Meet Soojin Kim

We were lucky to catch up with Soojin Kim recently and have shared our conversation below.

Soojin, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

As an immigrant and a Korean, I’ve often found myself in environments where I’m one of the few with a different background. Initially, it was challenging, but I learned to turn this into a strength. My unique perspective has had a significant impact on my brand, allowing me to turn differences into opportunities. When I introduced ideas that were different from traditional macarons, I faced many challenges and setbacks, but now I can present my products with confidence. Collaborating with people who value diverse backgrounds has helped me better understand and embrace my own brand values. I continue to seek inspiration, stay open to feedback, and incorporate others’ ideas into my work. Through this process, my business has grown, and today’s Classic Macaron is the result of that journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I never planned to start a business. After having my second child in 2017, I began making and gifting macarons to those who helped me during a difficult time. Though it was a simple gift, seeing people’s joyful reactions gave me a sense of accomplishment. As I continued gifting them, people encouraged me to start a business, so I began in the summer of 2018.

I initially started under the name “Classic Macaron,” but now I offer a variety of character-themed macarons. My goal is to share both the visual and tasting joy of my creations. Whenever I hit a creative block, the support and feedback from my customers remind me of why I started this journey, inspiring new seasonal products.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

In my view, the most important quality is character. When it comes to making macarons, if you don’t consider the quality of the ingredients, recognize the stage you’re at, and acknowledge the circumstances you’re working under, it’s difficult to sustain a business. Focusing on character, coupled with a commitment to continuous learning and growth, will naturally lead to the development of the necessary skills and knowledge. It’s also crucial not to forget why you started in the first place and the values you aim to uphold. These will define your unique brand and serve as the foundation for long-term success and growth.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

The people who have been most helpful in overcoming challenges and developing the essential skills and knowledge I need for success are my family and close friends. I can’t point to just one person. When I run out of ideas, my children often provide unexpected inspiration. Before launching new products, I always turn to my husband and friends for feedback. They are direct with their opinions, pointing out both strengths and areas for improvement. Their honest feedback, combined with their unwavering support, has been a key factor in my continuous learning and growth. I am truly grateful for their encouragement, as it allows me to embrace challenges, learn from failure, and keep refining my work.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classic_macaron
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClassicMacaron

Image Credits

1st, 2nd, 5th from me
3rd from @babyshuphoto
4th @hyunjiphotography
6th @photo.graphyandco