Founder Tiffany Ju in the Chunks warehouse.
We're longtime fans of Chunks, and know you are too. Founded by Tiffany Ju, the accessories brand is known for its "cute clips for cute ppl", plus playful barrettes, headbands and more, made from high-quality acetate. We wanted to get to know the creative force behind the cult clips, so sent Tiffany a few questions - and her answers are as thoughtful and fun as the brand itself.
How did Chunks begin – was there a turning point or particular moment that inspired you to start your own business focusing on hair accessories?
I started Chunks in 2019 from my basement. I had started my previous "maker" business dyeing ombré tights but I was burnt out and needed a business that was a bit more scalable. I don't remember the exact inspiration but it was probably me using a cheap ugly hair clip and thinking, why can't I find any cute, high quality ones?? Plus the 90s Y2K trend was about to hit...
We love the name Chunks! Where did that come from?
Thank you! I was actually inspired by some specific chunky art like Chiaozza and the whole Memphis design movement. "Chunks" just had a cute ring to it.
What do you think makes Chunks so special?
Hopefully it's because it feels authentic. We're not perfect and it's hard to be authentic in this age of polished authenticity... but hopefully, that works for us. We've always just been a bunch of very green creatives trying to figure out how to do this thing.
Can you talk about the brand's use of colour, which is really striking and key to the 'aesthetic'?
I love mixing colour in ways that feel unexpected – bold and awkward, but still harmonious. We try to balance our distinct brand's colour usage but also weave in what we see out in the world.
You're proudly 'made in China', which has had negative connotations in the past. But do you think this still holds true, and what kind of response do you see to this now?
Oh man, this is an hours long conversation, haha. I'm still super proud of our manufacturing partners and what we've built together and I do think it has helped create conversation around it. I think there's so much complexity and nuance when it comes to 'made in China'... economically, politically, historically… but we'll always feel good about what we put out there. At the moment, especially in the US, the conversations are just… ever changing and intense but we ALL contribute to the conversation as a whole, in our own little big ways.
Transparency is a big part of the brand, from openness about manufacturing to posts about the impact of tariffs. Is that a conscious thing?
Yes – because I don't know how to do it any other way. I just want all the cards on the table, in every facet of my life. I'm always looking for connections and patterns in everything - but I also don't want to overload and dilute our message so it's always an interesting evolution.
In terms of running a business, what unexpected challenges have taught you the most?
Oh my goodness, ALL OF IT. I'm an entirely different person than I was at the start of this. The two off the top of my head is learning to trust myself and my instincts and managing people slash growing a team. Wow. It's a real spiritual journey, to be honest.
You were open about having breast cancer, and sharing that journey. What was one of the key lessons you learnt from that – both personally, and professionally?
I truly believe that we are forged in struggle. That year, 2023, I split from my husband of 10 years, part of our house caught on fire and I got diagnosed all within a two month period. But honestly, you just keep taking the next step and eventually, you find yourself out of it – stronger and steadier in who you are.
Where do you find inspiration and how does it reflect in your day-to-day life?
It evolves over time just like anything else but the through-line has always been culture, colour, nature and quirk. I love seeing anything that's just slightly askew or that's just SO juicy, it evokes awe.
Hair accessories are so popular; especially playful and nostalgic ones like those Chunks offers. What do you think is behind the continued love for fun hair accessories?
They're low-stakes and high-impact. You can throw on a Checker claw and feel like you’ve got your shit together. And people want fun right now. They want colour and personality and something that makes them smile.
How do you take care of your hair? What is your current day-to-day haircare routine?
Honestly? Pretty minimal. I mean, I love a hair claw because it literally takes five seconds and then you don't have to think about your hair for the rest of the day. That's the kind of girl I am, hahaha.
What has been your relationship to your hair and how has it changed over time?
I've never been a girly girl so I used to say that having long hair "was the only girly thing about me". But I've had crazy stressful health-related shedding and then chemo, and now it's very short bob length and I love it. I loved the pixie stage, too. I just appreciate it more.
What 5 spots would you recommend to someone visiting Seattle for the first time – and why do you love them?
Pike Place Market. It's so touristy but I've actually spent a lot of time there and I think it's really charming! Plus they're doing some major upgrades and the waterfront view CANNOT be beat.
Ferry hopping to islands like Bainbridge, Vashon and Whidbey. It's so quintessentially Seattle and it's just really beautiful. The Pacific Northwest is STUNNING.
Ballard is my favourite neighbourhood lately. Just great restaurants, cute shops and a great Sunday farmers market.
The asian food is pretty solid (Jade Garden and Diamond bay for dim sum, lots of great hotpot and pho options, and iconic sushi like Shiro's).
Pioneer Square and do the Underground Tour. I love learning the history about a place and Seattle's is pretty cool. You can go underground and see the remnants of the original city which was closer to sea level. And it's only like 150 years old and people came to make their money in lumber and mining so it was a rough, eccentric bunch in the beginning!
QUICKFIRE ROUND
Your all-time favourite Chunks style: Checker claws forever.
A fictional character that you’d love to see in Chunks: Fran Fine from The Nanny
A book you couldn’t put down: All I read is non-fiction about business, self dev or spirituality. Right now, I'm going deep into chakras and I love it. 'Eastern Body Western Mind'.
TV show or movie that you can’t stop thinking about: The White Lotus. I just finished the third season.
Favourite podcast: The Daily.
