Meet Grace Paik – The mind behind Jaq Jaq Bird
Grace Paik, the founder and creative force behind Jaq Jaq Bird, is a talented artist and entrepreneur. Her brand’s signature offering is a versatile coloring book featuring dust-free chalk, perfect for endless creative fun. This innovative product is an excellent gift choice for children whether they’re on the go, dining out, or relaxing at home. Let’s delve deeper into the life of this inspiring mother and businesswoman.
Are you a mom?
Absolutely! I’m a proud mother of three – two sons aged 16 and 12, and a 14-year-old daughter.
What are the ups and downs of motherhood?
That’s a deep question! Being candid here, I must say that I genuinely find this journey challenging. Working from home has its perks but can also be quite demanding. It leads to constant divisions of attention. Balancing family life and household responsibilities feels like a continuous tightrope walk. Often, I feel that my presence at home sends mixed signals to my kids, suggesting that I’m immersed in work and lacking time for them. It’s particularly tough to disconnect from work at fixed times, especially with time differences while living overseas. Although my children have adapted to this juggling act with remarkable patience, it’s still difficult to give them my full attention.
Another struggle for me is guiding my children while hoping they absorb the values we try to instill in them. It can be disheartening when they act out in ways that seem contrary to our teachings, making me question if the lessons I’m trying to impart truly resonate with them. They sometimes appear entitled, especially as I navigate the complexities of raising teenagers. Little moments, like eye rolls when I ask my daughter to dress warmly or more serious issues like taking money from their dad’s wallet, make me doubt if our teachings leave a lasting impact.
On the bright side, the joy of watching their eyes light up during new experiences is irreplaceable. They possess a childlike innocence that many adults lose. I treasure moments with my 16-year-old son, still enjoying our cuddles and chats about school and friends. Equally valuable are my daughter’s candid shares about her friendships and my 12-year-old son’s belief that I can outmuscle him in an arm-wrestling match (though that may not last forever!).
What motivates you? Where do you draw inspiration from?
My husband is my biggest motivator. I’m grateful for our wonderful marriage; he encourages me to be a better mom, wife, and friend! We can talk endlessly, sharing a strong connection despite our differences: he’s a sports enthusiast while I adore symphonies. He’s an outdoor adventurer while I’m more a fan of luxury hotels. While he thrives in the morning, I am more of a night owl. Our unique differences add richness to our lives and those of our children. One shared passion? We both love food and enjoy discussing it over meals!
Travel often sparks my creativity for Jaq Jaq Bird. Experiences with diverse cultures and languages ignite unique ideas for our products, especially during our travels in Europe.
How did Jaq Jaq Bird come to life?
I encountered my husband while visiting his family’s cafe during my graduate studies in Chicago. Little did we know that this chance meeting would change our lives. He was serving coffee while preparing for an Air Force assignment in Korea, and I was about to head to England for a PhD program. After just two weeks, we eloped in Korea while remaining deeply connected through continual conversations.
After our first child arrived 18 months later, I sought a creative outlet while juggling motherhood. Starting with simple designs for bibs and placemats for my children, I soon realized that others admired my creations too. Fast forward a few years, and while my husband was stationed at the Pentagon, we hired a contractor for renovations that didn’t materialize as planned. This unexpected setback resulted in us living without a kitchen for nearly four months, and dining out a lot.
In light of this family challenge, I conceptualized the ‘chalk mat’ product. My children would easily ruin paper menus at restaurants, which led me to design a more durable placemat that could serve as an eating surface on one side and a drawing surface made from chalk cloth on the other. Soon after debuting a few pieces at local boutiques, they quickly sold out. Coverage from the Washington Post and HGTV followed, resulting in over $12,000 in orders that helped us finish the renovations.
This venture blossomed out of necessity, and while it was unforeseen, it set the stage for what would become Jaq Jaq Bird.
What are your dreams for the company? Where do you envision Jaq Jaq Bird in 5-10 years?
In a world dominated by social media, gaming, and digital noise, Jaq Jaq Bird remains committed to championing