Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Shim
Hi Kristin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As a proud Korean American, I once struggled with my heritage while growing up in a predominantly white community. My childhood in the suburbs of Minnesota was filled with joy: I relished the changing seasons, snow days off from school, sledding and skating with neighbors, raking fall leaves and leaping into piles, and enjoying summer days at the lakes. These memories warm my heart, but I also recall moments of self-doubt as I compared myself to those around me.
I often asked my parents for lunch money to buy cafeteria food, worried that my mom’s homemade meals would attract teasing from classmates. During storytime in class, we had to take off our shoes to sit on the carpet, and I was self-conscious about my Asian cartoon socks. My peers wore plain white Hanes crew socks, which I thought looked “cooler.” Everything changed in June 2011 when my family moved to Orange County, opening my mind and world to new experiences. I was initially hesitant to speak Korean outside my home, but I found comfort in my Korean friends who communicated in Konglish.
Once embarrassed by my middle name displayed during roll call, I now embrace “Hojoo” as a core part of my identity—it’s also the name of my YouTube channel. At age 7, YouTube became my sanctuary, allowing me to document memories with my dad’s webcam. My journey on the platform has been transformative, evolving from Webkinz videos to makeup and fashion, and now capturing my daily life. YouTube has played a vital role in shaping my authentic self, and I’m grateful to have had my camera as a companion throughout my adolescence.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Balancing my full-time job, teaching yoga, and content creation can sometimes feel overwhelming. Yet, I am deeply passionate about each of these pursuits and strive to put my best foot forward in all of them. I often grapple with imposter syndrome, questioning, “Why me?” when great opportunities arise. Recently, a friend offered a profound perspective: “You may have been chosen because you’re willing to ask that very question.”
Life certainly has its ups and downs, but I remain committed to living my truth and making a positive impact. My goal is to make both my younger self and those around me proud, no matter the challenges I face.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Today, I work full-time in the corporate world as a Creative Coordinator while also nurturing my passion for yoga. Last November, I completed my 200-hour Power Yoga teaching certification, which has become integral to my identity. Yoga helps me feel grounded and encourages mindfulness in the present moment. I teach whenever I can and am currently pursuing my 60-hour Yin certification, with aspirations to eventually teach Sculpt as well. As a lululemon Ambassador for the Century City store, I am immensely thankful for the path life has taken me on and for the opportunities that continue to unfold.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Ask yourself, “What have I always wanted to do, but kept pushing aside with the thought, ‘maybe later, when I have time?’” Often, the things we hesitate to pursue are the ones we fear because the outcome is uncertain or we doubt our abilities. I have so many YouTube videos that have been set to private that I find cringeworthy now, but those moments were crucial in shaping my character and building my confidence.
Life can be daunting, but it can also be exhilarating if you embrace the right risks with the intention of having fun. Be silly! Be quirky! Be unapologetically you! Do it for yourself, and watch how your self-love flourishes. I promise that you’ll look back on your choices with satisfaction, knowing that you took a step forward in unraveling your true identity rather than taking two steps backwards and retreating.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinshim
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kristinshim
