Before entering the promotional products industry, Michelle Chen worked as a kindergarten teacher at a private school.

The then-26-year-old first-generation immigrant had to abruptly change careers when her parents realized they needed to begin their own business to sustain living in the Bay Area.

In this episode of Promo Insiders, Senior Writer John Corrigan learns Fremont, CA-based Fossa Apparel’s origin story from Chen, current owner and sales director. She also discusses the challenges of running a woman-owned and minority-owned business. 

Podcast Chapters (Available Only on Desktop)
0:48 Breaking into the promo industry
5:17: Transitioning from teaching to sales
7:11: Being a family business
8:14: Navigating the supply chain disruption
10:38: Rebounding from 2020
12:55: Hiring challenges
15:53: Attending ASI Show Chicago
16:47: Fossa Apparel’s new products for 2022

Since 2006, Chen has served as sales director at Fossa Apparel, growing the family business into a well-respected supplier, earning five stars in every category in ESP. It’s been an incredible journey, aided by her mother’s previous experience working as an import/export liaison for apparel companies such as Liz Claiborne and Calvin Klein. “When my mom proposed the business opportunity to me, I knew it wasn’t a matter of choice,” Chen says.

“When you have nothing to lose, you learn quickly to let go of any fear or inhibition.” – Michelle Chen, Fossa Apparel

Also in the podcast, Chen discusses navigating unprecedented supply chain disruption, dealing with hiring and retention challenges, what new products and styles Fossa is coming out with in 2022 and much more.