It’s 2017 and Cecilia Yeung has just broken the Hong Kong high jump record, clearing 1.88 meters and cementing her status in the city as one of its most formidable athletes. Fast forward to 2024 and Cecilia continues to make waves in Hong Kong as both an athlete and vocal advocate for mental health. She founded her brand, Aim Higher Club (a cheeky nod to her professional career as a high jumper) in 2022 as an athleisure imprint that amplifies sporty silhouettes with an empowering message of positivity and community. As their offering continues to expand, AHC launched their first sportswear pieces earlier this year, which included bike shorts, leggings and sports bras, all designed with the modern athlete in mind.
However, don’t mistake AHC as your average fashion brand – the core message and overall ethos of AHC is a driving force for the development of Cecilia’s vision and is as equally important to the founder as the functionally designed garments themselves. Having competed as a professional athlete for most of her adult life, Cecilia has had more than her fair share of tribulations, having to overcome several devastating injuries, including an Achilles tendon injury that threatened her high jump career. At its core, AHC is about resilience, positivity and the power of collective effort. It is about spreading positive energy and overcoming challenges that threaten to thwart your aspirations.
As we spent the afternoon with Cecilia at a local sports ground in Hong Kong, we dove deeper into the spirit of Aim Higher Club. In between shots during the photoshoot, she told us about her rigorous training schedule, prompted by the recovery of a recent knee injury. She is eager to get back into shape so that she can start competing again. Despite the setback, Cecilia is still unbelievably optimistic. She is radiating positivity and warmth that would seem impossible to maintain given her circumstances. But she is determined to endure. She is determined to persevere. And it is through her tenacious ability to persist and keep going at all costs that she truly personifies her brand. She is the very definition of someone who will always continue to aim higher and to do better.
Read on to learn more about Cecilia and her incredible journey. You can head over to LANG to shop pieces from her brand, Aim Higher Club.
LANG: You have been a professional athlete for most of your adult life. How did this experience inspire Aim Higher Club? Can you tell us a bit more about what goes through your mind when recovering from an injury and how that pushes you harder?
Cecilia Yeung: My experience as a professional athlete has been a profound source of inspiration for Aim Higher Club. Throughout my career, I've faced a multitude of obstacles, from devastating injuries to the intense pressure of competition. However, it was during my recovery from a devastating Achilles tendon injury, amidst the global upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic, that I truly discovered the transformative power of a positive mindset.
Rather than succumbing to the negative emotions that often accompany such challenges, I chose to approach my recovery with a renewed sense of optimism and determination. I made a conscious effort to focus on the beauty and blessings that surrounded me, even in the midst of adversity. This mindset shift not only aided my own healing process but also inspired me to create Aim Higher Club, a platform dedicated to empowering others who are facing their own personal struggles.
At the heart of Aim Higher Club is the belief that with the right mindset and a supportive network, anyone can overcome adversity and achieve their goals. It is this message of resilience, positivity, and the power of collective effort that I hope to spread through this initiative, drawing on my own experiences as a professional athlete.
L: Aim Higher Club describes itself as “a mentality for a better self.” What is your design process like in terms of always staying true to the brand’s core message?
CY: The core message of Aim Higher Club, "a mentality for a better self," is the guiding principle that shapes our design process. We firmly believe that personal growth and self-improvement are the keys to overcoming challenges and unlocking our full potential.
By focusing on what we can control – our own mindset and actions – we are able to rise above external pressures and societal expectations. Our design choices, from the visual branding to the content we create, all aim to reinforce this message of empowerment and personal transformation.
Ultimately, our goal is to inspire our community to embark on a journey of continuous self-betterment, knowing that as we each strive to become the best versions of ourselves, we can collectively make a positive impact on the world around us.
L: Aim Higher Club has always been a strong advocate for mental health. Why is this important for you to integrate into the brand’s messaging?
CY: For us at Aim Higher Club, the integration of mental health advocacy into our brand's messaging is of paramount importance. As a professional athlete, I've experienced firsthand the immense physical and psychological demands that can take a toll on an individual.
Far too often, the relentless pursuit of excellence can lead people to neglect their own emotional well-being, prioritizing forward momentum over the essential act of self-care and introspection. However, I've come to realize that true growth and achievement are not possible without a strong foundation of mental and emotional resilience.
By placing mental health at the forefront of our brand's messaging, we aim to empower our community to recognize the inherent value in pausing, reflecting, and nurturing their inner selves. Within the Aim Higher Club, we want to convey the message that mental health is not a weakness, but a crucial component of holistic self-improvement.
L: Sportswear and fashion have become increasingly connected over the past few years. What is your personal style philosophy and how does that translate into AHC?
CY: I'm all about that chill, confident style – the kind where you can just throw on a piece and instantly look and feel your best. That's the vibe I wanted to bring to Aim Higher Club.
Our designs blend sporty elements with sleek, modern details, so you can rock the athleisure look anytime, anywhere. Whether you're hitting the gym or just living your everyday life, Aim Higher has you covered with comfy fabrics and fresh silhouettes that let you move freely while still keeping that polished, on-trend look.
It's all about finding that perfect sweet spot between style and comfort.
L: Before a competition, how do you get into the right mindset? Any particular music you like to listen to?
CY: Before a big competition, I like to get myself in the right headspace by revisiting footage of top athletes delivering their best performances. Watching those inspiring moments helps me tap into that same competitive drive and mental focus.
I also find that tuning into my own mindset is key. If I'm feeling anxious or overthinking things, I'll take some time to do a quick meditation and center myself. But if I'm dragging and need an extra boost, I'll blast some high-energy tunes to pump me up. It's all about finding what works for me in the moment to perform at my peak.
L: What makes someone LANG/beautiful?
CY: True beauty goes beyond just physical appearance. It's about the confidence and inner radiance that shines through. Finding your own stage and embracing your personal strengths are key to cultivating an effortless, authentic beauty that goes beyond surface-level looks. The most captivating people are those who've discovered their own unique source of self-assurance.
