Meet Sieun Chai | Owner of Whispering Winter & Production Designer

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

Hi Sieun, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for my business came from a mix of my professional experience and personal passion. As a production designer, I’ve worked on various holiday and theme park projects, particularly in LA, where I designed holiday decor that transformed spaces into immersive, festive environments. Outside of work, I love hosting Christmas parties and creating magical atmospheres for guests. I realized that many people want a luxurious holiday setup but don’t always have the time or resources to do it themselves. That’s where the idea for a tree rental business came in—offering beautifully designed, custom-decorated trees with professional setup and pickup services. It combines my design expertise with a service that makes holiday decorating effortless for others.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Whispering Winter began as a blend of passion, family influence, and professional artistry. Growing up in a creative household with artist parents, I was raised with a deep love for artistic expression, which guided me into production design. From film sets to holiday decor at theme parks, I’ve dedicated my career to creating immersive, memorable environments.

This experience led to a realization: many people want a beautifully decorated home for the holidays but don’t always have the time or resources to create it themselves. Whispering Winter was born to fill this need. We offer luxury, pre-designed Christmas trees that transform spaces, complete with professional setup and pickup, making holiday decorating effortless.

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to help people ‘rent the magic, return the memories.’ We want to take the hassle out of holiday decorating while delivering an enchanting experience that feels like home yet sparkles with a touch of luxury. Whispering Winter is about celebrating with style, comfort, and ease.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d start in Santa Monica with a beach day at the Pier and a rooftop dinner at Elephante. We’d explore the Getty Center’s art and views, then head to Venice for quirky shops and lunch on Abbot Kinney. A day trip to Malibu would mean hiking in Solstice Canyon, lunch on the pier. We’d check out West Hollywood’s Melrose Avenue, followed by Downtown LA’s Arts District for unique galleries and rooftop cocktails. Finally, we’d end with a relaxing morning in Santa Monica and sunset at Griffith Observatory to soak in iconic city views. Classic but very LA

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my dad, Kisoo Chai, whose journey and work as an artist have deeply influenced my life and career. Growing up around his creative energy and witnessing his dedication to his art taught me the importance of passion and perseverance. As a children’s book illustrator and charcoal artist, he captures emotion and humanity in ways that feel both intimate and profound. His art is not only technically brilliant but also filled with the kind of honesty and depth that inspires me to bring authenticity and creativity into my own work. His support and example have been invaluable, showing me what it means to create with purpose.

Website: https://whisperingwinter.com

Instagram: whispering_winter

Image Credits
whispering winter