A Journey of Passion: Meet Sera Park, Founder of Atelier de Skin
The year 2026 has arrived, marking the beginning of a new chapter. As the new year unfolds, young entrepreneurs in Ulsan are setting their goals and visions for the year ahead.
This year, I am excited to introduce a remarkable young entrepreneur from Ulsan. After working for a major corporation for many years, she decided to pursue her dream by launching her own brand.
What drove her to leave behind a stable job for the unknown? I had the opportunity to meet Sera Park, the founder of Atelier de Skin.
Q. Can you introduce yourself?
I am Sera Park, 39 years old, and I operate an aesthetic clinic called Atelier de Skin in Samseong-dong, Ulsan. For those unfamiliar, an aesthetic clinic is a skincare facility that helps maintain and improve skin using cosmetics and beauty devices, unlike dermatology clinics that focus on treatments and procedures. I also offer body shape management services.
One of the unique aspects of Atelier de Skin is personalized home care consultations. I provide advice on skincare routines, anti-aging, posture, and habits. While everyone knows the importance of proper skincare and maintaining good posture, it can be tedious and easily forgotten. I document visible changes and provide in-depth consultations to help clients stay on track.
Q. What inspired you to start your own business?
I never initially intended to become an entrepreneur. I was born and raised in Ulsan, graduated from school here, and joined H Group. I enjoyed being an ordinary office worker in Ulsan. After over ten years in the corporate world, I realized that I found more fulfillment in solving problems for customers and colleagues rather than focusing solely on sales performance.
Throughout my career, I experienced various milestones, including marriage, pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. After giving birth, I noticed significant changes in my body, which sparked my interest in skincare and health.
I have always liked aesthetics, and one day, I felt a strong desire to pursue it more seriously. I remembered positive experiences from my childhood when I received skincare treatments and later shared them with my family. I believed that working in aesthetics would suit me well.
Despite wanting to start my own business, I hesitated to resign immediately. I spent about three years contemplating my decision. Leaving the stability of a major corporation in Ulsan felt like a daunting sacrifice, so I had to be cautious. Even on the day I announced my resignation, I questioned whether it was the right choice, especially given the challenging economic climate. While people around me discouraged me, my desire to provide a service that had once helped me during a difficult time fueled my passion to start my own business.
Q. What challenges did you face during the startup process?
In a company, multiple people share responsibilities toward a common goal, but as an entrepreneur, I had to handle everything alone. I was the manager, sales representative, and janitor all at once. I had no one to rely on but myself.
When I worked for a company, I could seek advice from colleagues to generate new ideas, but as a business owner, I had to rely solely on my thoughts, which was challenging. I realized that I had to stay focused and move forward on my own.
Q. When do you feel the most fulfilled?
It’s when I see tangible results from my work. One time, a client with neck and shoulder discomfort came in for care. Initially, they were very stiff and in pain, but after receiving treatment, they felt much better. This client, who was older than me, even thanked me for helping them recover.
Q. What is your vision or roadmap for the future?
We live in a generation where social media and media presence are prevalent. Young people are exposed to smartphones from an early age, leading to poor posture and habits. Additionally, the era of only celebrities showcasing themselves has passed; children are increasingly expressing themselves and caring about their appearance. This highlights the importance of expert guidance.
Skin and body are lifelong assets. If they are misused from a young age, the balance can deteriorate rapidly. I want Atelier de Skin to help children and adolescents facing these issues, providing a safe space for natural recovery rather than surgical interventions.
For adults, I aim to create a space to recover from accumulated fatigue and imbalance, while for children and adolescents, I want to extend my services to include preventative care before issues arise.
Q. What are your thoughts on Ulsan?
I believe Ulsan has a clear identity as an industrial city with a high proportion of workers in large and mid-sized enterprises. Many people here work hard, often in physically demanding jobs, leading to a heightened awareness of appearance and chronic fatigue.
Consequently, I think there is a growing interest in aesthetic services that relieve accumulated fatigue and enhance beauty.
Q. Any advice for aspiring young entrepreneurs?
Whether you are a solo entrepreneur or part of a team, remember that business is ultimately about people. The quality of service and branding depend on trust between individuals. While promotion is essential, I encourage you to build a sustainable business based on quality and trust.
Q. Any final thoughts?
I hope that those who visit Atelier de Skin leave with lighter hearts, having resolved their concerns. I want their time here to be more than just a treatment; I hope they take away valuable lifestyle tips for the future. I wish everyone happiness and health.
Young entrepreneurs often start their businesses based on their personal experiences and needs. There is nothing more meaningful than realizing one’s dreams in reality. I look forward to introducing more young entrepreneurs from Ulsan this year, and I hope you will support their dreams and passions.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/ulsan_nuri/224144613511
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