. She invested the money she earned in marketing and business classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Xhou’s first full-time job was cutting swatches for a textile manufacturer, but she was soon promoted to sales. This experience showed her the opportunities in the field. This knowledge, combined with an entrepreneurial spirit and the aforementioned work ethic, led Wen Zhou to a fateful decision. At 21, she founded a business selling fabric. Of fabric, she said, “It’s quite nerdy, but I love the process of plant to yarn to fabric resulting in a garment—when I touch a material, my fingers can trace its journey.”

As this business grew, she founded her second business—an offshore clothing production—at 26 years old. Zhou was becoming a recognized and respected name in the fashion industry. A few years later, in Paris, she had a chance meeting with Phillip Lim, a fellow Chinese immigrant and fashion entrepreneur. He was ready to move on from his first line, Development, and presented Zhou with the idea of a partnership.

In the fall of 2005, they launched 3.1 Phillip Lim, and both were only 31 years old. Today, the brand is a global fashion brand that includes womenswear, menswear, footwear, accessories, and eyewear. Now, as the brand celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is available in over 50 countries and 400 boutiques and department stores worldwide.

But Zhou’s leadership prowess goes beyond business. She also sits on the Board of Directors for nonprofit organizations seeking to help others fulfill their full potential. One of those organizations is Apex for Youth, which empowers underserved Asian and immigrant youth from low-income families in NYC to unlock their potential and a world of possibility. Check out our recent blog on Apex for Youth for more information. Another is New Yorkers for Children, an organization that supports youth and families involved in the child welfare system and builds a bridge for youths aging out of services. Zhou is also on the board of Nest, which is focused on creating a new handworker economy to generate global workforce inclusivity, improve women’s well-being beyond factories, and preserve cultural traditions.

Wen Zhou is truly an inspirational leader who has proven that with strong commitment, passion, and work ethic, you can succeed no matter what circumstances life presents. The key is to pay it forward and never forget who you are and where you came from.