Dreams | Goals | Aspirations

As I wait for any update on my submission to finding relations I may have in South Korea, I have plenty to keep my mind occupied. I have decided to bet a large chunk of money on RED in Vegas... ok, just kidding obviously. I have decided though to bet that large chunk of money on ME... a much safer and surer bet. I wanted to own my own business because as such a hard, smart and dedicated worker - it was time I put all my energy that I have from my jobs into a passion I thoroughly enjoy. AND, if you knew me... you would know that a women's clothing store is just a perfect fit. I wouldn't say I am obsessed with clothes, accessories, shopping... but many others would :). If you have a moment, let me tell you why:

Do you remember the Starter Jackets? They were very popular when I was in grade school. The first poignant moment when I knew fashion was going to be my best friend and worst enemy was all because of the Charlotte Hornets Starter Jacket and a girl named April Steele. She was simply my biggest bully I every had. She bullied me from 3rd grade through 4th grade, and finally my only year of peace was when she left the elementary school. She always wore her Detroit Lions Starter Jacket, it was her favorite piece of clothing. I thought that maybe if I could get a Starter Jacket, she would see that we were just a couple girls who shared the same interest in not only clothes but other things if she got to know me! I begged my mom everyday for a Starter Jacket, but she was firm and said NO, way to expensive for her single-mom, public teacher budget. No amounts of crying, pleading, tantrums and threats would sway her. I truly believed at that age that if I had a Starter Jacket, April and I could become friends and the only person standing in my way was my Mom.

That was the period where I knew clothing would imprint my life. I explored all phases... not because I was trying to be trendy and stand out... in fact, it was to try and fit in. I felt what I wore on the outside would help me boost what was on the inside, a shy and timid Korean girl. It wasn't until college that I started gaining more self-respect for myself. In fact, it was even after college that I finally came to peace with who I was. Although it was a long journey to get there, I feel so secure in myself now that it takes an awful lot to even shake a leaf of this tree. BUT - what does that mean in the end?

It means that now I see myself in other girls and women. I see us being shy and nervous. I see us not wanting to approach a guy out of fear of rejection, or trying to imitate friends to be 'cooler' or hiding behind baggy clothes because we feel we are not in great shape. I see women trying to adapt more and more on attempting to 'fit the mold', and becoming obsessed over their body, their looks, their clothes, their accessories, and so forth. The purpose of me wanting to own a women's clothing store, is to help everyone who walks through the doors or shops online to see that they are truly unique and beautiful. To buy pieces that make them feel better and not to mask how they feel inside. I want us women to feel we can laugh at our embarrassing moments, and walk with confidence knowing that we are the center of attention in our own worlds. Be that person! Be kind, caring and courageous. Laugh and feel sorry for those who cannot see beauty in everything, who has to put others down to make themselves feel better... because they are the ones that are worse off. They are lonely souls. If you can laugh, feel confident and dress to only impress yourselves... then you have accomplished the most important thing in life... happiness. If your happy with yourself, it shines out to the world and draws them a little closer.

Stay tuned for further updates on finding my biological family, my future business and also... did I mention we are moving? :)

With Love, Jessica 은주