Michael Graves, Kenny Chan, and Jack Vang

Ten years ago, when I launched my first brand, Earwerkz, it began as a small crowdfunding project built around a value-based in-ear monitor called the Supra. I had no idea where things would lead, but soon after, I released my first flagship model. Those early days were difficult. There was little traffic, and outside of the professional artists and musicians I worked with, almost no one knew who I was.

Then, a few weeks later, I received an order. It was from Singapore. The order number was 001, and the name on it was Kenny Chan.

That single purchase changed everything. It was the first time someone outside my circle of clients had placed faith in what I was creating. Kenny and I had never met, yet his belief in a product built by hand, from a small unknown brand, meant more than he could have known. It gave me the conviction to keep building and to trust that there were listeners out there who understood the intent behind the work.

When I began planning VOLK’s debut, I knew I wanted to find him. Ten years had passed, but I still remembered his name and that first serial number. I reached out and invited him to the private launch.

Seeing him again after all those years was emotional. It brought back memories of everything that came before VOLK, the uncertainty, the nights spent building by hand, and the few people who believed before there was proof. I shared the story with everyone present and thanked Kenny personally for his faith back then. I told him that ÉTOILE was not yet in production, but that I wanted to give something back in the same spirit he had once given me. I promised that when it was ready, I would gift him his own set.

Months later, when production began, I kept that promise and sent his pair to Singapore.

That moment was more than symbolic. It reminded me why I do this. Every design, every refinement, every late night at the bench exists because of people who believe in what you are creating even when it is nothing more than an idea. Music has always been a deeply personal part of my life, and to share that love with others and to see it move people the same way it moves me is what keeps me building.

These are the connections that give VOLK meaning. They are what I live for.