Luna Koi shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Luna, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
One thing that truly makes me lose track of time is taking a step back to be present with my loved ones. In the midst of constantly striving to meet goals, staying productive, and planning the next move, it’s easy to overlook the life we’ve already built. I make a conscious effort to slow down and connect with nature; it helps ground me. When the pressure builds and my mind feels cluttered, something as simple as a walk outdoors can shift my perspective. It’s a reminder to breathe, to let go of the mental noise, and to reconnect with what really matters. Those quiet moments, whether in nature or with the people I care about, remind me that life is so much more than just work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Janis Nguyen, though in many creative spaces, I’m known as Luna Koi. I’m a first generation Vietnamese immigrant and the proud founder of a woman owned small business based here in Dallas. My family came to America in search of a better life, and that journey has deeply shaped who I am and the work I do.
I see myself as more than just a graphic designer. I launched my business with the intention of using my skills and creativity to uplift my community especially those whose voices often go unheard. While I’m known for creating Dallas inspired merchandise, my work goes beyond products. I actively collaborate with fellow artists to build a space where we can connect, create, and thrive together.
Luna Koi has been more than just a brand, it’s been a personal journey of stepping outside my comfort zone and building meaningful connections through art and community. I aspire to collaborate with larger brands and businesses to help build a community where people can come together to celebrate design, culture, and art.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The people who taught me the most about work are undoubtedly my parents. Like many immigrants, they came to the U.S. from Vietnam shortly after the war, determined to build a better life for my brother and me. Growing up, I remember wondering why they couldn’t attend my school events or be as present as other parents. But as I got older, I began to understand the sacrifices they made working long hours, often multiple jobs, to give us opportunities they never had. Their resilience, work ethic, and unwavering dedication have deeply shaped how I approach my own work today. As I grew older, I came to understand the reasons behind their absence. They were working tirelessly waking up at the crack of dawn, dropping me off at school, and heading straight to the nail salon, often putting in 12 hour days with only one day off a week. Their sacrifices weren’t just about survival; they were about building a meaningful life for our family. Watching their dedication taught me the true meaning of resilience and hard work. That same mindset fuels how I approach my own business today. I’ve learned that no one else will do the work for me and that success comes from showing up, every single day, with consistency and purpose.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
One thing I changed my perspective on after experiencing a hard failure was the importance of giving myself the time and space to recover and grow. Failure is inevitable, it’s simply a part of life. Not everyone will say yes, and not everyone will understand your goals or your vision. But I’ve come to believe that sometimes failure is exactly what we need to be redirected toward something better. It can be a necessary pause or a turning point that leads you down a more meaningful path. I’ve learned to trust that the right timing will come, and that setbacks don’t define you – they prepare you.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me tends to reflect my quieter, more reserved business side. I’m often known for being soft-spoken and a bit introverted. If you’ve met me at one of my pop-ups and I came across as quiet or even disinterested; please know that’s not the case at all. I’m simply a shy person by nature. Lately, I’ve been learning that it’s okay to take up more space and to not let the fear of public perception hold me back. It’s an ongoing journey of growth, and I’m working every day to step more confidently into myself.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Absolutely! There have definitely been moments in my career when I’ve felt that level of excitement. While running a business comes with its fair share of stress, the opportunity to wake up every day and use my art and design to connect with my community is incredibly fulfilling. I genuinely love what I do, and I’m endlessly grateful to the friends, clients, and supporters who believe in my work and purchase my designs and merch.
Some of the most happiest moments come when I meet someone new who resonates with my art; it truly makes my day every time. The real magic happens during passion projects and collaborations, especially when I get to work alongside like minded creatives who share similar goals. Those experiences remind me why I started and make every challenge along the way completely worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lunakoidesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunakoidesigns/
Image Credits
@sobremesa_studios
@lonestar.production
