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

Hi Miriam, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Oh where to begin?! It’s just always been something I knew I wanted to do that came from an obsession to create something original, express myself through ambiance and curation, and be of service. I practiced law for 9 years in the entertainment industry before I jumped ship and just went for it. Practicing law is a great way to drive you toward your true passion!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
We don’t spend our time comparing ourselves to any other businesses. We are SO lucky to be in A+++ company in LA, among so many unique wine and lifestyle shops. We focus on our own mission and our own expression of love and service through wine and spirits. I want to create an organization where my employees feel taken care of and supported first and foremost. Then, we work to use our platform to contribute to our communities and fight for social justice reform. Retail is a savage industry and we spend a lot of time helping our employees unlearn patterns of fear and competitiveness. I want people to feel something real – a moment of joy and whimsy in an otherwise dark and complicated world. Enjoyment is a radical form of protest in a world that tells us that we will never or have enough. The pandemic has made that vision so much clearer for us.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Our city has changed so much and so many great businesses have shuttered during the pandemic. I love Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Koreatown and West Adams. So many great restaurants owned and operated by families. We love Yang Chow (Chinatown), Ocean Seafood Restaurant for dim sum (Chinatown), Daikokuya (Little Tokyo), BCD Tofu House (Koreatown), Song Book Dong (Koreatown), Pikunico (ROW DTLA), Alta Adams (West Adams) and Highly Likely Cafe (West Adams).

There are so many great hikes and views at Griffith Park and the observatory there is one of my favorite places to walk around and people watch. One of my favorite little shops in LA is Pygmy Hippo Shoppe near The Grove – you will not be able to leave there without bags full of gifts for all your besties!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my life partner Ryan Cooper. He’s a genius at planning, producing and executing on time, on schedule and on budget. He’s also extremely pleasant to be around and he makes me laugh non-stop. He possesses all the skills I do not and so much more – he complements me better than any person I’ve ever known so I feel so lucky that our paths crossed!

Website: www.flaskandfield.com

Instagram: @flaskandfield

Image Credits
Esther Park Last image of back of my head: Saria Dy

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