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Conversations with Yeonhee Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yeonhee Park.

Hi Yeonhee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in South Korea. After graduating high school, I became a licensed medical assistant and worked in a plastic surgery operating room, where I learned so much about the human body. Then in 2006, I had the opportunity to study abroad and first arrived in Los Angeles. I was amazed by the vast landscapes, towering trees, and cultural diversity of America.

I started studying pattern design and entered the fashion field, but as I faced the realities of independent life, I took on many jobs to make ends meet. I did stone design work, sold video games on eBay, worked weekends at an accessory store—and in the evenings, I taught myself illustration through books. Within a month, I got hired and earned a better paycheck.

Though life was busy, I still remember the joy of hanging out with friends in Hollywood, laughing and dancing in the streets. When I think back to 2008, that time feels like a magical chapter—full of people, lights, and youth.

In 2012, I met my husband and entered a new chapter of life as a mother. I spent four beautiful years as a stay-at-home mom, fully immersed in raising my child. When my child started school, I began thinking about working again and took a part-time job at a local clothing store. I walked over 20,000 steps every day with energy and joy, but my first paycheck after two weeks was disappointing.

One day, I suddenly remembered a semi-permanent makeup artist who used to rent a room at the plastic surgery clinic I worked at in Korea. She only came in once a week but earned more than I did working all week. I had always been curious about that work—and the memory sparked something in me. I immediately signed up for private training and began my journey as a semi-permanent makeup artist.

Today, I run my own beauty business while also working as a YouTuber and Poshmark seller. This era makes it easier than ever to work in multiple fields, and I use tools like ChatGPT to learn and grow every day.

Everything I do is connected to beauty in one way or another. We no longer live in a world where people buy products just because of a commercial. Now, people connect through stories. They follow someone’s lifestyle, trust who they are, and buy products because they believe in the person behind them.

My mom used to ask me, “Why do you change jobs so often?” But now, I can see that every experience I’ve had—including my time in the operating room—has shaped the work I do today. I truly believe that nothing in life is wasted. Every experience I’ve had is finally shining with purpose.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been easy. But it’s been meaningful.

When I first signed up for my semi-permanent makeup training, I found out I was pregnant with my second child. I remember sitting with that news—both incredibly happy and suddenly unsure. A voice inside me asked, “Can I really do this now?” But another voice, a stronger one, whispered, “If not now, when?”

So I pressed forward. I spent my pregnancy learning, practicing, pouring myself into this new craft. I gave free sessions to anyone willing—again and again—until their brows came out just right. I wasn’t earning anything then, but I was gaining something much more valuable: skill and trust.

Later, when I opened my own studio, things were quiet—too quiet. The clients didn’t come right away, and I had many days when I questioned everything. “Is this sustainable? Is this even a real career?” There were no clear signs, no obvious support. Just me, showing up every day with hope.

But here’s what I know now: true professionals are shaped not during the applause, but during the silence. The ones who endure, who keep showing up with steady hands and a heart full of belief—those are the ones who make it. I kept going, even when no one was watching. And now, all of that quiet effort is finally starting to shine.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a semi-permanent makeup artist who specializes in creating natural, soft-looking styles. I really value building good relationships with my clients and making them feel comfortable and cared for.

I’m also a YouTuber—I absolutely love traveling, so I started a channel where I share the routes I drive during my trips. It’s like taking a scenic ride together, and I try to make it feel relaxing and real for the viewers.

On Poshmark, I sell brand-new clothing from one of my favorite brands, ZARA. I handpick pieces that reflect my personal style—things that are trendy but also easy and comfortable to wear. I enjoy curating affordable, stylish looks that others will love as much as I do.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Recently, I’ve been diving into topics like the environment and economics, setting aside time every day to study, listen, and reflect. For me, this isn’t just about gathering knowledge—it’s a daily habit that feels like planting seeds for the future.

What might surprise people the most is how I approach AI. I don’t just ask ChatGPT questions and wait for answers—I enjoy guiding the AI to think, reason, and respond in deeper, more thoughtful ways. That process fascinates me. It feels like I’m talking to a version of the future in real time.

Through that curiosity, I recently discovered that our conversations with ChatGPT can sometimes be reviewed by OpenAI. And more importantly, I found out how to disable that setting. Little discoveries like that give me a real sense of where the world is heading—right at our fingertips.

To some, all of this might just look like I’m “working hard.” But to me, it’s simply how I live—with curiosity, awareness, and quiet exploration. That’s the energy that fuels everything I do, even when no one sees it.

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