We were lucky to catch up with Kioh Park recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kioh, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My journey towards finding my purpose has been deeply influenced by my multicultural upbringing. Having been born and raised in Korea, studying abroad in China, and immigrating to the United States less than five years ago, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing diverse cultures and perspectives. It was through these experiences that I gradually uncovered the elements of life that truly inspire and ground me.
During my time in China, I had a transformative encounter with the world of tea. I was introduced to tea families who had preserved generational traditions and time-honored practices in the art of tea harvesting. This introduction marked a pivotal moment in my life, as it ignited a profound curiosity and passion within me. Learning about tea became one of my earliest life goals, and over time, it has evolved into a mission to establish a nurturing community and a sanctuary for artisans from all walks of life.
I often seek inspiration by immersing myself in cultural and intellectual environments. Visiting museums, exploring libraries, and spending time in bookstores have consistently been my go-to sources of inspiration. These places allow me to connect with the wisdom and creativity of the past and present. Additionally, I find that watching thought-provoking movies and documentaries is another effective way for me to stimulate my own thoughts in the pursuit of finding my purpose. These activities provide me with a holistic and diverse perspective that fuels my hunger to learn.
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?
My journey in the world of entrepreneurship began in 2019 when I founded Kioh Tea. Initially, our focus was on creating interactive experiences with people, including private tea events and tea pairings at art and design-related gatherings. We also ventured into personalized tea tastings and ceremonies, which gained popularity.
However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our plans as events were canceled, and I faced a period of uncertainty. Despite the initial setback, the prolonged stay-at-home situation led to an unexpected turn of events. People started reaching out to me, expressing their interest in purchasing tea and tea-related tools. They also began to inquire about private tea tastings and events since they were unable to go out.
In response, I adapted to the changing circumstances and began offering private tea tastings and classes at various venues. During this time, I had the privilege of collaborating with professionals from the art industry, which led to innovative “art and tea” events. One of the standout experiences was conducting a lotus flower tea ceremony at art gallery openings, new art exhibitions, and artist talks.
Simultaneously, I started receiving numerous questions about Korean tea culture and tea ceremonies due to my Korean heritage. Recognizing the opportunity to educate and share Korean culture through tea, I expanded our selection to include a variety of Korean teas. One significant milestone was my collaboration with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) during their Korean modern art and Korean traditional calligraphy exhibition. We hosted a Korean tea ceremony with rain as a unique and memorable experience.
Moving forward into 2021 and 2022, I continued to organize tea events featuring Korean teas, and it was during this time that I met my business partner, Arnold. Together, we embarked on a mission to introduce Korean culture in a distinct way, leading to the inception of MAUM Market.
As the founder of Kioh Tea, I had long harbored the dream of becoming a vendor at various marketplaces. However, language barriers and the logistical challenges of setting up a market stall had always been obstacles. Our dream came to fruition with the birth of MAUM Market in Los Angeles in January 2022. We provided everything vendors needed, including tables, umbrellas, vendor signage, and social media marketing tools.
To date, we have successfully organized 35 markets primarily in the LA area and Orange County, with a recent debut in New York. Our very first market, held at the Helen J gallery in Hollywood, featured 22 vendors and exceeded our expectations with over 500 attendees in just four hours.
Subsequently, we received numerous inquiries from people wanting to get involved, including our current project manager, June Choi, who reached out to us via Instagram. She, and a myriad of others, have joined our journey, and together, we have produced over 35 makers markets with the intent to expand next year.
In 2023, we took a significant step by collaborating with various government organizations and non-profits, further solidifying our presence and impact in the community. One notable event was our Lunar New Year celebration in January, in partnership with the Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA). This marked a new chapter for MAUM Market as we continue to grow and work with diverse organizations to make a positive difference in our community.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Networking and Information Gathering. I have always made an effort to connect with people from various industries and backgrounds. This allowed me to tap into a wealth of knowledge and gather valuable insights. My advice to those starting their journey is to be proactive in building a network of contacts. Attend events, join professional groups, and don’t hesitate to reach out to experts in your field. Each connection can open doors to new opportunities and a broader perspective.
Continuous Learning. I’ve found immense inspiration and knowledge in documentaries. They offer a unique window into different subjects and can spark creativity and innovation. To those at the early stages of their journey, I recommend being an avid learner. Explore a wide range of resources, from books to documentaries to online courses. The more you immerse yourself in learning, the more equipped you’ll be to adapt to challenges and seize opportunities.
Adaptability and Open-mindedness. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned the importance of being open to change and new ideas. The world is constantly evolving, and the ability to adapt is a crucial skill. Embrace new technologies, trends, and ways of thinking. My advice is to cultivate a mindset that welcomes change and views challenges as opportunities for growth.
In summary, building a diverse network, embracing continuous learning, and fostering adaptability are three qualities that have proven instrumental in my journey. For those embarking on their own path, remember that growth is a continuous process. Stay curious, be open to new experiences, and never stop expanding your horizons. This approach will not only enrich your journey but also lead to greater personal and professional development.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
My journey has been marked by substantial growth, but if I had to pinpoint the most notable area of advancement, it would undoubtedly be the validation and recognition of my career. As I’ve paved my own unique path, a considerable portion of my efforts has been dedicated to trial and error.
Some of the most defining moments in my journey include:
Collaboration with LACMA for Tea and Art Night: This partnership allowed me to merge the worlds of art and tea, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that resonated with a diverse audience.
Launching an Online Store: Taking my passion for tea to the digital realm enabled me to reach a broader audience and provide access to high-quality products.
Establishing the MAUM Market Community: Building a community that now boasts over 1000 makers and small businesses has been a profound achievement. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and support within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Debuting MAUM Market in New York: Expanding our market concept to the bustling streets of New York was a significant milestone, highlighting the growth and appeal of our vision.
Partnership with the Korean Culture Center in New York: Teaming up with the Korean Culture Center has allowed me to further promote Korean culture and traditions through the art of tea.
Each of these accomplishments has contributed to my journey’s growth and evolution. They have not only validated my career but also motivated me to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new opportunities in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kiohtea.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maum.market/
Image Credits
SoHyun Lee: https://sohyunimages.com/
