From Suicide Survivor to Creative Entrepreneur: Andrew Jang on Losing Everything and Finding Himself Again

What happens when your entire identity disappears overnight?

Most of us build our lives around the things we do. Our careers. Our accomplishments. How we help others. The titles on our business cards. The people who admire us. We tell ourselves that if we just work harder, achieve more, and become successful enough, we'll finally feel like we're enough.

But what happens when all of it is taken away?

In this powerful episode of The Holly Hughes Podcast, I sit down with entrepreneur, designer, speaker, and mental health advocate Andrew Jang to talk about one of the most honest stories I've ever heard.

Andrew doesn't just share his success story.

He shares what happened after success disappeared.

Your Identity

Andrew's story begins with adoption. He is a Korean adopted into a white family. His sensitive nature made him keenly aware of his differences, and no matter how he tried to connect the place he felt safest was with his grandmother sewing. 

He discovered that fashion wasn't simply clothing—it was confidence. His talent eventually led him to build one of Seattle's most respected custom menswear businesses, designing for NBA athletes, entrepreneurs, and high-profile professionals.

From the outside, he had everything.

But when a devastating lawsuit destroyed the business he'd spent years building, everything changed.

His career vanished.

His reputation suffered.

He lost his home.

And eventually, he lost hope.

The Conversation We Need to Have About Mental Health

Andrew speaks openly about surviving multiple suicide attempts, depression, and the overwhelming isolation that followed losing everything he'd worked so hard to create.

So many people silently believe they're the only ones struggling. Andrew reminds us you're not alone. 

One of the most moving parts of our conversation is hearing Andrew explain how dangerous it can be when our self-worth depends entirely on external validation.

Fame and notoriety fade. 

If our identity is built on those things alone, losing them can feel like losing ourselves.

Creativity Didn't Save His Career—It Saved His Life

Throughout our conversation, one theme keeps resurfacing.

Creativity.

Not as a business strategy, or a way to make money, but as a way to reconnect with who we really are.

Andrew explains how creating gave him something no amount of external success ever could: a relationship with himself.

It's a reminder that creativity isn't just about producing beautiful work.

Why Vulnerability Is the New Strength

We also talk about something that's becoming increasingly rare in today's world—real human connection.

Social media gives us endless opportunities to present polished versions of ourselves.

Andrew chose something different.

He began telling the truth, the vulnerable, ugly and sometimes thirst trappy one. The more honest he became, the more deeply people connected with his story.

Your Story Isn't Over

One of my favorite moments comes near the end of the episode when Andrew reflects on hope.  Now I typically don't like the word hope, I find it full of unstable dreams.

However, hope for Andrew is the quiet determination to get through one more day, trust that tomorrow can be different, and keep creating a future even when you can't yet see it.

Listen to the Full Episode

In this episode of The Holly Hughes Podcast, Andrew Jang our conversation will inspire you, change the way you see yourself, and make those of you struggling feel less alone. 

If You Need Support

This episode discusses suicide, depression, and mental health.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone who is struggling, experiencing emotional distress, or thinking about hurting themselves can reach out for help.

Call: 988 or (800) 273-8255

Text: HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor through the Crisis Text Line.

You don't have to go through difficult moments alone. Help is available.