After growing up together in Korea, childhood friends Chae and YJ became inspired by the instant coffee of the 90s and decided to create KimlyParc. While most instant coffees lose their intensity and depth, KimlyParc maintains a rich flavor profile that is on par with an artisan coffee shop brew. From instant espresso to instant decaf, these portable packages can easily be taken on the go for convenient caffeination. Their original Korean latte is a slightly sweeter blend made with vegan creamer and organic sugar, ensuring that lactose-free customers can enjoy KimlyParc products.
Recently, we caught up with Chae and YJ to learn more about their journey and hear their advice for fellow entrepreneurs.
1. Why did you start KimlyParc?
Coffee has always been more than just a drink for me—it's a daily pleasure. However, living in New York, I realized that this simple joy isn't accessible to everyone. The cost of a café coffee is high, and the demands of a fast-paced life often make it difficult to brew the perfect cup at home. Growing up, Korean instant coffee was a constant presence in my life. It wasn’t just a staple on our kitchen shelf; it was a comforting ritual found in almost every restaurant, where vending machines offered those familiar cups for free. I have vivid memories of savoring the bitter-sweet taste in small sips, a treat my parents occasionally allowed.
During a visit to Korea, I was struck by the vibrant coffee culture there. Specialty coffee shops were everywhere, and yet, instant coffee remained a beloved option, filling entire aisles in grocery stores. That’s when the idea struck me: “What if I could reinvent instant coffee to deliver the quality and experience of café coffee?”
That spark ignited the journey that became KimlyParc.
2. What obstacles did you face along the way?
We chose instant coffee because we believed in its potential to match the quality of brewed coffee or ready-to-drink (RTD) options. Our confidence stemmed from the fact that our process is different from conventional methods. We’ve developed a unique approach that preserves the richness and depth of flavor that is typically lost in instant coffee production.
However, instant coffee has a mixed reputation, and changing people's perceptions without them tasting it was a challenge. Yet, when we do demos in stores or at pop-ups, the transformation is immediate—customers are amazed by how delicious and convenient it is, and they leave with a box in hand.
3. What lessons do you have for other entrepreneurs?
One of the most important lessons we've learned is the value of objectivity. We conduct numerous tasting sessions with diverse age and lifestyle groups to ensure that our coffee truly resonates with a broad audience. It’s easy to become biased towards your product—after all, it’s your creation, your “baby.” But it’s crucial to stay grounded and understand what genuinely works for others. At the same time, you must believe in your vision.
4. What’s on the horizon for KimlyParc?
We’re excited to launch our first-ever gift set for the upcoming holiday season, which will include a custom-designed mug that embodies our brand’s spirit. We’re also expanding to our home country, Korea, and continuously developing new products. There’s so much to look forward to, and we’re thrilled to keep the momentum going!
5. How do you keep a work/life balance? What drives/inspires you?
As co-founders who’ve been friends since high school, the line between work and play is often blurred. We keep the atmosphere light and fun, which helps us tackle challenges with enthusiasm. What truly inspires us are the unexpected messages and emails we receive from customers who share how our coffee has become a part of their daily routine. Hearing their stories fuels our creativity and drives us to keep innovating.