Meet Yejin Park | Fashion Designer

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

Hi Yejin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My business, Fruitful and Multiply (FaM), specializes in creating unique keychains and bag charms using a variety of materials such as ropes, ribbons, cords, chains, beads, and charms. The inspiration behind starting my own business was to merge all the things I love into distinctive pieces that I haven’t seen elsewhere. Living in America has exposed me to diverse cultures, which has significantly influenced my art. I believe true uniqueness emerges when entirely different elements are combined. This concept is the foundation of FaM, demonstrating how the harmonious use of various materials can create something truly special.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Ever since college, I’ve been captivated by things that many people might not find beautiful. For example, I was intrigued by mold on bread, the skin of albacore fish, dried skin on my body, the shape of a public trash bin, and an old, dusty frame of a family portrait at my favorite restaurant. I find these raw, unpolished elements so fascinating, and I get very excited when they become my inspirations and I turn them into art.

I graduated from FIT with a major in fashion design and landed multiple corporate jobs. Personally, I struggled a lot in the corporate world because I couldn’t express my artistic vision as freely as I did in college. I felt trapped. To overcome these challenges, I started my own small business and became my own boss. Sharing my creations and receiving feedback from my customers opened up a world of possibilities that I had never experienced before. This journey taught me that artists and creators should never stop making their own unique pieces.

I want to share with the world that there’s something profoundly special about imperfect, unrefined, and unaligned handmade items. If you truly believe in what inspires you and keep creating, people will eventually recognize its authenticity and enduring value.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If one of my close friends from NYC visits me in LA, I’d start our adventure in South Pasadena, where I first immigrated and grew up. Our first stop would be a charming café that has been around for 110 years, famously featured in our favorite movie, Lady Bird. We’d enjoy lemon biscotti and hot coffee while sitting in front of the library.

Next, I’d take her to the hamburger shop next to my middle school. Back when I was so broke, I could only afford fries and ice cream. This time, we’d order cheeseburgers with extra lettuce, onion rings, and a strawberry shake.

Then, we’d visit a quaint store that sells ballet items, where I used to buy my ballet shoes and mini dresses. We’d end the night at a small candy shop, picking up chocolate-covered gummy bears and sour apple gummies before strolling to the farmers’ night market.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a genuine shoutout to all my close friends who never stopped encouraging me to start my own business. They always believed in my distinct style and uniqueness, insisting that many people would appreciate and love what I create. Without their persistent support and confidence in my vision, I might never have realized that my perspective is special and that I could transform my talent into a small business. Thanks to them, Fruitful and Multiply (FaM) exists today, showcasing my passion and artistry to the world.

Website: https://fruitfulandmultiply.store/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fruitfulandmultiply_/

Image Credits
Yewon Park
Joyce Kye