Catwalk to Success

Cats aren’t the only ones with nine lives. Eight Cats was founded by Tina Jo, a designer with over a decade of experience in the fashion industry. Born in Korea, Tina moved to LA for school and began working as a fashion photographer, specifically in e-commerce. She worked with major brands like Riot Games before establishing her own studio, Yaon Studio. She explained that she utilized her experience in the industry to build a brand that aligned with her morality, launching Eight Cats on February 14th, 2024.

Tina’s journey to founding Eight Cats was not without its challenges. As a guest speaker at an event for Forward, Tina shared some of the harder lessons she’s learned over the years. In one experience, a brand asked her to use AI to swap out white modes with models of color in photographs. Tina’s reply was unequivocal: “I don’t care how much you pay me. Go find someone else.” She also spoke about the use of fat-shaming language against plus-sized models, revealing that brands that claim to be inclusive can often be deceitfully discriminatory, using tokenism to appear progressive while subtly reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

Changing the Narrative around “Made in China”

Upon questioning about her collaboration with a manufacturer in China, Tina discussed the negative stigma surrounding the term “Made in China.” “I have a close relationship with my current manufacturer,” she said. While many consumers equate “Made in China” with unethical labor practices, Tina explained that Chinese manufacturers often offer more paid vacation time and are fully transparent about their manufacturing process. “I trust them regarding their working conditions,” she added, “That’s the number one thing I trust. They understand me.”

Morals in Business

When asked for advice on starting a new business, Tina shared a valuable piece of wisdom: “Have your standards.” She emphasized that sticking to your morals and ethical code, even when faced with the pressures of growth and public scrutiny, is crucial to building a brand with integrity. By staying true to her standards, Tina has carved out a unique space for Eight Cats in the fashion sphere–a brand that reflects her personal values and creative vision.

For Tina, Eight Cats is more than just a brand–it’s an extension of herself. “Eight Cats is my baby,” she explained, “so I say [the brand’s identity] is me.” And indeed, this authenticity is evident in Tina’s unique approach to design. She embraces unconventional choices, often pushing the envelope when others doubt her. She detailed her creative process, stating, “ When people say it looks bad, that’s when I think ‘Oh shit that’s the one that I have to go with,’” showing that she isn’t afraid to take risks and challenge the norms of the industry.

Inspiring New Creatives

While Tina was initially hesitant to start her own brand, doubting whether she was “enough” to become a designer, she eventually realized that the only way forward was to dive in headfirst. She stated, “I always knew that I was going to make it happen. I gave myself no other option than to succeed.” This determination has driven Eight Cats to become a beacon of inspiration for aspiring creatives everywhere. Tina’s journey proves that it’s possible to carve out a unique and successful path in the fashion industry without sacrificing your morals.

Brands like Eight Cats are pioneering slow and ethical fashion in the face of rising unethical labor practices in fast fashion. Tina's commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and transparency sets Eight Cats apart, urging aspiring creatives to forge their own paths by staying true to themselves and their beliefs. As Tina so confidently puts it: “It’s always going to work out. It’s a matter of you sticking it through or not.” So, to all the dreamers out there–whether you’re looking to launch your own brand or simply want to make more ethical fashion choices–Tina’s message is clear: stay true to yourself, and success will follow.