Kelly’s Inspiration
Many things inspired and motivated me to pursue this project, but the true inspiration and beating heart behind this idea was my Umma, Mrs Moon Soon Choi.
As a young child of Korean immigrants growing up in Australia, the kitchen was more than just a place to cook. It was a haven of familiar, comforting aromas, a social hub where everyone gathered, and a reminder of our roots. Those who are lucky enough to have joined these gatherings know. These weren't just meals; they were experiences fueled by love, laughter, and the feeling of belonging that we all craved in this new country.
The secret ingredient wasn't something you'd find in a fancy cookbook. It was "sohn-maht" (pronounced sōn-maht), the Korean spirit of care and love poured into every dish.
Fast forward, and I found myself in the heart of Silicon Valley, chasing dreams and building a family. But amidst the hustle, there was a longing – a yearning for Umma’s cooking, for those evenings bathed in the warm glow of the kitchen, filled with the comforting sounds of sizzling and laughter. It was then I realized recreating that magic wasn't just about the food; it was about capturing a spirit, a way of being that transcended borders.
I launched a prototype Moonpark while residing in Taiwan for expats to gather and explore new experiences together. A year and a half later, I met Maggie, a tech exec and local mom in San Carlos with the same dream coming from different parts of the world.
That’s where Moonlight sprouted. It's a platform, a community, a space where stories can simmer and blend together. Here, we'll share stories of navigating new environments through food, wellness, art, and culture to celebrate the art of creating joyful gatherings. It's a space where the wisdom of our families finds a new life and where the unspoken recipes for connection, both within and beyond our Korean heritage, can be nurtured and shared.
A Moonlight experience isn't about copying my umma’s shows exactly. It's about capturing the essence – the power of food to bridge divides, the importance of community, and the joy of creating shared experiences that nourish not just the body but the spirit of belonging. It's about understanding that the most fulfilling experiences are seasoned with love, laughter, and a generous helping of human connection, a universal language spoken in kitchens and beyond.
Join us on this journey! Share stories of your experiences, hobbies, and creative pursuits—and learn from each other's "sohn-maht." We may not have a written recipe for creating joyful experiences, but together, on Moonlight, we can discover the secret ingredients that truly make them special.
