Ji Young Chun is a 17 year-old Korean native who, while attending a New Jersey boarding school, finds the time to study and foster her entrepreneur spirit by creating and selling her art—which is first, her passion, and now a part of her livelihood.

“I started to draw and paint when I was very young,” said Chun. “I eventually got accepted to the most competitive arts middle school in Korea, and then I got into Seoul Arts High School, which I was proud to achieve.”

Inspired by art and her passion to create, she decided to venture to America to broaden her studies. So, how does a young art student become an entrepreneur?

Well, last year Chun became interested in Artsonia, which is the largest online art exhibition for American high school students. Her art teacher uploaded her artwork, which was printed on t-shirts, notebooks, and greeting cards. Artsonia gives the student’s school 15 percent of the items purchased.

“I felt limited by this and wanted to contribute more of my art not only to society, but also for my school, Purnell,” said Chun.

And that is what propelled Chun to start her own business centered on her art. First thing she needed to do was create a means to sell her products, so she launched a Web site: www.jiyoungstory.com

“Through my business, I realized that true art is just a reflection of an artist’s soul and all great art can exist not only for the artist but also for society,” said Chun.

Chun says anything and anyone she meets, anywhere she goes inspires her. She feels her artwork is a reflection of her life and experiences.

Currently, Chun runs her business on her own with some input from adults and her friends. Chun says that balancing work and school is not a real challenge for her. She views schoolwork as a basic obligation she must fulfill and her artwork as her only real ‘work.’

Being regarded as an entrepreneur at such a young age, Chun says she feels gratitude towards her consumers and others who think of her as an entrepreneur because she feels she’s only in the infant stages of her business.

“After I graduate from high school, I will vary my designs,” said Chun. “Eventually I would like to design clothes and fashion products, as well as make my business partially for profit and not for profit.”

Although just a teenager, Chun has a firm vision of what she wants out of her life and out of her passion for art. She views her art as more than drawings on paper; she views it as an opportunity for self-reflection and for sharing her passion with the world.

“Art is the pursuit of the beauty that surrounds an artist,” said Chun. “During my practice as an artist, I found ample opportunities for introspection, but recently, I have been blessed by the ability to look beyond my soul.”

Chun quotes Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe who said, ‘Science and art belong to the whole world, and before they vanish the barriers of nationality.’

From his wisdom, Chun says she learned that true art is just a reflection of an artist’s soul—for all great art has two faces—one towards the artist and the other towards society.

Ji Young Chun seems wise beyond her years and has a true passion for her gift of creating art and wants to share it with the world. She demonstrates that it’s never too soon to pursue your dreams.

In keeping with Identity’s mission of ‘Accept, Appreciate, Achieve’ below are some questions, known as the Identity Five:

1. What have you accepted in your life that took time?

Ji Young Chun: Since I was in elementary school, I dedicated most of my time in life to studio art. Eventually I got into the most competitive arts school in Korea for middle school and high school. Until I came to the U.S. my life was full of ART. But when I decided to come to America to study in the broader world, I had to spend time studying English. Since I came here in 2007, I’ve discovered a balance between English and art.

2. What do you appreciate the most in your life?

Ji Young Chun: I appreciate effort and hard work towards anything around me. I think nothing is impossible if one puts the best effort in the work. Even things that seem trivial can be rewarding and helpful for the future.

3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life?

Ji Young Chun: The most rewarding achievement in life is the fact that I got into the Seoul Arts High School. I feel proud that I made it, and it helped me believe in myself and my talent in art.

4. What is your not so perfect way?

Ji Young Chun: For me, my not so perfect way is not being happy because I regard being happy with having a successful life. If I felt unhappy with working in art, I wouldn’t pursue the way I live right now. Every hard work comes from the driving force of energy inside my heart of passion and happiness.

5. Identity also has an “I Love My…” section of her Web site where you can say something that you love…it can be anything…I love my cat, I love my friends, I love the weekends…How would you complete the phrase “I Love My…”?
Ji Young Chun: I love my…way of living!

*permission from Brooke Malik, Ji Young Chun's guidance counselor.