Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, so I’ve always felt like a true California girl. The culture here is laid-back and full of creatives and free-spirited people, which has definitely influenced my approach to Good Karma. I want my pieces to feel effortless—something you can throw on and instantly feel good in, no matter where you are.
How did you get your start?
I’ve always been entrepreneurial, but I never imagined I’d end up in fashion. Good Karma was born out of a gift—a beautiful Thai cotton dress, hand-embroidered with bright orange carrots, given to me by my dear friend, Nana. I wore it so much it literally fell apart.
At the time, I was new to sustainable fashion and didn’t know how to properly care for natural fibers. When I asked Nana to help me find another carrot dress, she couldn’t. These pieces weren’t mass-produced; they were never meant to be. And that realization sparked something in me.
With Nana’s help, I started reaching out to artisans in Thailand, sourcing handmade pieces to sell on Etsy. I started small—buying just five pieces at a time, waiting weeks for them to arrive, and wondering if they would ever sell. Slowly but surely, they did. Each positive review felt like a little push forward, proof that others saw the beauty in these pieces too.
Today, I source fabric directly from artisans in Jaipur, India, who carry on the centuries-old tradition of hand block printing using vegetable dyes, as well as makers in Thailand who weave the most beautiful, lightweight cotton, thoughtfully designed for their hot climate.
Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
My biggest influences come from the deep-rooted textile traditions of Asia. I’m Korean myself, but I’ve always been fascinated by the art of Indian block printing, the softness of Thai stonewashed cotton, and what I like to call the East’s version of beachwear—flowy, modest silhouettes designed for hot weather.
What is the hardest part of your creation process?
Since I’m not a designer by trade, the hardest part is translating my ideas into real pieces. I question myself all the time—will people like this? Will they wear it? But I think that challenge is what makes this journey so rewarding. It pushes me creatively, and every piece that comes to life feels like a small victory.
What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why?
Right now, I’m really excited about the Summer Sweetheart Dress. It’s an Indian block print cotton mini dress with billowing sleeves, a lightweight cotton liner, and a tie in the front that you can style into a bow. And of course, it has pockets.
Pockets are a major win! What do you love most about Pasadena?
That’s a tough one, but I’d have to say the food. Pasadena has so many incredible restaurants, especially small businesses, packed into a small area. You can walk around Downtown Pasadena all day and find almost any type of cuisine you’re craving.
What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect?
I ride motorcycles and scuba dive.
Very cool! Where do you see yourself in five years?
I’m hoping Good Karma continues to grow, and I’ll be taking off too—on a lot of vacations.
Anything special you’d like to share?
Good Karma is truly a love project. It’s about creating clothing that feels good, does good, and honors the hands that make it. I wanted to create pieces that are accessible to everyone—not just in price, but in spirit. Clothes that carry meaning, that are thoughtfully crafted, and that celebrate tradition over mass production.
Our pieces aren’t made in factories. They’re crafted by Ban Chum Chn, Thai women who sew in the comfort of their communities. ‘Ban Chum Chn’ translates to ‘community housekeeper,’ a reflection of the rich tradition in Thai villages where older women gather to work together, support one another, and sustain their livelihoods. This is a way to honor their craft, their independence, and their way of life.
At its heart, Good Karma is for my grandmother. She raised me in handmade clothes, with unconditional love, and shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand until now. This brand is my way of carrying forward her legacy—making clothes with care and sharing that love with the world.
Love all of that. Find Made By Good Karma at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena.
Website: www.madebygoodkarma.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madebygoodkarma