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

Alright, John thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

I was a Managing Director of a national law firm in Australia – I had excellent job security, status, prestige, money. I was 33 years old when I decided I would leave it all behind.

I left a long term partner, my closest friends & my decade long career and moved to the US to launch a legaltech startup. But then, COVID hit and I was forced to move in with my parents in New Zealand. It felt like a sick joke. But months of solitude helped me unearth my creative interests and further lean into my entrepreneurial spirit. The pandemic wouldn’t be the end of my rebellion.

I took another risk and moved to Seoul, South Korea – the only place where I could get a visa to move to at the time. I explored every corner of Seoul – an absolute sensory overload. An opportunity came about to open a dessert cafe (from scratch) whilst concurrently enrolling in a Masters program at Parsons School of Design. I moved to New York City to finish my degree where I also launched a furniture studio with a fellow Parsons friend. I have since returned to Seoul again where I own a lounge bar and an artist agency.

Through all of this, I had nothing waiting for me. There were no guarantees. Every step was a risk. I still don’t have the luxury of job security or a consistent income for that matter. In fact, the past few years have been riddled with more hurdles than I could have anticipated, but I don’t, for a second, regret that decision to listen to my deepest, honest desires. I am proud that I had the courage to follow through for now I will never be left wondering, what if.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Today, I have 4 operational businesses that consider “lifestyle businesses”

1. Stoked! – a Kiwi/Aussie dessert cafe in Seoul – our Banoffee Pie is our signature treat and to die for.
2. Stoked & Stoned – a lounge bar in Seoul that has live DJ sets (all house music) every night. We are home base to Stoned Magazine (Korea’s only surf photography publication) and a distributor of global independent magazines, including Frieze magazine.
3. KIMSOKO – a NYC-based furniture brand & studio that produces direct to consumer home goods and furniture pieces and also custom work for independent clients
4. Parkim Agency – an artist agency that connects Korean artists with opportunities abroad.

My portfolio of businesses wouldn’t be thriving without incredibly talented business partners who possess skills I lack. And across all of them, while I wear many hats, I am the people person, the business guy, the PR spokesman, trying to make the most of my soft skills.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I mentioned earlier that I come from a legal background. As a lawyer, every move you make is a calculated one to minimise risk. You advise clients to take the path of least resistance, to settle as opposed to taking your case to trial. Essentially, we become allergic to risk-taking.

Conversely, entrepreneurship is all about taking risks. You cannot prepare for every adverse outcome or potential variable as you make decisions. And to accept and adjust behaviour, there was a lot of introspection around purpose and meaning; acceptance; and overcoming fear. Surrounding myself with creatives who have inspired, challenged and encouraged me to take chances has also been crucial in my journey.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The most recent example, I invested in a bar so that I could meet more people. I completely understand this is a huge privilege but an opportunity that came into my life at a time and place that felt right.

As an entrepreneur, I think it’s important to constantly expose yourself to new perspectives, resources, and opportunities and often times, that comes about when you’re engaging with other people and often when you least expect it. That’s how I’ve met a lot of people who have either become clients, partners or facilitators who have included me into their fold – people whom I will forever be beholden to and grateful for.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: jkstreams