Sokha Danh

Sokha Danh, 30's
Seattle, Washington
he/him

Current Role: 
I'm the co-founder of Hourglass Industries. We're a greeting card company whose mission is to embody and celebrate our beauty and culture. Our goal is to also nurture a space that encouragescommunities of color to start understanding and talking more about their emotions and feelings in a healthy way. Communities of color and underrepresented communities need to be represented in greeting card culture and the stationery industry - and we're here to do that our part.

What racial, ethnic, cultural community or communities do you identify with?
Cambodian American.​

When and how did your family come to the United States? Where were you born?
This is somewhat of a very complex question! I'm actually trying to learn more about this from my parents. My sister and I are working on oral history project on our parent's journey. I'm Cambodian American. My parents are Cambodian and came to the United States in the late 80's. I was born in Louisiana and raised in White Center! 

What are the strengths and challenges of being Asian, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander?
Wow. This is a big question, too! Personally, I've gained strength overall in being Cambodian American and raised in White Center. I think this has to do with the fact that I grew up in a predominantly community of color. If I look at my life, I think much of how my challenges have come from stepping outside of the care and safety of my community and into white spaces and systems. We could diver deeper into that...

What is your proudest accomplishment?
I don't have a proudest accomplishment yet. I think I'm just trying to be real with myself and others as much as possible.

What is one thing you learned or appreciate from your family growing up?
There are so many things I appreciate from my family. One of the things I learned early on was the need to share with others. This was critical growing up in a family of 7 kids! 

Do you speak your family's native language? Why or why not?
I can't speak fluently because AMERICA.

What advice do you have for the younger generations in our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community?
Please don't stop questioning why things are the way they are.

What gives you the greatest joy in life?
I think feeling like I'm doing something that matters give me joy. Also, my nephews never fail to provide me with joy. 

Are there any projects you have created that you'd like to share and promote?
Yes, please check our Hourglass Industries on Instagram (@hourglassindustries). Follow us! We need more followers! And visit our website at www.aworldfor.us. I'm down to chop it up with anyone or help anyone with anything if I can. Reach out to me at sokha@aworldfor.us.

If you would like to share your voice as a person of color, please read the directions and fill out this form here. All ages, backgrounds, and generations welcome. Thank you!