Among the CEOs are young and talented individuals who ventured taking the challenge. And they might not realize their fledgling careers can inspire those wondering what the entrepreneurs are like outside workplaces, what they usually think off-duty, and how their businesses will shape their lives.
Because we understand such a personal realm can mean a meaningful impact for many, The Korea Times has come to begin "10 Questions for Startup CEOs," a relay interview series for those aspiring figures. The interviewees are selected by their antecedents. Think of this as the "ice bucket challenge" without ice buckets. ― ED.
| Members of Happy Moonday celebrate the launch of the company's first tampons in October 2019. Courtesy of Happy Moonday |
We make and deliver women's sanitary pads and tampons.
2. WHAT I DO OUTSIDE THE OFFICE
First of all, sleep. Other than that, I watch TV dramas or read books, sometimes watch movies. Sundays I go to church. I meet friends but almost none outside my social circle. Because my company's dynamic has big ups and downs, that of my private life gets naturally minimized.
3. MEMORABLE MOVIES OR BOOKS
I was most impressed by "Let My People Go Surfing" by Yvon Chouinard. It's a book about the story and business principles of Patagonia (an American outdoor clothing maker) that he founded. It challenged me and, at the same time, encouraged me. It's hard to get because its translated version stopped printing in Korea.
4. WHAT GOT ME INTO STARTUP
Happy Moonday started off as a small side project that donates high-quality sanitary pads to girls from low-income families. The project also published guidebooks for the first menstrual period with comments from diverse voices. As the project went on, there came this moment when I had to decide whether I should keep this operation as a charity or business. I chose the latter because I saw a substantial business value. And I was with Hae-eun, who encouraged me and co-founded the company with me.
5. PROSPECT FOR MY INDUSTRY
I think this "feminine healthcare" industry just started taking off in Korea. There are many business trials within the industry. Globally, the industry has grown much more visible, with boosted public interest in women's health and increasing business initiatives. In Korea, since 2017, when the sanitary pad market had a major shakeup after some of the products were found to contain clinically hazardous ingredients, there have been many new brands.
| Consumers can order sanitary pads and tampons from Happy Moonday for regular delivery or just a one-time purchase. Courtesy of Happy Moonday |
6. UPSET AT WORK RECENTLY?
Hmm…I cannot think of any. I tend to erase from my head anything that tests my guts. Ha ha…
7. I WARN MYSELF MOST FROM...
I fear the scale of my mind shrinking. I abhor the most seeing myself growing more devoid of glee and graciousness, depriving me more of space for understanding and peace of mind.
8. ADVICE TO ME
This too will move on. Get a grip on how you started this whole thing. Walk tall.
9. IF MY COMPANY WENT BANKRUPT
I don't want to think about it. Even if the company went bankrupt and shut down, there are still people trusting Happy Moonday and bracing for their periods. I will try to find ways to keep my promise to them.
10. MY EPITAPH
Lived well, gone to heaven.
Kim Do-jin designates Studypie CEO Kim Tae-woo