Five questions with Chicago Creative Strategist and Restauranteur Vicki Kim. Part of the team behind the epically delicious Mott Street and its sister restaurant, Logan Square's Mini Mott, Kim's most recent endeavor, The WKND, offers retreats for female creatives and entrepreneurs.
1. Where do you find design inspiration?
VK: Nature, interiors and facades, travel, and my friends homes.
2. How would you describe your style?
VK: Easy, effortless, California cool. I keep an eye towards modern with subtle edge.
3. What is some professional advice that helped you navigate your career
VK: Life is a Buffet, don't fill up on the bread.
3. What advice would you give someone who wants to get into your profession?
VK: Are you a food enthusiast that enjoys dining out, or are you someone who has a knack for and truly enjoys the process of thinking through the details of creating an inviting experience? The difference in how you answer this question will help discern if dining is simply an enjoyment or a calling. Get experience working a few positions in the industry to gain perspective; one thing that is unique to the restaurant industry is that you can have a few part time shifts while keeping your day job. Anything you love is going to be hard but worth it. To build and grow in this dynamic industry, you will require stamina and attention.
4. What is your favorite thing to do in Chicago?
VK: Lakeside hangs at Promontory Point. Go a few miles more north and grab smoked fish at Calumet for your lakeside picnic needs.
VK: Lakeside hangs at Promontory Point. Go a few miles more north and grab smoked fish at Calumet for your lakeside picnic needs.
5. Do you have a favorite or meaningful piece of jewelry?
VK: I have this ring with super simple script saying "be still". If you're not looking carefully, it would just look like a simple piece of jewelry with a glint of detail, but to me it holds meaning. It's a reference to a bible verse-
"Be Still, and know that I am God". That verse has had major impact in my life.
Many thanks to the fabulous Vicki for finding the time to chat with us! Have someone you'd like to see interviewed for our Five for Friday feature? Let us know via email or our contact us page.