Celebrating Asian American & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Kristie Kim

This is part of a series of stories we’re sharing about independent workers. Since May is Asian American & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month, we’re recognizing members of the AANHPI community and bringing to light the unique stories and challenges they face. We spoke with Kristie to learn more about her experience as an Asian American independent worker.

Hi, Kristie! Can you tell us about yourself and what kind of self-employed work you do?

I live in Raleigh, North Carolina and own an online graphic design company called Kristie Kim Design, which I started in 2015. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Design Studies with a minor in Art and Design from North Carolina State University, and I also received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from Art Center College of Design and a certification from Harvard Business School in November of 2020. I also started delivering for DoorDash and Postmates on the side during the pandemic because I was furloughed from my part-time job.

Were there any unique challenges you faced in starting your business because you were a member of the AANHPI community?

When I was delivering food at the start of the pandemic, I experienced customers who would harass me because I’m Asian. I’d often hear side comments about whether or not the food was safe to eat because I’m Asian and that I myself was the coronavirus. There are also some customers I’ve had in the past who thought I couldn’t speak English, when in reality I have two degrees and a certification from Harvard. I faced racism during the pandemic, but I was facing racism even before the pandemic started, too.

How about the other side of the coin: Were there any advantages that being a member of the AANHPI community provided in starting your own business?

Retrieved from https://www.kristiekim.com/illustrations

I’m supported by other Asian people who understand the challenges we face from the racism and ignorance of others. I definitely do not want other Asian American women to experience what I have gone through, but I hope they learn to embrace their strong Asian heritage and don't let the racism or hatred get in the way of achieving their dreams and being successful. 

I still face racism from time to time and I hope that through my graphic design business, I can stand up for young Asian American girls who face racism as much as I did growing up. I want them to experience more love than hatred while growing up in America.

What advice would you give to fellow AANHPI entrepreneurs?

It will be a tough and lonely journey at times. I feel blessed that I have a strong Korean culture and I can fit into a Korean community where a lot of people don’t have that sense of community. Even if people say racist things about you and look at you as the stereotypical Asian immigrant living in the United States, think of yourself as blessed and still being able to stand strong. 

I have accepted the fact that I will face racism even until the day I die, but there are so many positive things in life to look forward to. If people don’t serve you, then move on because there are people who will support you!

Thanks for you sharing your story and advice with us and the rest of the Stride community, Kristie!