Deanna Chao - American Chinese Digital Creator Interview

Could you share a bit about your secret origin story? (Tell us a bit about yourself, how did you start loving sneakers, what you do/hobbies etc.)

I am the first generation in my family to be born in America. My ethnic background is Iu-Mien which is a subgroup of the Yao People, originating from China. Some then migrated to other countries in Southeast Asia such as Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, & so on. They then evolved & adapted to other cultures. There are not many of us that exist in the world but there is a huge community of us in Sacramento, CA which is the city where I was fortunate to be born and raised.

During my high school years, my closest friends were hoopers. They influenced me to get into sneakers, however, I could not afford to buy them at the time. I moved out of Sacramento after I graduated & became an aircraft mechanic in Hawaii. I then discovered my true passion was not to fix things, but to tap into fashion. When I was finally able to afford the sneakers I began slowly collecting what I could. I continued getting compliments on my sneakers and my style and eventually, sneakers became the foundation of my passion for fashion and creating content.

Could you tell us more about what keeps you busy these days? Feel free to share photos of your work!

Besides working with aircraft, I am always creating fashion content in my free time. I try to incorporate some of my personality into my “Outfit Inspiration” and “How to Pose'' Reels.

I enjoy taking and editing my own photos and I usually create content by myself in public. This has become an outlet for me to boost my confidence and maybe even help others too.

What's your current favorite pair of sneakers?

My all-time favorite is the Wmns Dunk High 'Dark Sulfur'. The colors and style compliment my fashion personality and my usual outfits.

What’s your personal sneaker-collecting philosophy?

I strongly believe the sneaker sets the tone for your outfit and displays a bit of your personality whether your sneakers are cheap or expensive. So my sneaker philosophy is based on my mood and what I’m going for. For example, if I want to stand out & make a statement I go for crazy colorways.

Your dream hype sneaker you wish to acquire but don't have so far?

My dream hype sneakers are the Jordan Toro 4s.

What's your day-to-day style like?

My go-to styles are sneakers, and/or crocs, bikers shorts or baggy pants/sweats and oversized graphic tees. The graphic tee would have to determine which sneakers I wear when it comes to my day-to-day style.

Where can people find you on social media?

Instagram: @Dlooww

Pinterest: @DloowwW

Tiktok: @DloowwW

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