Merchants of Chinatown: 3 Questions with Douglas Chang

“3 Questions” with Douglas Chang, Owner of @aiandomknives

PCo: What’s your connection with Chinatown?
DC: I grew up in Chinatown, not here in Vancouver but in Toronto. My parents had a Chinese bookstore and I have fond memories walking the streets with them, going to the many shops and watching the Lion Dance during Chinese New Year and carrying lanterns during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

PCo: Tell us a fun fact about you and Ai & Om?
DC: I actually never really intended to open a kitchenware shop. It came serendipitously through cooking in kitchens. The last kitchen I worked at was in Chinatown and it felt so natural to be here. So I decided to find something where I could set down roots.

PCo: What’s your favourite thing about Chinatown?
DC: The community and the people. Hands down. It also reminds me of shopping trips I’d take with my grandmother to visit the different herbal and dried food markets.

Bonus Q ✨
PCo: Rice or Noodle?
DC: Rice noodle!

Shot by: @josanwoo.photo
Styled by: @erykahhoran
Outfit from: @privateandcompany