Authentic: Minh Le

From Vietnam to South Carolina: Minh Le makes her mark on Columbia and beyond. With notable accolades—including appearances at New York Fashion Week, features in Women’s Wear Daily Magazine, and a growing list of high-profile clientele such as Dawn Staley, Kamilla Cardoso, and A’ja Wilson—Le has become a defining figure in the fashion world, all while staying rooted in the city she now calls home. 

Her creativity blossomed from a young age, often cutting up and reimagining her secondhand clothing to breathe new life into her wardrobe. At the heart of 831MinhLe is a message  of love and connection—embodied in the brand’s name, which stands for “8 words, 3 letters, 1 meaning: ‘I love you.’” It’s not only central to her designs but also to the way she grows her business. Her creativity thrives on the deep connection to her Vietnamese roots, and her tenderness for her Soda City community.

“When you love what you do, it’s shown in your work,”  explains Minh. “Now as an adult and creative mind, I am free to share my love with my clients. What I love most about what I create for every piece is how hard I strive to make each and every person feel special, beautiful, and loved…one custom piece at a time.”

Launched in 2019, 831MinhLe reflects Minh’s commitment to creating comfortable yet sophisticated clothing that transitions seamlessly from day to evening wear. Whether it’s a well-tailored suit, fabulous ballgown silhouettes, or a sharp-looking blazer, she makes every piece by hand.

“Don’t ask me what sizes I have available, I make this just for you. [Fashion] is about how you want to feel. My clients will tell me their story, and I celebrate with them. My mission is to help women feel as bold and/or as subtle as they wish, sometimes both at the same time,” says Minh. “I wanted to create fashion looks that empower women to express their strength in their businesses, their communities, and their personal lives without sacrificing the feminine.”

Minh is making this all happen from Columbia, driven by and contributing to the art and creativity found in our capitol city. 

Minh’s favorite thing about Columbia? “The people and their warmth,” she says. “As an entrepreneur and artist, I also love our vibrant local arts scene, the camaraderie of the small business community and the opportunity to build my dream without sacrificing my family. While I miss the excitement of the ‘big city,’ I still have a presence there but it is more important to work where I live, work, and play.”

With her intricate designs, colorful fabric swatches, and late-night sketches from her Columbia studio, Minh has shown that inspiration can flourish anywhere—when it’s backed by authenticity and love.

Here’s what Minh says you MUST have in your wardrobe: “One staple piece that every woman should have in her wardrobe is a classic white button-down shirt. It’s versatile, timeless, and can be dressed up or down for various occasions. You can pair it with jeans for a casual look, tuck it into a pencil skirt for a professional setting, or wear it under a blazer for a polished outfit. Its simplicity allows for endless styling options, making it a must-have in any wardrobe.”

Click here to shop 831MINHLE! Photo courtesy of @831minhle on Instagram.