Eddie Paik shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Eddie, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Complete chaotic dad mode. Getting kids cleaned, dressed and ready for school. Add missing the school bus almost every morning to the mess. It looks like I have no control and things just manage to get done somehow.
But once the house quiets down I quickly switch over to business mode and cool-collective Eddie comes out, I hope the world is ready for my conquer!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Eddie Paik, owner and piano technician of Paik’s Piano House. We’re a small business run by just me and my wife, but doing big things in the Virginia, DC metro area. The business was founded by our passion for music and played to our strengths. I’m the fixer and she’s the player. While I provide piano tunings and repairs, she is playing piano at venues, universities and other institutions.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I’ve always been the creative one in the group. My thought process and fearlessness was something that had always made me stand out from the crowd. But the world kept telling me I had to follow the crowd to become successful. The status quo of society was to go to college and work a corporate job after graduation. I do admit these days it is a bit different but at the time it felt like the world valued education and corporate workers. I tried to follow the crowd, but it just wasn’t me. I eventually broke away and went back to who I really was. In the beginning things were tough and I questioned whether my life choices were worth it but now I can certainly say those times have shaped me and made me who I am today. I am so glad I ignored the world when it told me who I had to be.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
The struggles and sufferings I’ve gone through is imbedded deep in my soul. Those are the moments I never want to relive, but at the same time I never want to forget. It reminds me of how far I’ve come in my success and It’s those moments that push me to become greater.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I’m the real me! Luckily for you I have no boss that I try to look good to, I have no employees to hide behind so you get the raw unfiltered version of me! My business is my identity so I’m as real as can be to my clients. I hope that’s a good thing!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Oh man this is the one topic I always talk about with my wife. This is the reason I live my life the way I do. Those that know me well, know that I do everything without putting too much thought into it. I’ve experienced many failures… but also so many successful moments. I never want to regret not trying. When I’m gone, I want people to say Eddie really knew how to live his life. You know, everyone dies.. but not everyone lives. Live your life! Or else one day you’ll be lying in bed wondering why didn’t you live the one life you had? What the heck were you so scared of?
My hope is that my three daughters will learn from me and never be afraid to strive for what they really want. If you are passionate enough you will succeed in anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paikspiano.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paikspiano
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paikspiano
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/paik-s-piano-house-aldie
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
