My name is Bora, and I am the CEO of Pawbulous, a sustainable design studio where we transform industrial waste into upcycled products and digital content to raise environmental awareness.
Pawbulous is a startup with a unique mission. We breathe new life into industrial waste, crafting sustainable materials that become the canvas for our imaginative and colorful designs. Our business not only addresses the waste crisis but also promotes a circular economy, all while reducing carbon emissions. A portion of our profits goes toward saving endangered species.
Reflecting on the past two years of my journey, I often find myself wondering, 'How did I end up here?'
Ironically, being a CEO and running my own business wasn't in my life plan. I embarked on a different path, spending over 15 years as a primary school teacher. While I didn't have a specific dream, I had a deep fondness for children, a love that remains strong today as a mother of three.
Working with kids brought joy as I witnessed them learn and grow. I might have continued teaching if my son hadn't fallen ill. Born with asthma and multiple allergies, he battled childhood leukemia shortly after his first birthday, which led to a life-changing moment.
In a hospital corridor, my son asked why I always sang "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." I explained its beauty and the tradition of making wishes upon shooting stars. His curious eyes then asked, "Mommy, why can't we see any stars in the sky?"
That question shifted the course of my life. I realized that in a city like Seoul, light pollution and smog concealed the stars, leaving me feeling saddened and responsible. In that moment, I vowed to restore the sky, not for the world, but for my son and other kids.
My son recovered, and we left the hospital, but the promise lingered. To fulfill it, I founded my own school and initiated "Earth Camp" to educate children about sustainability. Alongside a dear friend, we organized Earth Pop-up markets to promote eco-friendly consumption, raising funds for reforestation, endangered species protection, and beach cleanups.
When COVID-19 struck in 2020, my Earth Camp was halted, leading me to start Pawbulous Design Studio. Here, art and technology unite to create sustainable materials and eco-friendly products.
Life doesn't always follow our plans. My dream job only materialized when I embraced uncertainty. The journey had its share of frustrations and moments when I felt stuck, but as someone wise once said, "Life is what you make it." Your dreams come true depending on your choices and perspective.
Today, I'm passionate about my work, striving to create a meaningful impact. Through this blog, I aim to share every step of my journey, offering a glimpse into the ongoing realization of my dreams, which are still in the making.