Issue 31: Looking at the World through the Lens of Vero Suh
New York Chicness Meets California Sunshine.
Hi KP!
I am excited to introduce Vero Suh to you! If New York City could take human form, it might look like Vero - cool, chic, stylish, and confident. You can spot Vero from miles away - her fashion turns heads and her presence captivates. You forget that you forgot to look away from her. When you meet Vero though, you realize there is an even cooler side of her - in fact, a very warm side. She is deeply caring, loving, open, and chill. I think that the warmth and genuine love Vero has towards those she meets and what she captures is the secret to the authenticity and beauty of her photographs. Vero makes people comfortable within seconds and they can be themselves in front of Vero (whether she is holding a camera or not). What better quality could a photographer and a human being have? Her personality I love and appreciate pours through the interview below, and I hope you get a glimpse of how she looks at the world! Please welcome Vero.
Flavor of the Week: KP Q&A with Vero Suh
Vero Suh is a published New York City photographer and art director. Having worked in the fashion and wedding industries for over 20 years, Vero has gained an admirable reputation for her beautiful work. She is a creative entrepreneur who has built a multi faceted career in San Francisco and New York. Vero's photo and art direction work have been featured in national brands and online publications. Find out more about Vero’s work here and follow her on Instagram here.
Introduce yourself more personally in 2-3 sentences.
My name is Veronica, but most call me Vero. My family was deeply rooted in the fashion industry and this early exposure shaped my sense of style and creativity. Naturally, it led me to pursue a career in corporate fashion and ultimately, photography. I currently work and live in New York City with my husband and son.
Where are you from?
California girl at heart! (Los Angeles and San Francisco)
No, where are you REALLY from? (Haha!)
I’m a third culture kid with a blend of Komerican-Latín-American cultural influences. Ethnically Korean but born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I spent part of my childhood in São Paolo, Brasil. At the age of 10, my family moved to California where I lived most of my childhood/adult life until the pandemic. New opportunities brought me to New York City and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
What’s your sign?
Scorpio!
How would you describe yourself in five words?
Generous, Loving, Creative, Loyal and Passionate.
What do you love about being Komerican?
As a Komerican with strong South American influences, my multicultural background enables me to connect with people from diverse cultures and different walks of life.
And of course, what are your favorite Korean foods?
Nengmyun and Kimbap all day!
What was your childhood like and what has it taught you?
I’m a double immigrant (first Brasil, then the U.S.) and raised by hard working parents. Growing up, my brother and I were latchkey children and we learned to be self-reliant and independent. At a very young age, I was a translator for my parents, caretaker of my brother while also navigating the public education system. I wouldn’t trade my childhood for anything else in the world as it made me who I am today. A grateful, strong and capable daughter, mom, sister, wife and friend, who fiercely loves and protects her blood and chosen family.
Can you share something exciting that you’re working on now?
Since moving to New York, I pivoted my photography to lifestyle and branding work. Whether you’re a creative, solopreneur, or executive, my strength is bringing a brand’s vision to life and I’ve been super excited about this new focus. My latest projects have been for the food and beverage industry (restaurant openings and headshots for chefs) and it’s been so fun because this girl loves to eat! =)
What do people underestimate about you?
My online presence and first impression gives off unapproachable vibes but in reality, I’m totally different! I’m a lot nicer and funnier in person. =).
What was your hardest moment in the past year?
Hardest, most heartbreaking moment of my life was getting a call from my sister in law that my younger brother got into a diving accident in Hawaii and broke his spine which instantly paralyzed him, changing his life forever. They were on vacation with their two kids (my nephew and niece). I dropped everything in NY and flew to Hawaii to be by my family’s side through this tragedy. This accident was a shock to our core family and my brother is now on a difficult road to recovery.
Share your proudest moment in the past year.
Witnessing my brother live through his accident, overcome his daily physical challenges, working hard to gain back his mobility, learning how to live a life in a wheelchair, all while still providing for his family has made me equally sad, humbled yet proud.
We’ve all been hurt in some form or fashion. What are you healing from?
Oh, boy! While I wouldn’t change anything about my upbringing but having working parents and growing up latchkey was very hurtful for a young child. I learned at an early age that I couldn’t depend on anyone and learned to make it work. Becoming a parent changed my heart and perspective. My son has given me a sense of purpose, healing and most of importantly, empathy for my own parents and their sacrifices.
How do you love yourself?
This one took a while to figure out. It wasn’t until recently the quote “you need to put your own oxygen mask on first, before attempting to help those around you.” really resonated with me. Now I prioritize my needs to love myself (self care!), which gives me more strength to help and love others.
How do you love others?
I love others by trying to speak their unique love language (when I can figure it out), otherwise, it’s through my love language which is the gift of quality time.
What five things can you not live without?
Food (is life!)
Family
Friends
Travel
…and eyeliner!
What’s your favorite dance song?
Recently, dance parties are with my son and we sing and dance to Meghan Trainor!
What’s your favorite kind of pie?
Strawberry pie!! It’s literally just crust and a mountain of whole strawberries. So good!
This Q&A was filled out online and edited for length and clarity.
H Mart Happiness: What’s your favorite product and why?
“My fave items are the thinly sliced briskets and ribeye roll meats!! I am from South America after all, and can’t get enough go-gi!” - Vero S.
What’s your favorite H Mart product? Share the love and leave a comment!
Crispy Crust: A Touch of Jeong - Uplifting illustrations that delight
It’s still hot where I am, but fall is definitely in the air. I've been wanting to get back into hand-drawn art, and it feels like the right time to dust off my very old watercolor palette. Are you thinking of starting something new or revisiting something old this fall?
Love, Aram
Korean School: 추석 Chuseok, Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival
Fun facts, idioms, translations and history
추석 Chuseok, also called 한가위 Hangawi, is a celebration of a Mid-Autumn Harvest. It is celebrated in Korea on August 15th of the Lunar Calendar, on the full moon day. It often falls between mid-September and mid-October, and is September 17th this year. It is a three-day national holiday including a day before and a day after to accommodate many people traveling to their hometown to spend this time with family. It’s one of the two biggest national holidays along with Seollal, a lunar New Year’s Day. Like the proverb “더도 말고 덜도 말고 한가위만 같아라 We don’t want to get better or worse than Hangawi," this Korean Thanksgiving signifies the season of abundance and gratitude.
Sweet & Salty: A list of the tastiest treats satisfying all the senses
I am wrapping up my Korean edition of Sweet & Salty with this amazing sewing master Kim Hyun Jung’s studio Mititeiz located in Mapo-gu, Seoul. While creating beautiful hand-sewn hanbok and one-of-a-kind bokjumoni, preparing for solo exhibitions, and teaching in multiple locations all over South Korea, she also runs a small group one-day classes and monthly classes to teach how to sew with Korean traditional materials in her studio. I got a chance to take her one-day class to make a mobile made with Hansan Mosi, handmade Korean traditional linen, with silk thread and traditional knots. The mobile turned out to be as light as a feather, filtering through lights, boasting its lightness and beautiful texture. I am looking forward to getting a sewing book she is working on to publish this December.