We were lucky to catch up with Eden Park recently and have shared our conversation below.
Eden, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic is deeply rooted in the example set by my parents. We moved to the Bay Area from Korea when I was six, and they worked tirelessly to provide for me and my brother. They sacrificed so much—working long hours, weekends, and holidays—always giving their best at work while also being present for us whenever they could. Their commitment was unyielding, and they did everything with a sense of purpose, knowing how important it was to build a better future for us.
They owned restaurants, and I had the privilege of witnessing their dedication firsthand. I saw them pouring themselves into every aspect of the business, from managing the day-to-day operations to refining the quality of the food they served. It wasn’t until I started working for them in high school that I truly understood the demands of the job—being on your feet all day, handling customer service with grace, managing finances, and problem-solving on the spot. That experience helped me develop a deep respect for the restaurant industry and a personal connection to the challenges they faced.
What stood out most to me was their constant drive to improve. They were always striving to make their food better, to refine their craft, and to create something fresh and exciting for their customers. No matter how exhausted they were, their passion for what they did never faltered. I began to realize that same passion within myself, whether I was experimenting with new flavors for ice cream or trying to create something unique.
They taught me that the real value of the work wasn’t in the money or the final result, but in the care and authenticity you put into everything you create. It was about the experience you provide for others, the way you make them feel through the products and services you offer. This lesson has stayed with me and profoundly shaped my approach to everything I do—whether as a producer, ice cream maker, or content creator. Focusing on infusing each step of the process with integrity, dedication, and a genuine commitment to the craft. If I can’t give my all, then I shouldn’t be doing it at all.
The values my parents instilled in me, hard work, passion, and the pursuit of authenticity, are at the heart of my work ethic, and they continue to inspire me every day.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Hello fellow creatives and digital adventurers. I’m Eden — Creative Producer, Ice Cream Alchemist, Content Creator, and thrill-seeker.
On most days, I’m a Creative Producer specializing in advertisements and live events. As a freelancer, I have the opportunity to collaborate with various companies throughout the year, crafting a variety of campaigns for different brands and producing content for large-scale events. What I love most about producing is the art of problem-solving, as well as the privilege of working alongside talented and inspiring creatives.
On the other days, I’m the Ice Cream Maker and Chef behind Palette Creamery. I founded Palette Creamery (@palettecreamery) in 2016, and its growth has been a slow yet rewarding journey. What began as a fun way to make ice cream for friends has blossomed into a business that caters events for 30-200+ people. It’s been a delightful, emotional, occasionally frosty, and always exciting adventure.
Palette Creamery was born from my dual passions for ice cream and painting. I realized that the process of making ice cream mirrors the art of painting in many ways. Both are delicate, colorful, and intimate, with the final product being the only thing the consumer experiences, while the creative journey behind it is full of intricate details and precision. The blending of ingredients is a chance for me to fully express my creativity—much like mixing paints on a canvas. Both processes share many overlapping variables: they are time-sensitive, demand meticulous effort, require patience and trust in the journey, involve countless details, and are often carried out in solitude. I specialize in five flavors at a time, and the current lineup includes: Earl Grey Lavender, Japanese S’mores, Vietnamese Coffee with Rose, Cookie Butter Chocolate Chip Coffee (CCC), and Lychee Yuzu Mochi Sorbet. You can explore them all on our website here: https://palette-creamery.com/
Finally, as a travel and food content creator, this is a new and exciting venture I’ve recently embarked on. I launched my Instagram (@escapeswitheden) to share the foods and experiences that help you escape and transport you to different places and times.
I chose to brand it “Escapes with Eden” because it suggests that my content is not just about exploring new places or tasting new dishes, but about inviting my audience into moments of freedom, adventure, and discovery. Moreover, “escapes” adds a personal touch for me, it’s not just about being a guide, but about being a fellow traveler, inviting my audience to join me on these delightful journeys. It’s pushed me beyond my comfort zone, yet it’s been incredibly rewarding to share these adventures with a wider audience, far beyond just my circle of friends. Through this platform, I’m able to tell stories, celebrate businesses I believe in, and offer recommendations I truly stand behind. It’s also a wonderful way to support small businesses beyond my own, helping to amplify their voices and stories as well.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Persistence: Persistence is absolutely crucial when you’re working to build something lasting and meaningful. It’s about consistently taking the necessary steps, even when the results aren’t immediately apparent. When I started Palette Creamery, the growth was slow and steady, but there was something deeply satisfying and authentic about it. Each small success, every connection I made with a customer, felt more meaningful because it was earned through hard work and dedication. I didn’t prioritize making money or gaining followers, but instead focused on refining my craft, creating something I was truly proud of. Yes, this approach is the longer path, but it’s also the most rewarding. It’s about appreciating every little victory along the way and continuing to move forward, no matter how small the steps may seem. And with every opportunity, every door that opens, is a chance to grow—so I remain open, persistent, and grateful for each moment.
Community: Building a strong community is integral to any small business, especially when you’re in an industry as collaborative as the food world. It’s not just about connecting with other brands or businesses—it’s about forming genuine relationships with people who share your vision, understand your struggles, and can help lift you up along the way. I’ve cultivated a deep respect for other small ice cream makers, whether they’re operating pop-ups like I do or running larger brick-and-mortar locations. I’ve filled an entire shelf with books from artisanal ice cream shops, and I’m proud to support other makers by buying their products and promoting their work. Being part of a community that understands the challenges of running a small business gives you the kind of support system that propels you forward. It’s a network of shared knowledge, encouragement, and inspiration that makes the journey feel less isolating and much more rewarding.
Reflection: Reflection is one of the most important yet challenging aspects of running a business. It requires honest self-assessment and the ability to critically examine how your business is progressing. What are the areas that need improvement? Where are the roadblocks, and how can you overcome them? When customers try your products, what’s their reaction? Are you truly listening to their feedback? While growth and expansion are important, taking the time to pause and reflect on what’s working, and what isn’t, is just as vital. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to appreciate the progress you’ve made. Reflecting allows you to celebrate your successes, learn from your failures, and identify the areas where you can improve. The ultimate goal should always be to enhance the customer experience and refine your craft. In a constantly evolving business landscape, it’s essential to ask yourself: How can I improve today, and how can I create a better experience for those who engage with my product?
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
For Palette Creamery, I’m always excited to connect with more folks in the pop-up scene, wedding and event planners, and fellow ice cream makers! There’s so much room for creativity and collaboration, and I’d love to work together on events and projects that bring people together over great ice cream. One idea I’m really excited about is teaming up with a clothing brand to create seasonal flavors that pair with their designs. The combination of fashion and flavor is something I’m super passionate about! A dream of mine would be to host a monthly ice cream and art event, where we can showcase local artists and combine our creative worlds. I love to paint, and I think it would be amazing for people to enjoy both art and ice cream in one fun, creative space. It’s all about bringing different forms of creativity together and sharing it with the community!
As for Escapes with Eden, I’m eager to collaborate with more food and travel content creators. There’s something magical about creating together and sharing our experiences with a wider audience. Whether it’s traveling, exploring new places, or simply learning from each other, I believe collaboration can lead to some truly inspiring content. I’d love to team up on trips, share stories, and create something special that speaks to both food lovers and wanderlust seekers alike. I would love to be apart of a community of like-minded creators who can grow and learn together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://palette-creamery.com/
- Instagram: @palettecreamery, @escapeswitheden
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eden-sunmin-park-4b173087/
Image Credits
Ryan Chua, Shelly Hong
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
