Blood, sweat, and tears – the U.S. Olympic gymnastics trials were full of it all over the last weekend! Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera have all secured their spots for the Paris Olympics. While Joscelyn Roberson and Leanne Wong are announced as traveling alternates. But  Leanne Wong’s journey to reach this far is turning lemons into lemonade. Being a Tokyo Olympic Team Alternate and a successful businesswoman is something extraordinary that not every gymnast can achieve, especially at the tender age of 18.

Competing at the U.S. Championships at just 15 years old in 2018, Leanne Wong quickly learned that it’s the little things that often make the biggest impact. She started wearing bows to every practice and soon enjoyed the ritual of matching them with her outfits, finding joy in coordinating colors each day. This simple accessory became her signature in gymnastics with everyone loving her distinctive style.

Now 20, Wong is known for her signature fashion accessory: a bow. What began as a simple addition to her competition leotards evolved into a good luck charm. Her coordinated bows not only enhanced her appearance but seemed to bring good fortune, mirroring her success with the University of Florida gymnastics team. Leanne Wong Bowtique, launched in December 2021. Her bows became more than just an accessory; they were the apple of her eye and a significant source of support for her family.

As GymCastic puts it on X, “Leanne Wong said her bow business helped her family for a short time when her father was out of work.” Since launching the business, she has sold more than 10,000 handmade bows and enjoys a growing contingent of “Bowtique Ambassadors” on social media. But do you know why she started this business? it all started in high school?

How high school passion became Leanne Wong’s dream

Wong faced challenges in high school due to her demanding gymnastics schedule, struggling to earn enough credits, and often attending only half-days with online classes. Exhausting all elective options locally, she ventured into a neighboring district and discovered a fashion and interior design class that sparked her creativity.

She quickly realized the impact she was making as young girls looked up to her as a role model. This inspired her to expand her business beyond bows, adding T-shirts and leotards to her repertoire. Wong designs the products, manages the company’s website, and oversees social media, while her mom handcrafts the bows and her family supports them with special touches like adding trademarked crystal initials to each bow.

Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication have not only helped her family but also empowered her to inspire others through her athletic achievements and creative ventures.