We had the good fortune of connecting with Yun Jae Chang and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Yun Jae, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It just started as small talk in my friend’s car while we were on our way to eat Korean-BBQ while visiting a town in Alabama.
I commented just how few Korean restaurants there are around these parts of the US and that’s when a lightbulb lit up in both of our heads.
Picking a franchise as our first business was crucial as it would alleviate a lot of the workload such as marketing, branding and etc that would otherwise have been a major issue for us to deal with.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always loved playing and learning new instruments.
For the last couple of years, I’ve used my free weekends to scratch that musical itch by going to 16th Street in Downtown and playing music on the street. (Busking)
With that said, the other side of my passion is being able to help people. So I thought, “why not entertain AND help people at the same time?”
And so because I’ve been fortunate enough to have a roof over my head and a bed to sleep in, I give away all the money I make to the homeless in downtown.
To me, it’s a perfect way to have fun and feel good about it at the same time. And that’s the same way I want to operate my business; enjoy the work, while helping others.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Food-wise I’d take them to all the following places: Cheba Hut, Von’s Korean Fried Chicken, ThankSool Korean Pocha, Dairy Block, Biker Jim’s Hotdog and Cherry Cricket!
As for things to do in Colorado, I’d take them rock climbing outdoors! I’d also take them to a place called the Retrograde Ice Cream Bar, where after they close, their backdoor opens to a secret lounge bar at night! I’d also put on the list some iconic places like: Elitch Gardens, Larimar Square, Union Station, Hot Springs, Royal Gorge and many more!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
These questions are always easy because no other person comes to mind other than my mom.
She’s always worked insanely hard to provide us a better life.
She even gave up her own college education just so we can have our’s in the States.
I can’t even begin to fathom how you can sacrifice yourself like that for someone else.
She’s definitely my inspiration and my hero.
Instagram: Myungrang_aurora