We had the good fortune of connecting with Janette Ok and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janette, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
This industry is heavily based on trends, clout and short lived moments but to be a creator that lasts requires longevity, evolution, and consistency. In one word I would say to be a successful content creator, you need to be consistent. This job is not hard because of the events or the glitz and glam or even the money. It gets hard when you get comfortable too quickly. In order to stay grounded through the rise and fall of followers, having a strong routine that keeps you consistent is so important. The most successful creators I know are the ones who continue to show up on the internet day after day regardless of the views, likes, or even the hate. Staying grounded is a discipline. It has taken me years and seasons of failing at being disciplined to get to this point. Showing up to internet (my workplace) every day can get really hard. There’s good days and bad days but each and every day, my self worth has to be stronger than my online presence. That’s why my personal life is incredibly valuable and cherished to me. As much as I share online, there’s that much more my community does not know. I think it’s important to maintain healthy boundaries with your community and detach your personal identity and self worth from your personal brand.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I truly believe if you have a soul, you are an artist/creative. Being a creative is not just art but I believe it is everything. We need creators of solutions, creators to reimagine new ways of innovation and learning, creators of healing, etc. It is a privilege to create. I live with a conviction that the world we live in, needs more artists that continue to speak, and speak loudly through their work. I believe my work and everything I am pushes the way forward for women who have never fit into the mold of what their culture has told them to be being a Korean immigrant daughter. As women, we have a superpower within us. Women are creators of life as we are vessels for new creation into the world. There is nothing more powerful than a female artist. It is not an easy journey but it is possible because I am a woman. I have been brought up with a mother who had 4 sisters, I myself have 2 older sisters and grew up with predominantly strong female role models in my life. When there was a problem, women in my life have displayed the solutions. I know I can because my mom did. She left her way of life, crossed borders, oceans, and language, to create a life beyond her imagination. My mother is an artist because she is an immigrant. She taught me what it means to be the solution. I believe I was created by a designer, meticulously hand crafted. We have the ability to create and be inspired because it is an inherited trait by God. I believe my creativity is merely a reflection of the Creator himself. Finally, I do not believe art is meant to be kept in the dark. Anything that you pour your heart into deserves the chance to be celebrated and seen. We are living in an unprecedented time where it may seem superfluous to create more and unnecessary but that is the furthest thing from the truth. The world needs you and all that you bring because of all you are.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Those who come to LA tend to come with ann expectation. But friend, Los Angeles is a city where plans change. It is where the sun shines bright and the nights are late with memories that last. For any friend who is visiting, come with an open heart and a hungry stomach. Be open to experience different cultures, faces, and “vibes” (we love that word here in LA). Every Angelino, born and raised will have different recommendations because LA has given us the world in little clusters all around the city. I recommend finding a friend who is born and raised to show you LA through their POV. If you do not have the opportunity, here is a list of a few places that have marked my upbringing that will forever remain as a “go to.” Koreatown has changed over recent years however a few restaurants that I will always come back to is, Chosun Galbi, MDK noodles, Jinsol Gukbap, Wako Tonkatsu, and Chicken Day to name a few. Finish off the night at karaoke or drinking soju at DGM. If you’re feeling casual classy, Silverlake and Echo Park will be up your alley. A Friday night in Silverlake will never fail you. Grab a glass of wine at Voodoo vin, stop for live jazz at Bar Stella, and cozy italian dinner at Donna’s. If you’re looking for the perfect park for a mile long walk, the Los Angeles Historic Park is my go to to get my steps in and as a reward, I go to Highland Park Brewery for a glass of rose. Down the street, the Arts District is a part of town to spend an afternoon into evening in. Collegium and Dover Street will make you feel super cool with an iced latte from Maru coffee. Disclaimer, this isn’t the LA you were promised on Instagram. This is specifically the pov of a girl who loves going to a Dodger game, enjoys carne asade at her best friend’s Salvadorian house, going out to clubs in Chinatown like General Lee’s. This list will disappoint you if you’re looking to take Instagram photos. I just scratched the surface of what this city has to offer its locals and visitors. All you need to do is enjoy!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My career would not be where it is today without a special dedication to the city of Los Angeles, my church community, my college experience in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Calvin College, all my ex boyfriends and failed situationships, and lastly to me, for challenging norms, like wearing black lipstick to class in a private midwest college where I was stared at, or when I buzzed the back of my hair for a “pixie” cut my freshman year of high school. These small moments in my life remind me of my own strength to show up and challenge the environments that I was placed in. I trusted that being different was a strength and it was always reinforced when I got “hate” or funny looks. The backbone and strength to keep showing up comes from these people in this order: God for reminding me I am allowed to be myself because I was made in His image, my family: my parents, siblings, Julia, Linda, Sam and Joe for reminding me I am enough because I am me. my Underscore team, Amanda, Amanda and Maddie who has facilitated my dreams and continued success & best friend, Lisset for her availability to be my best friend when I was at my highest and lowest points. I would also like to recognize my community and supporters who though I cannot list by name because I would meet the word count, I see you and will continue to work hard and show up each and every day for you!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms.janetteok?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@msjanetteok

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@janette.ok?_t=ZT-8vvIYoTVaMo&_r=1

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