We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Derek Stelma. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Derek below.

Alright, Derek thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

When any broadcast network in Korea(mainstream, cable, social media) reports of any news that involves South Korea and America(i.e. Joint Military exercises, High Level Summit, The signing of new free trade agreement) they will refer to in Korean as “HanMi blank” Han means Korea or Korean and Mi(the same pronunciation as the objective pronoun) means America or American. So the name of our channel “HanMi Life” literally means Korean and American Life. HanMi Life centers around our lives(Son Derek and Mom Pok). Our bread and butter is Korean and America recipes. We also do vlogs of food and travel reviews and sometimes even share of our personal lives.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I(Derek) got into the broadcasting/entertainment industry by accident. A friend of mine referred me to a colleague who was a producer that was looking for a native English speaker for a program he produced at that time. Not surprisingly, I failed the camera test but he ended up referring me to another producer. No camera test was required for that gig. The production crew was looking for someone quick and I was willing to take a try and figured I had nothing to lose. Things just snowballed after that. One referral led to another. I ended up working nine years in the broadcasting/entertainment in Korea.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

So many people worldwide want to be Social Media Influencers and have a lot of different reasons why they want to be one. Let’s be honest, most people want to be a Social Media Influencer because of the money and fame. I would challenge/suggest that people to put aside all of the hopes and dreams consider another reason for creating content with your dear loved ones. Make memories together that will last forever. Long after they or you are gone that content that was made together can enjoyed for many years to come. Money and fame comes and goes but precious memories made together with your family and friends is priceless and lasts forever.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Stick to the KISS principle: Keep It Simple Stupid! Stick to your niche. Don’t get greedy and try to diversify your content. Stick to what you are good and do it consistently.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekstelma/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-stelma-5242a874/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIUrHXGZox97qfH9Wz_aQIw?sub_confirmation=1