Meet Paula Ray

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paula Ray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paula, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am originally from Colorado Springs, CO, and have lived in Denver for about five years. Growing up as a second-generation Korean-American in a large, supportive family shaped me in profound ways. My parents, who had me later in life and unexpectedly, taught me the true meaning of “it takes a village to raise a child.” Despite their relationship ending early, my connections with both sides of my extended family remained strong, emphasizing the importance of family unity despite occasional conflicts.

My upbringing was an emotional rollercoaster, marked by cultural clashes and instability, but I cherish every moment of it. It taught me to embrace my Korean heritage, a source of pride and honor today. A story my grandmother shared, “The Chinese Farmer” by Alan Watts, profoundly influenced me. It taught me the wisdom of not jumping to conclusions about life’s events, as you never know their true impact.

My family’s history is a tapestry of resilience and adaptation. My Korean grandmother met my American grandfather in Seoul, South Korea, where he served in the Army. My father was born in South Korea and later joined my grandfather in various locations around the world, including Guam and Germany. My paternal grandmother was a pillar of strength, leaving her family in South Korea to support her husband and children.

On my mother’s side, the desire for a better life brought her and her sisters to the United States. They found solace in Korean churches and worked hard to adapt to American culture. Despite not teaching us Korean due to their focus on survival, they instilled in us the values and morals that shape me today.

I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without the support of my extended family and grandparents. My parents did their best despite their struggles, and I give them credit for their efforts. The people who stepped in to help raise me provided stability and love, which I am eternally grateful for.

For a long time, I felt weak and disadvantaged because of my background. It wasn’t until I was 22 that I realized my challenges were my strengths. Embracing my past made me stronger and more confident. I learned that to create meaningful work, I needed to know who Paula Ray is and what life means to me. I believe in trusting the journey, keeping an open mind, and working with the cards I have to create magic with talented individuals.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
People often say I wear many hats due to my versatility in the digital media world. From videography and real estate listing photos to professional headshots, product shoots, lifestyle photography, and event coverage nationwide, I continue to immerse myself in industries that resonate with me. Real estate appeals to me due to my family’s background, events captivate me because of my love for in-person connections and live music, lifestyle photography intrigues me because of the thrill of the unknown, and the film touches my heart, especially when it portrays stories that reflect my identity.

When I first entered the digital media world, I focused solely on video production and turned down photography gigs, believing my passion lay solely in video. In hindsight, I was naive. The experience I’ve gained in photography over the past three years has significantly enhanced my skills as a videographer, and I’m now venturing into screenwriting with this newfound expertise. Fresh out of high school, I imagined opportunities would come easily, but I quickly learned it takes hard work and dedication to build a business I’m proud of.

My journey began at the age of eight, working alongside my mom in our family’s beauty shop. This environment made me naturally sociable, constantly interacting with customers and learning professionalism. As I grew older, I ventured into the restaurant industry, starting as a busser and quickly advancing to a server to help with our household bills. My interpersonal skills helped me excel, particularly at Olive Garden, where their training program laid a strong foundation for my understanding of hospitality.

In 2022, I reached a breaking point with restaurant work and decided to fully commit to my creative passions. Quitting my job impulsively, I faced financial struggles but resolved to find work in the creative field. Friends and former coworkers began reaching out for photoshoots, and I started receiving inquiries through social media. This overwhelming support marked the beginning of my journey back into the industry.

Simultaneously, I pursued a Broker’s Associate license in Real Estate and worked as a Real Estate Assistant & Marketing professional. This experience taught me to find my voice, stand my ground, and understand where I belong professionally. The lack of diversity in the brokerage firm was a challenge, but it fueled my desire to connect with and uplift underrepresented communities. Although I didn’t complete the requirements for my license, I continued in the industry as a Property Manager. However, I began to feel that this path wasn’t fulfilling my soul’s true purpose. I decided to quit and fully immerse myself in digital media again, returning to The Source Hotel’s Rooftop Restaurant. This decision led to a series of fortunate events, putting me in a better mindset and gaining new opportunities with high-caliber clients with higher-paying relationships.

I officially started my digital media company, Noonchi Pictures, in 2024. The name Noonchi, a Korean concept signifying the subtle art and ability to listen and gauge others’ moods, reflects my desire to spread awareness about emotions through film, screenwriting, and photography. My journey has been anything but easy, but the challenges have shaped me into the versatile and passionate creator I am today.

One crucial lesson I learned from my experience is the importance of adaptability and resilience. Navigating various industries, from hospitality and real estate to digital media, taught me that being open to new opportunities and willing to pivot when necessary is key to growth and success. Each challenge and setback I faced became a stepping stone, shaping me into a more versatile and resourceful creator. Embracing these challenges allowed me to discover my true passion and build a business that resonates deeply with my values and aspirations.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Relax and Unwind Havana Sauna: We’ll start with some much-needed R&R at this Korean sauna, where the skilled staff will peel away dead skin in a nurturing way.
Dinner: Depending on the season, we’ll choose between Moobongri Soondae Denver (for winter) or Silla Korean Restaurant, Thank Sool, or Seoul Korean Hotpot & BBQ (for summer). These spots offer premium meats and iconic Korean dishes, or I might even cook up a feast myself!

Day 2: Paddle Boarding Adventure
Paddle Boarding: We’ll head to either Chatfield Reservoir, where we can paddle through the flooded trees, or Big Soda Lake, with its scenic views of Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Day 3: Film Festival Fun
Film Festival: We’ll attend the Boulder, Denver, or Dragon Beat Film Festival to enjoy a variety of films and immerse ourselves in the local film culture.

Day 4: Concerts and Nightlife
Concerts: As a huge concert lover, I’ll take my friend to an indie or EDM concert at Mission Ballroom or the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater. Or really any venue!
Nightclub: We’ll also visit Temple Nightclub for a night of dancing and vibrant energy.

Day 5: Art and Bar Hopping
RiNo Art District: We’ll spend the evening bar hopping and strolling through the RiNo Art District, admiring the incredible mural art, cuisine, and breweries!

Day 6: Food Hall Extravaganza
Stanley Marketplace or CoArk Collective: We’ll explore one of my favorite Asian-inspired food halls, sampling delicious foods and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Denver Union Station: We’ll visit this historic landmark, which is not only a transportation hub but also a great place to enjoy a variety of eateries and shops.
The Source Hotel: I work at the rooftop restaurant here and love to show the diverse things the place has to offer from art to cuisine!

Day 7: Picnic at Cheesman Park
Cheesman Park: We’ll end the week with a relaxing picnic at Cheesman Park, enjoying the beautiful outdoor space and reflecting on a week well spent.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A pivotal influence has been “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin. His insight that “If you have an idea you’re excited about and you don’t bring it to life, it’s not uncommon for the idea to find its voice through another maker” reshaped my approach to creativity. It taught me the value of collaboration and the importance of diligently executing my ideas.

I am incredibly grateful for the support that has shaped my journey. My friends and family have been my rock, and Erica Cobb’s feature during her Comeback LIVE Event, alongside Karamo, was a significant milestone. MiHi Entertainment trusted me with nationwide events for top-tier brands, and the opportunities I received through restaurant connections were invaluable.

My friends from the early days, who tested my iPhone videos and provided feedback, played a crucial role. My family has been a constant source of encouragement, always pushing me to improve. Among my current circle, including Victoria, Anna, Grace, Carlie, and Adrian, their support continues to inspire and motivate me. My Asian friends, even from a distance, have provided invaluable perspectives on coping and personal growth.

A special mention goes to Adrian, my partner of four years, whose unwavering support has been a cornerstone. During a period of self-doubt, he surprised me with a new camera and supported my journey back to creativity. His financial support and belief in my vision during the early stages of my business were crucial.

Reflecting on my brief stint in real estate, while it wasn’t my ultimate path, it taught me essential business skills, networking, and resilience. These experiences have collectively shaped who I am today.

I am deeply thankful to everyone who has been part of my journey—your support, mentorship, love, and encouragement have been invaluable in my growth and success.

Website: noonchipictures.com

Instagram: _paularay

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-ray-b55481259/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/autumnaa

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@_paularay

Image Credits
Alex Predmore (IG: @Predmoree) Amani David (IG: @iiimvnvmiii) Paula Ray (@_paularay)