Meet Hyejin Lee | Small Local Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hyejin Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hyejin, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Initially, I viewed risk with apprehension and avoided taking chances for nearly a decade out of fear. This cautious approach kept me within my comfort zone, but it also prevented me from pursuing my aspirations fully. I remained in my corporate job for over 10 years as a result. However, as time went on, I began to understand that without taking risks, life can become stagnant, hindering personal and professional growth. Embracing risk has played a pivotal role in my life currently because I’m trying to start over at the age of 31 by leaving my corporate job and transitioning to my new art career . It has opened doors to new opportunities, allowed me to discover my true passions, and encouraged personal development. While the fear of failure is still present at times, I now recognize that taking calculated risks is essential for achieving meaningful success and fulfillment.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was born in Seoul, South Korea, and growing up in an Asian household, I believed success meant climbing the corporate ladder. Both my dad and my older sister were accountants, so naturally, I thought I should follow the same path. After college, I landed a corporate job and started working immediately. I stayed in corporate for a decade because it seemed like the only way to secure a stable income with a ‘real’ job. However, over time, I began feeling increasingly unhappy, as if corporate life was draining my spirit with its repetitive nature. Despite my growing dissatisfaction, fear of financial instability kept me from leaving.

During this period, I found solace in drawing my adorable and silly penis character called ‘Girthy Gochu,’ which I initially created for fun during game nights or as quirky greeting cards. The positive reactions from people gave me a rush of joy that had been missing in my life for years. Inspired by this newfound passion, I opened an Etsy shop selling prints, stickers, and cards featuring my character. The name ‘Girthy Gochu’ is a playful nod to my Korean heritage and a bit of linguistic humor. In Korean, ‘gochu’ (고추) means chili pepper, but it’s also used as slang for ‘penis (or wiener.)’ Drawing inspiration from both meanings, I playfully named my character ‘Girthy Gochu’ as a witty twist on the wordplay associated with ‘gochu.’ It adds a touch of whimsy and cultural reference to my art, blending humor with creativity. Each piece featuring ‘Girthy Gochu’ aims to bring laughter with clever innuendos, puns, and wordplay.

Despite my doubts stemming from my corporate background, I took a leap of faith and applied for a major local market, despite stiff competition. To my astonishment, ‘Girthy Gochu’ was accepted!

This success was not only financially rewarding but also deeply fulfilling. It made me realize that I had been my own obstacle all along. Encouraged by this validation, I made the bold decision to quit my corporate job and pursue art full-time. I wanted to live a life where my work brought joy, where I could prioritize my happiness and make others smile with my creations. For me, that meant embracing my unique artistic voice and sharing the message that sometimes “life gets hard, but it’ll get soft again.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Arrival and Downtown Tucson Exploration

Morning: Start with breakfast at Prep & Pastry for delicious pastries and brunch options.
Mid-morning: Visit the Tucson Museum of Art to explore local and regional art collections.
Lunch: Head to Café Poca Cosa for vibrant Mexican cuisine in a colorful setting.
Afternoon: Stroll through Downtown Tucson and browse shops like Antigone Books for unique finds.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at El Charro Café, Tucson’s oldest Mexican restaurant, known for its carne seca.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures

Morning: Drive to Sabino Canyon for a morning hike or tram ride through stunning desert landscapes.
Lunch: Grab a bite at Ghini’s French Caffé for delicious French-inspired dishes.
Afternoon: Explore Saguaro National Park (East) for more hiking trails and iconic saguaro cacti views.
Evening: Relax with dinner at Cielos at Lodge on the Desert, offering southwestern cuisine in a historic setting.

Day 3: Tucson’s Unique Attractions

Morning: Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum to see desert wildlife and botanical gardens.
Lunch: Have a casual lunch at Mercado San Agustin, known for its food hall with various vendors.
Afternoon: Explore Old Tucson, a western-themed movie studio and amusement park.
Evening: Head to 4th Avenue for dinner at The Coronet, followed by exploring local bars and live music venues.

Day 4: Day Trip to Mount Lemmon

Morning: Drive up to Mount Lemmon for cooler temperatures and hiking options among pine forests.
Lunch: Stop at Summerhaven for lunch at places like The Sawmill Run Restaurant and a cookie.
Afternoon: Enjoy scenic viewpoints and possibly visit the SkyCenter Observatory for stargazing (check for availability).
Evening: Return to Tucson for a relaxed dinner at Maynards Market & Kitchen.

Day 5: Cultural and Historic Sites

Morning: Visit Mission San Xavier del Bac, a historic Spanish mission with stunning architecture.
Lunch: Have a traditional Sonoran hot dog at El Guero Canelo.
Afternoon: Explore Tucson Botanical Gardens for beautiful desert flora and fauna.
Evening: Dinner at Penca, offering upscale Mexican cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

Day 6: Wine Tasting and Relaxation

Morning: Drive to Sonoita/Elgin Wine Country for wine tasting at local vineyards like Dos Cabezas WineWorks and Callaghan Vineyards.
Lunch: Enjoy a picnic at one of the wineries or dine at The Café at Sonoita Vineyards.
Afternoon: Continue wine tasting or relax with scenic views of rolling hills.
Evening: Return to Tucson and dine at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails for a farm-to-table experience.

Day 7: Outdoor Recreation and Farewell

Morning: Visit Tucson Mountain Park for hiking or biking trails with desert and mountain views.
Lunch: Try local BrushFire BBQ Co. or Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ.
Afternoon: Explore Tohono Chul Park for gardens, art galleries, and cultural exhibits.
Evening: Farewell dinner at The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol, known for its scenic views and upscale dining experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shout out to my partner Jack. I genuinely believe that without him, I wouldn’t have made the progress I have in my new art career. I was so scared to embark on this new journey on my own because I didn’t have the confidence to believe in myself fully. But his unwavering belief in my art from the very beginning has been a constant source of encouragement and motivation. I truly appreciate all the ways he has helped me navigate this change, both physically and emotionally. From lending a listening ear to cheering me on with every new artwork, staying up until 3am in the morning to assist in prepping for the market, and helping me setup my booth with so much excitement every time has been a blessing. Beyond that, his kindness, and positivity has lifted me up on days when self-doubt crept in and always reminding me that I’m capable. To have this kind of unconditional support and love has been overwhelmingly heartwarming and reassuring, making every step of this journey feel lighter and more fulfilling. It’s been a journey of discovery and growth, and having him by my side has made all the difference, I can’t thank him enough.

Website: https://GirthyGochu.Etsy.com

Instagram: https://Girthy.Gochu

Other: Etsy Shop Link: GirthyGochu.Etsy.com

Image Credits
None