Empowering Women Through Wearables - Jina Shin @Dokb.Studio

For many women, clothing is an extension of oneself and a form of self expression. This concept inspired Jina Shin, owner of Dokb Studio, to make a statement with her clothing line. Read on to learn about Jina's journey in the apparel industry and the message she hopes to share with her apparel!

What is something about the print/apparel business that you think more people should know about?

Something I wish more people knew about the print/apparel business is just how much thought goes into every tiny detail—fit, fabric, neck labels, even how the design is printed. It’s not just about slapping artwork on a shirt. Quality control can be a real challenge, especially when you’re relying on outside printers. That’s actually why I recently started printing at home—to have more control, reduce waste, and make sure each piece meets my standards. I also try to be really intentional about not contributing to fast fashion. I want to create pieces that feel meaningful, not disposable.

Tell us about the product/service you are most proud of.

I’m really proud of my latest release—the metal version of the Asian Girl Power shirt. It’s a design I’ve been dreaming about for a while, and what makes it extra special is that it was my first collab with another Asian artist (Fany from Indonesia). I know it’s not everyone’s vibe, but that’s kind of the point. It’s bold, unexpected, and blends my personal style with a message I deeply care about. That contrast is what makes it fun, unique, and (hopefully) a little bit iconic.

What do you tell yourself whenever you encounter a challenge or setback with your business?

Oof, great question. I’m only about 6 months into running Dokb Studio (even though it feels like it’s been forever haha!) and I’ve already hit so many bumps. Whenever something goes wrong, I try to remind myself it’s just part of the learning curve. Whether it’s a production issue, a design that didn’t land, or something totally unexpected, it sucks in the moment, but every mistake teaches me something I can do better next time. It’s easy to spiral and beat yourself up, but no one knows everything when they’re starting out—and the only way to grow is to keep going.

What is an aspect of being an entrepreneur that forced you to learn something new?

As funny as it sounds… business! Running a small business without actually knowing much about business has definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. As a creative, I think a lot of us can relate—spreadsheets and strategy aren’t exactly our love language. I’ve been super lucky to have my husband, who has a business background, helping me navigate things I’m less confident about. He’s taught me to look at things from a different perspective and not be afraid to experiment or try something new.

What is your favorite way to unwind at the end of the day?

As weird as it sounds… I love unwinding by watching true crime, police body cam footage, and interrogation videos. It’s oddly relaxing. I swear I’m not a psycho—just very invested in justice and plot twists.

A big focus of your brand is AAPI– specifically Asian Women– empowerment. What inspired you to make this a key element of your business?

The Asian Girl Power shirt was something I designed during the pandemic—right when anti-Asian hate was rising and I had just become a new mom to my daughter. Bringing a child into the world during such a heavy, uncertain time made me want to create something that felt like light. I wanted her to grow up knowing she matters, that her identity is powerful, and that she should be proud of who she is. That message grew into something bigger—something I wanted to share with other Asian girls and women, too. If my collection can bring even a little joy or empowerment to our community, then I feel like I’m doing something right.

You just finished your first market/festival in Long Beach– congratulations! What did this experience teach you about yourself/your business?

Thank you so much! It was such a fun (and wild!) experience—it honestly felt like a crash course in doing markets. The moment we arrived, it started raining—can you believe it? A friend called it a baptism by fire, and that feels pretty accurate. But even with the chaos, it reminded me that all the hard work is worth it. Being able to connect with so many people face-to-face was incredible. The fact that UBEFEST reached out to me and invited me to be part of such a huge event (with 50K attendees!) for my very first market was such a confidence boost. I learned that I’m more capable than I gave myself credit for—and that this dream I’ve been building is really resonating with people.

Your love for your family is beautifully woven into your business, from offering youth/baby sizes on your storefront to adorable photoshoots with your kids on your Instagram. What role does family play in your business, and what advice do you have for any aspiring mom-trepreneurs?

The Asian Girl Power design was inspired by my daughter, so including her in the business just came naturally. Plus, she loves the camera—she tells everyone she’s my model (and she’s not wrong). Honestly, my whole family has been part of this journey. My husband helps with the business side, my brother is always hauling boxes, my parents were there for my first launch—ironing every single neck label by hand—and my son brings the good vibes to keep us all going.

My advice to any aspiring mom-trepreneurs is: just start. Even if it’s scary or you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing—none of us really do! Being a parent and running a business is expert mode, for sure. But it’s doable if you lead with passion and grit. And the best part? Your kids get to see you build something from the ground up. That’s powerful. It might even inspire them to chase their own big dreams one day.

What is the last thing you were curious about? 

Oh gosh, I always struggle with these kinds of questions—I wanted to give a fun answer not related to my business, but honestly, my brain has been fully in work mode lately. The last thing I was really curious about was how to print shirts at home without sacrificing the feel and quality of traditional screen-printed tees. After a ton of research, I discovered screen-printed transfers made with plastisol inks (the same ones used in pro screen printing). That was a game-changer because I hate when shirts feel like you’re wearing a giant sticker. I wanted to keep that soft hand feel while still maintaining durability, so I invested in a heavy-duty heat press—and our new Asian Girl Power Metal Tees are the first to be printed personally by me!

Share another Asian-women-owned small business or entrepreneur that inspires you!

I’ve always been inspired by the Korean clothing brand LEESLE and its founder, Hwang Yiseul, who designs modern-day Hanboks (traditional Korean clothing). I remember stumbling across her work on Instagram years ago—at the time, there weren’t many Korean brands reimagining Hanboks in a way that felt so wearable and relevant. It was refreshing and bold, and it definitely influenced how I wanted to approach my own brand if I ever took the leap. Seeing someone blend tradition with modern style like that made me believe I could do the same in my own way.

What can the community help you with?

Help spread the word about Asian Girl Power! I’m always looking to connect with nonprofits, community orgs, and creative groups that support and empower Asian girls and women. Whether it’s a collab, an event, or just sharing the message—let’s uplift each other. 

Jina's story allows us to better understand the apparel industry and appreciate the mom-trepreneurs (and mothers) in our lives. You can stay up to date with Jina and Dokb Studio here:

https://dokb.store/

https://www.instagram.com/dokb.studio/