Life & Work with Hyang Archibeque of Fort Collins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hyang Archibeque.

Hi Hyang, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Hyang Archibeque, but most people know me as Sunshine. I’m a fashion-loving maximalist who adores all things colorful, especially in business and business casual wear. I believe that bold expression and professionalism can (and should) coexist.
I’m originally from Pueblo, Colorado, a place that often gets a bad reputation. But for me, Pueblo is full of heart. It’s where I found a community that believed in me and helped me bloom.
Growing up life wasn’t always easy. My sister and I were raised by a strong, hard-working single mother who gave everything she had to provide for us. There were times we didn’t have snacks for school or money for privileges, but one thing that never faded was my love for fashion.
From a young age, I was fascinated by the way clothes could alter someone’s perception. That became especially clear in eighth grade. I was being bullied and taken advantage of for my kind nature, but that summer, I decided: I would start dressing for me. I wore what made me feel seen, strong, and joyful. That confidence changed everything.
That was the moment I knew I wanted to become a designer. Not just to create clothing, but to help others find their voice through style.
My high school didn’t offer SAT testing, so I studied on my own and drove to the next city to take the test. My mom could only afford for me to take it twice, so I gave it everything I had. That experience taught me how to take initiative and how to make the most of limited resources.
After graduating, I began my college journey at Pueblo Community College, a school that shaped me in all the best ways. Pueblo Community College challenged me to grow as a leader and supported me through scholarships, peer mentoring, and TRIO programs. I was honored to be part of the President’s Leadership Program, the State Student Advisory Council, and to serve as Vice President of the Associated Student Government. Those roles gave me the confidence to dream bigger and take the leap towards starting my own brand: AuniPak
My branding journey began when I reached out to Schakara, the CEO of Southern Colorado Fashion. She was looking for a driven intern to support her growing organization, and I immediately jumped at the opportunity. Southern Colorado Fashion’s mission is rooted in representation for everyone regardless of race, size, identity, or religion. Being part of this inclusive mission provided the best foundation I could have asked for .
AuniPak is named after two of my middle names, Auni, an African Swahili name meaning to help, and Pak, a Korean name meaning to shine brightly. These words reflect my vision and the reason for my brand to help others shine,
The mission of AuniPak is to reintroduce people to color to show that style can be bright and not limited to two colors. I emphasize personal style as the foundation for building healthy, confident fashion habits. My brand’s symbol is the bumblebee, because just like bees help flowers grow and bloom, I believe we are all flowers constantly changing, evolving, and finding our own light.
My long-term goal is to grow AuniPak into a thriving business that gives back. I want to collaborate with nonprofits that support single-parent households, providing resources, building stronger relationships between parents and children, and helping families flourish in ways mine didn’t have the opportunity to.
Now, I’m continuing my journey at Colorado State University, majoring in Apparel and Merchandising with a concentration in Apparel and Design Production, and minoring in French and Leadership. In just my junior year, I’ve grown in ways I never imagined creatively. Being here, in my home state, pursuing what I love feels like everything I once dreamed of finally taking shape.
Above all, I give my thanks to God. He stayed when others couldn’t, carried me through my lowest moments, and blessed me with every gift I have today. Every talent, every opportunity I use boldly in the purpose He’s placed on me. Because fashion is what I’m meant to do.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh yes, there have been challenges. Like most, I’m a broke college student working two jobs and doing creative work on the side, whether that’s alterations, photoshoots, or other projects. Moving away from home was a wonderful opportunity, but I didn’t anticipate how much I would change in the process.
During my first semester, I struggled with imposter syndrome, wondering “, Do I belong here?” “Am I worthy?” At times.
But I like to remind myself of the lyrics “Ohhh child, things are going to get easier, and things will get brighter. “Thankfully, they do. I’m so grateful to have a strong support system, whether from my church, friends, or chosen family. They got me through it all, providing love and validation when I needed it most. I just had to find the courage to keep moving forward, no matter the circumstances.
Now, coming into the Fall 2025 semester, I feel happy, joyful, and inspired to keep challenging myself. I’m learning to say yes to opportunities that might feel scary because, honestly, why pay thousands of dollars for an education if you’re not going to take full advantage of all the resources provided?
Circumstances may sometimes feel out of reach, but we must keep seizing the day more boldly than the last.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m first and foremost a designer, but I also work as a stylist, illustrator, and creative collaborator. Even though I’m now based in Fort Collins, I remain actively involved with Southern Colorado Fashion, assisting with fashion shows, content creation, model coordination, and visual storytelling.
I support the creative director by helping delegate models, creating mood boards, styling looks, and managing photo shoots. From shooting and editing to promotional content for both my own platform and Southern Colorado Fashion’s. During audition seasons, I also design custom graphics for their social media presence.
In my personal brand, I focus on upcycled fashion, illustration, and accessories. Especially ties and hats. I’m very much an “accessories girl” at heart and believe the smallest details often make the loudest statements.
What sets me apart is my commitment to collaborative creativity. I actively involve my models in the design and styling process from group chats and fittings at my home to open discussions about what makes them feel confident and seen. I believe the runway should reflect not just my vision, but their individuality. We build looks together, often incorporating their input to show how they’d wear a piece in their everyday lives. It’s about celebrating them as much as the clothes.
I’m especially proud of my three muses, Deston, Shaina, and Jocelyn. Who not only embody the energy and character of my brand, but also believe in the mission wholeheartedly. Their trust and support mean everything to me.
My work is about more than clothing; it’s about connection, confidence, and letting people shine in their most authentic light.

How do you think about happiness?
Many things bring me joy, but of them two stand out the most to me. Collaboration brings my heart so much joy. Whether I’m styling models for a fashion show or capturing special moments through photography, I feel truly alive. There is something fulfilling about seeing someone’s eyes light up during the process; it reminds me why I love what I do. Fashion was my first love. It’s the creative spark that ignited a drive within me. It gave my imagination room to grow and has shaped me in ways I never could have imagined.
Pueblo also makes me deeply happy. There’s a sense of community there that can’t be replicated. My hometown embraced me with open arms and supported me through every step of my journey. My church was a shining light of love and belonging, a place where I always felt seen and supported. I wish everyone could experience the kind of warmth and connection I found there. I tell people all the time. Spend a little time in Pueblo, and you’ll understand. It won’t take long to see the beauty I’ve always seen.

Pricing:

• Simple Custom Dress Range $100-$200
• Extra Diva Dress $100-$200
• Upcycled Ties $30
• Simple custom shirt $25-$100
• Styling – Consultations vary on virtual or in person. Session/ event range $30 to $100

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aunipak_official/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hyang-archibeque-01518b23b/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SincerelySunshin3

Image Credits
Corinne Wilder
hlazo_photography
Kelsie Heckman
Richard Gill