Meet Eunji Kim

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eunji Kim. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Eunji, thank you so much for making time for us today. We’re excited to discuss a handful of topics with you, but perhaps the most important one is around decision making. The ability to make decisions is a key requirement for anyone who wants to make a difference and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your decision-making skills.

Ten years ago, when I first set foot in the U.S., it felt like the first moment in my life when I truly realized that every choice ahead was mine alone. I had left behind the safety of home and the guidance of my parents. From that point on, every step, every mistake, and every small decision was something I had to figure out for myself. That experience became the foundation for how I approach decision-making today.
Unlike many who study abroad at a younger age, I chose to come here as a young adult. I felt that I hadn’t yet had the chance to really understand what I liked or what I wanted in my in life. I knew I needed distance and a new environment to figure that out. What started as a three-month language program eventually led to college, and then to my current career. It still amazes me how one decision from ten years ago brought so many opportunities and experiences into my life. I am deeply grateful for that.
In the beginning, I was overwhelmed by loneliness and uncertainty. But over time, those feelings gave me the space to reflect and face myself honestly. Living far from home meant I had to rely on myself. I built routines to stay grounded, paid attention to how I respond under pressure, and learned to accept failure as part of the process. Trough it all, I gradually discovered the decision-making style that works for me.
Even now, I make it a habit to regularly check in with myself. Without that, I tend to lose my rhythm or make choices that do not truly reflect who I am. For me, decision-making is not just about logic or efficiency. It is about staying honest with myself, even in moments of doubt. I believe that is something I will continue to learn throughout my life.

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’m a UI/UX designer based in New York. Over the past decade, my journey has been shaped by both the challenges and opportunities that come with living abroad and embracing new environments. I’ve had the opportunity to work on digital experiences for brands such as Coca-Cola, the U.S. Postal Service, Four Seasons Yachts, New York Lottery, and Samsung. Across every project, my focus has been on crafting intuitive, meaningful experiences that connect deeply with people. These experiences have shaped how I think about design and the role it plays in people’s lives.
What excites me most about design is its power to bridge the gap between technology and people. As innovation accelerates, I believe it is more important than ever to create experiences that are inclusive, intuitive, and accessible, especially for those who might otherwise be left behind. My focus is on designing digital products that feel effortless for users of all ages, backgrounds, and level of digital fluency.
Most recently, I was part of the team that developed a digital platform for a luxury private yacht travel brand. The project took about eight months to bring to life and launched earlier last year. Since its official release, we have been continuously adding new features based on user feedback and evolving needs.
I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities and challenges that have shaped my perspective, and I look forward to continuing to learn, build, and connect through design.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Communication. Many of the projects I’ve worked on resulted from ongoing dialogue and coordination with experts from various fields. This taught that design is never just an individual achievement but a collective effort. Good design emerges from honest communication and teamwork.
Courage to fail and learn. Taking risks and embracing failure as part of the learning process has been crucial to my growth. Being open to experimentation, even when it means making mistakes, leads to creative breakthroughs and continuous improvement.
Trust myself. Self-trust has been vital in navigating challenges and making thoughtful decisions. As a designer, confidence in your intuition and judgement helps you push boundaries and stay true to your vision. Building this trust comes through experience, reflection, and a willingness to keep growing.
To all designers navigating new and challenging paths, I want to send my heartfelt support. We’re all in this together, learning and growing one step at a time. If you’re just starting out, especially as a designer working abroad, I’d say don’t be discouraged by language barriers or cultural differences. Design is a universal language and when your work is honest and heartfelt, it will resonate with people. The key is to stay curious, communicate openly, and embrace every experience as a chance to grow.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

Full and unconditional trust. Over the past 10 years, they’ve respected every decision I made, even when it took me far from home. I often think about how anxious I was navigating life in a new country, but I came only imagine how much heavier the uncertainty must have felt for them, watching from afar.
Each time we said goodbye at the airport after a short visit home, they would hug me tightly and say, “You can always come home, even if nothing works out.” That quiet, unwavering support gave me the courage to keep going, even in moments of doubt.
Their love never tried to push me forward. It simply behind me. And that made all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://eunjikim.work
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eunji-kim-2962a323a/