Meet Grace Jeon

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

Hi Grace, thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?

I think back to a memory my mom shared with me about when I was three years old. She and my aunt were talking in another room, leaving me alone to watch a movie. When she returned, she found me silently crying as I watched a scene where the girl’s father had just passed away. My mom thought it was sweet and funny but was surprised that I was able to understand the feelings of loss and grief in the movie at such a young age.
Growing up in Flushing, Queens, as an only child of immigrant parents, I had to adapt quickly and learned to navigate a wide range of emotions, both at home and at school. My parents largely influenced my understanding of life and I witnessed how their circumstances were shaped, which also impacted, the larger community around them. As a natural observer, I often found myself paying close attention to the people around me. This helped me develop a deeper understanding of others in a holistic way, ultimately nurturing my empathy for those around me.

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 am a Korean-American photographer, born and raised in NYC. Presenting myself as a photographer is a relatively new experience for me. Although I studied photography in college, I became disillusioned with the medium and wasn’t ready to pursue a career directly related to it at the time. Instead, I developed a curiosity for product and lighting design, which led me to take on a more hands-on, technical role within the design industry.

Looking back on the past 10 years, this moment feels like a culmination of my interest in photography and design, now coming together with a clear focus for interiors and products. Shifting my direction back to photography has been empowering, exciting, and a little scary—but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding. I find freedom and joy in being able to explore and grow through the work I do, and I’m excited to see where this path takes me next.

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?

Three qualities I find impactful are curiosity, kindness, and confidence. Staying curious about my surroundings is what keeps me inspired. My work is rooted in the observation of light, both in abstract and physical forms. It’s as simple as noticing how light moves through a space, how it reflects, what it highlights, or how it diffuses. I believe it’s important to find joy in the small, mundane moments.

Another important quality is kindness. Lead with kindness, and people will remember you for it. Having worked in different studios, I’ve found that my strength lies in being adaptable to various environments. As a freelancer for the past year, I’ve realized that much of this industry relies on word-of-mouth and recommendations, and people genuinely value working with someone who is easygoing and kind. The creative industry is not just about skill and talent—it’s also about being a good presence in the room. I’m incredibly grateful for those who have seen me for who I am and recognized the value of my work.

The last quality is confidence. It’s something I continue to struggle with, especially growing up in an immigrant household and being an Asian woman in the industry. Sometimes, the voice of self-doubt is louder than the voice of encouragement. When you’re starting out, your work won’t always meet your expectations, and you will make mistakes but remember to be kind to yourself and keep pushing through the discomfort.

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

My parents met in Flushing, Queens, but both immigrated from Korea. My mom came to the U.S. around the same age I am now, following her sister, who had immigrated a few years earlier. When I think about her life, I’m overwhelmed by how different my experiences are from hers. She was the youngest of seven children, born the same year the Korean War began, in a rural area in southern Korea. She doesn’t talk much about her past, having adopted a move on and move forward mentality. As I get older and ask her about her life before she became my mother, she’s slowly learning to be more vulnerable with me. In those moments, I’m grateful to know her in all her selves.

My dad, as the eldest son, carried a lot of responsibility after his father passed away when he was young. But his curiosity and determination for a better life led him to the U.S. He worked his way here as a dishwasher on a Carnival cruise ship and travelled across the U.S. by Greyhound bus little to no money. When he arrived at Port Authority, he had only a quarter in his pocket. Soon after, he met my mom and they built a life together, determined to give me greater opportunities.

I grew up in a predominantly Korean community until I started grade school. Since my parents didn’t teach me English at home, I had to adapt quickly once I was in school. Still, I was raised with Korean traditions, whether through the customs or food. My parents are some of the most dedicated and hardworking people I know, but due to the circumstances of their work, it did not allow them the time to return to Korea.

Like many children of immigrants, I often felt like I was floating in an in-between space – not fully understanding my parents’ expectations of me and being perceived as an outsider in America. In my mid-20s, I traveled to Korea by myself for the first time and finally met many of my extended family members. Even with my limitations in communicating, being able to share a meal with them was deeply meaningful. That trip was the first time I truly saw my parents’ lives in their entirety and felt connected to the deep, vast roots of my lineage.

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was shape me into the person I am today. Through their endless effort, resilience, and strong spirit, they are my greatest inspiration.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://graceshinejeon.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grace.shine.jeon