From homeless to billionaire, Do Won Chang’s journey is more than a rags-to-riches tale—it’s a lesson in resilience, faith, and relentless work ethic. The founder of Forever 21 started with nothing when he moved to the United States in 1981. But despite the odds, he built one of the world’s most recognizable fashion brands.
While many people dream of success, Do Won Chang lived the struggle. He washed dishes, cleaned offices, and pumped gas—sometimes working three jobs at once. Still, he refused to give up. His story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs across the globe.
A Humble Beginning in a Foreign Land
Do Won Chang immigrated from South Korea with his wife Jin Sook. They didn’t speak English well and had little money. Worse yet, they had no job prospects. At one point, they were homeless.
But Chang kept moving forward. Every day, he worked multiple low-paying jobs to support his family. Many people would have crumbled, but he saw opportunity in hardship. He noticed something during his shifts—people in the fashion industry seemed to live well. That observation sparked an idea.
Turning Observation into Opportunity
While others might overlook small details, Chang paid attention. He studied fashion retail trends and learned everything he could about the business. Though he had no formal training, he had a sharp eye and a strong instinct for what people wanted.
In 1984, with $11,000 in savings, he and his wife opened their first store in Los Angeles. They named it Fashion 21. The store catered to the Korean-American community but quickly attracted diverse shoppers. By adapting to customer needs and rotating styles often, the Changs created a retail experience that felt fresh and affordable.
From Fashion 21 to Forever 21
Fashion 21 became Forever 21, and the brand grew fast. Chang kept prices low and stocked trendy pieces that appealed to young people. He understood that fast fashion required speed and flexibility—qualities many big brands lacked.
Thanks to smart sourcing and bold decision-making, Forever 21 opened new locations every six months. By 2010, the company had over 500 stores worldwide and earned billions in revenue. All of this came from a man who once struggled to find a place to sleep.
Faith and Family: The Core of His Journey
Throughout his rise, Chang remained grounded in faith and family. A devout Christian, he credited his success to God. He also worked closely with his wife, who managed the buying side of the business. Their partnership was key to Forever 21’s success.
Their daughters later joined the business, making Forever 21 a true family brand. Chang believed in staying close to his roots, never letting success cloud his values.
Not Without Challenges
Despite incredible growth, Forever 21 faced setbacks. The rise of e-commerce and fast-changing trends led to declining sales. In 2019, the company filed for bankruptcy and closed many stores.
However, Chang didn’t view this as failure. Instead, he saw it as another chapter. The brand restructured and found new ways to stay relevant. His story reminds us that even billionaires must adapt to survive.
Lessons for Today’s Entrepreneurs
From homeless to billionaire, Do Won Chang’s life teaches powerful lessons. First, hard work still matters. Second, noticing opportunities in everyday life can change your future. Lastly, staying humble and focused can guide you through ups and downs.
Many business leaders chase quick success. Chang, however, built something lasting—through grit, risk-taking, and a clear mission.
Conclusion
From homeless to billionaire, Do Won Chang’s story stands as a beacon of hope. He didn’t let setbacks define him. Instead, he used them to fuel his rise. Entrepreneurs today can learn from his courage, discipline, and faith. No matter where you start, success is possible if you stay hungry, keep learning, and never give up.
