“We aim to connect with readers on a deeper level, bringing together beauty, fashion, art, and human experiences." Interview with Syan Leung, the founder of MINDLY.JOURNAL

MINDLY.JOURNAL is not just another fashion magazine; it’s a unique platform where fashion, art, and lifestyle intersect to create an unforgettable experience. Founded by Syan Leung, who grew up immersed in the fabric manufacturing industry, the magazine reflects his deep passion for blending aesthetics with meaningful cultural and societal narratives.

Through MINDLY.JOURNAL, Syan aims to convey a mindset rather than follow fleeting trends. The focus is not just on external beauty or fame, but on individuals with depth and compelling stories. Whether highlighting the creative work of local Hong Kong artists or challenging societal norms around masculinity, Mindly Journal constantly pushes boundaries and encourages deeper reflection.

In a saturated media landscape, Mindly Journal stands out by prioritizing authentic stories and unique perspectives. It’s a platform where creativity meets purpose, offering readers more than just the latest trends—every story is an invitation to think, reflect, and engage with fashion on a deeper level.

What inspired you to found Mindly Journal, and how did you first get involved in the fashion industry?

Syan Leung: My family has been in the fabric manufacturing business, so I was exposed to fashion and different materials from a young age. As I was growing up, I became more interested in the aesthetic side of fashion. During secondary school, I started drawing and reading magazines like Italian Vogue and i-D, which really opened my eyes to how fashion and art intersect and reflect societal phenomena. This sparked my passion, and I pursued fashion styling and editorial work, which eventually led me to launch a media platform like Mindly Journal. I wanted to create something that blends fashion, art, and lifestyle into a meaningful space.

When you created Mindly Journal, what kind of lifestyle or message did you want to convey to your readers?

Syan Leung: Mindly Journal is not just a fashion magazine; it’s about mindset. We aim to connect with readers on a deeper level, bringing together beauty, fashion, art, and human experiences. I wanted to build a platform that reflects diverse perspectives and celebrates the beauty of different cultures, not just the aesthetics of fashion, but the way it speaks to our society and individual identities. It’s about the connection between the heart and the mind.

Your magazine features a wide range of personalities, from artists to actors. What criteria do you use to select who gets featured in Mindly Journal?

Syan Leung: We look for individuals with depth—those who have interesting stories and are open to new ideas. It’s not just about external beauty or fame. I love working with people who have a unique mindset and can engage in meaningful conversations. For example, our #MindlyQuotes series focuses on interviewing local artists or musicians, exploring their mindset and creative processes. I believe in sharing more than just surface-level content; it’s about substance and connection.

Are there any Hong Kong or Asian brands that you think are worth exploring right now?

Syan Leung: There are definitely some amazing ones. For instance, I’ve been following Kinyan Lam, a designer who uses Chinese herbs and medicine to treat and dye fabrics. His work is fascinating because it brings together traditional Chinese practices and modern fashion design. I love how he blends different cultural elements to create something truly unique. I think his work has the potential to make a significant impact in the fashion world.

With so many fashion media outlets today, how do you see Mindly Journal fitting into the current landscape?

Syan Leung: There’s a lot of media out there, but I think Mindly Journal stands out by focusing on deeper, more creative content. We don't just cover news like fashion weeks or celebrity trends; we aim to explore new concepts and present fashion through a different lens. For instance, we tailor-make our editorial shoots to reflect the unique personality of the subject. We’re less interested in following trends and more about presenting stories that resonate on a personal level, whether it’s through fashion or art. It’s about exploration and pushing boundaries.

What challenges do you face as a fashion media outlet, and how do you overcome them?

Syan Leung: The biggest challenge is keeping things fresh and engaging. We've been around for five years now, and it’s easy for readers to get bored if we don’t keep evolving. To stay interesting, we’ve started new series like the #MindlyBoys collection, which explores how society judges men in terms of their appearance and personality. It's a response to how, historically, beauty competitions have been focused on women, but now we see more scrutiny placed on men as well. We want to challenge the stereotypes of masculinity and celebrate all forms of self-expression. This kind of project is rare in Hong Kong and Asia, and it’s something we’re proud to keep pushing forward.

As someone with experience both in the fashion industry and teaching young people at the Hong Kong Design Institute, what advice do you have for those looking to start a career in fashion media?

Syan Leung: My advice is simple: follow your passion and work hard. Fashion is a competitive industry, especially in a place like Hong Kong, but it’s important to identify what excites you. Whether it’s luxury fashion, artistic fashion, or something else entirely, figure out what speaks to you. And remember, it’s not just about creativity; you also need some business and marketing skills because fashion is a commercial industry as well. So, don’t be afraid to take risks and follow what interests you, even if it’s unconventional. If you stay true to your vision, the rest will follow.

Lastly, how do you define the future of fashion media, and where do you see Mindly Journal heading?

Syan Leung: I think the future of fashion media lies in authenticity and storytelling. The readers today are more discerning—they want to see behind the scenes, they want to know the story behind the fashion. At Mindly Journal, we’ll continue to focus on exploring deeper narratives, whether it’s through fashion, art, or culture. Our goal is to inspire and provoke thought, not just report trends. I see Mindly Journal evolving into a platform where diverse voices are celebrated, and creativity is at the forefront. It’s not just about following the status quo but about redefining how fashion is experienced and understood.

Follow your passion and work hard.