We recently had the chance to connect with Chong Kim and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chong , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I love driving out to the lake — just watching the sunlight dance on the water, people passing by, and feeling the peace that surrounds me. 🌊✨
No social media. No drama. Just me, the open air, and nature reminding me to breathe.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Chong Kim — I’m a survivor-turned-entrepreneur, filmmaker, and advocate. My journey began from overcoming human trafficking and trauma, and transforming that pain into purpose through storytelling, film, and empowerment.
I founded E40S LLC, the production behind my upcoming film Every 40 Seconds (E40S), inspired by true events, as well as Velvet Brick Studios, a creative brand built on the idea of strength with grace — “a velvet glove with brass knuckles.”
What makes my work unique is how it bridges survivorship, storytelling, and social change. I use film, media, and education to expose the realities of exploitation while offering hope and awareness to communities worldwide. Beyond filmmaking, I’m also developing a personal safety course, merchandise line, and digital platforms to help others recognize red flags and take back their power.
At its core, my mission is simple: to turn survival into strength, and pain into purpose — creating stories that not only move hearts but also move humanity forward.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
It wasn’t just one moment — it was a series of experiences that shaped me. From surviving child abuse and racial attacks to enduring trafficking as both a victim and a madam, witnessing corruption, being falsely accused of a crime I didn’t commit, and experiencing homelessness — each of these taught me something about survival and humanity. I’ve also been the target of smear campaigns, lies, and cyberbullying, so I understand what it’s like to be misjudged and silenced. All of these experiences have fueled my passion to fight against injustice while reminding me to lead with compassion, humility, and empathy for those who have nothing and are simply trying to be heard.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes — more than once. There were times when the weight of everything I had survived felt unbearable. After escaping trafficking, being falsely accused, and enduring smear campaigns and betrayal, I questioned whether my voice even mattered. I felt invisible, exhausted, and misunderstood. But every time I reached that breaking point, something — whether it was faith, purpose, or remembering the people who still needed hope — pulled me back. I realized that giving up would mean letting the darkness win, and I’ve fought too hard to let that happen. Now, every challenge reminds me why I’m still here: to turn my pain into purpose and to be a voice for those who are still silenced.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes — but it’s not the whole me. The public sees the strong, outspoken advocate and filmmaker who survived trauma and turned it into purpose. That part is real, but it’s also a version I built through years of pain, healing, and resilience. What most people don’t see is that I still cope with DID and other trauma-related challenges. There’s still a childlike part of me — my inner “Little,” whom I call Chong, who reminds me to stay tender and hopeful. Kimmie is my Inner Advocate, the voice that speaks up for truth and justice, and Jules is my Inner Warrior, the protector who steps in when strength is needed most.
Together, we make up the whole of who I am. So yes, the public version of me is real — but she’s also supported by all the parts of me that fought, healed, and continue to grow.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop apologizing for taking up space. I’ve spent so much of my life surviving — trying to prove my worth, to be understood, to fit into spaces that were never built for people like me. If I had only ten years left, I’d stop overexplaining my purpose or dimming my light to make others comfortable. I’d focus fully on what matters: creating meaningful stories, loving deeply, helping others heal, and leaving a legacy that reminds people that broken doesn’t mean defeated. Every moment would be spent in truth, not permission.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iamchongkim.net
- Instagram: @chongkimofficial
- Linkedin: @iamchongkim
- Twitter: @lilazngrl75
- Facebook: @iamchongkim
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamchongkim
- Other: Tiktok: @iamchongkim
Image Credits
Jason Tyler for the main photo and my photo with Daymond John; all other image, I certify that I have the rights and permission for these photos to publish and share.
