That is a reward that humbles me: the fact that immigrants coming to America, much like I did, can come into a Forever 21 and know that all of this was started by a simple Korean immigrant with a dream.

When I first immigrated to the United States, there were not many jobs that stood out. So I worked at a gas station, cleaning.

Our target customers are people in their 20s. Old people wanted to be 21 again, and young people wanted to be 21 forever.

Because I didn't have much money, I bought a small shop that fit my budget. The previous six owners had closed their business in three years. The store had no people traffic and, because of that, I was able to focus on figuring out how to provide a better service to each and every one of the customers that did come through.

How we are using up our home, how we are living and polluting the planet is frightening. It was evident when I was a child. It's more evident now.

That business of relaxation, which is so terribly modern today, is all good and well, but my work interests me so much, and is so varied, that many times it seems relaxing when I go from one aspect to another.

I was very quick; I did nothing but play the piano apart from being at school. I was at home with my mother, saying, 'Go out and get some fresh air.' No, I wanted to play the piano all the time I could. I was completely obsessed.

Every time I step onto the field, I think of my parents. It's such an honor to represent them and my family.