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

Hi Veronica, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
One thing about the industry that others are probably unaware of is that the products that I sell or create are related and incorporated with what I do for a living as an Acupuncturist. For instance, use sage and palo santo to cleanse my office and treatment rooms after work, I apply crystals and stones along with acupuncture needles for my clients. All that provides a type of healing and balance for my clients.

What should our readers know about your business?
How I got to where I am was not easy. I was and still am working as an Acupuncturist/Herbologist and felt the need to transform my clinical skills to some form an art and creativity. Contemplating between a full-time practitioner versus running an online shop took a while to decide. Did I want to give up half of what I was making to pursue my dream career? What about my family? What about finances? I finally decided if that I don’t do it now, I’m always going to wonder, it didn’t sit well with me. I researched on how to run an online shop, run a business, found ideas from Etsy, Pinterest, Facebook, and other social media platforms. FInally created an business called Botanical Box where I thought about packaging up spa gifts of sage, crystals, bath and body products, etc, it was like a ” Spa in a Box.” From then I learned how to make floral leis, which was a money maker and began to package the products as gift items. Of course, trying to juggle time with clients and maintaining an online shop does become mind consuming at times.
Lessons I learned was and is to take a business course, marketing and social media courses along with mental breaks. I find it helpful and informative.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Welcome my friend to my place in Irvine. Allow time for her to freshen up, relax, and absorb the energy and ambiance. Prepare a simple nourishing homemade lunch of Fish Taco with toppings and drink of cold Mojito.
Relax after lunch and get ready to check out and shop at South Coast Plaza.
South Coast Plaza Tour
Dinner at Muragame Udon with water.
Dessert at Churrino Gourmet Dessert for amazing Churros.
Head back home, hang out at the pool , have glass of Pinot Grigio wine with chips/guacamole, salsa.
Get ready for the next day.

Day 2: Homemade breakfast of French Toast, sausages, scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes/bell peppers, yogurt and fruit/ Orange Juice or Pineapple Juice to drink.
Get ready to meet with friends at Laguna Beach for the day.
Drive to the store on the way to the beach to grab some Water/Seltzer/ IPA’s/ ice and red cups/ Chips/ already made
sandwiches/ fruit from Ralph’s Grocery store.
Meet with friends at Laguna Beach, hang out, play some volleyball, eat, nap, relax.
After the beach, meet friends back at home for a BBQ potluck for dinner.
Hang out and enjoy the rest of the night with friends.

Day3: Sleep in.
Late breakfast at Aloha Stacks in Irvine.
After late breakfast, drive over to the OC Great Park for walk then go on the balloon ride.
Head back home and relax, get ready for an evening of dancing.
Meet some friends at the Ruin Bar in Costa Mesa, their Moscow Mule and Expresso Martini is amazing.
Walk over to the Mesa for dinner, drinks and dancing.
Head back home,night cap with friends with some Pinot Grigio.

Day 4: Sleep in.
Breakfast at home, warm noodles with veggies and tea.
Go for a walk at the Woodbury Town Center.
Get ready to meet friends for lunch in Newport Beach
Meet friends at Lido Marina Village
Lunch at Malibu Farm Lido with non-alcoholic drinks.
Tour Newport Beach Lido, Harbor, Fashion Island.
Meet at home for potluck dinner and drinks.
Enjoy potluck with friends and movie night.
Get ready for the next day.

Day 5: Wake up eary, not too early.
Simple breakfast from Starbucks blueberry muffin/ banana nut bread and Iced Cafe latte
Get ready for a trip to LA.
Lunch at Grand Central Market
Check out Getty Museum
Check out The Grove
Dinner at the Chill Since ’93 for their amazing pizza and Mojito.
Head back home, rest and get ready for last day of fun.

Day 6: Breakfast with friends at The Snooze, they have amazing Bloody Mary
Head back home relax. get ready for lunch with friends again at Taco Rosa, wonderful Mojitos for everyone.
Head back home rest and relax.
Meet friends back at home for potluck farewell dinner.
Enjoy the rest of the night

Day 7: My friend leaves and I get to clean the house and enjoy some quiet time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Way of the Peaceful Warrior By Dan Millman, a book I have read multiple times to get to and thru changes, challenges, and comfort.

Website: www.botanicalbox.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/botanicalbox_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicackim/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/botanicalboxlove

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@botanicalbox

Image Credits
Bio Photo was taken by Lisa Hu Chen, Photographer for Woodbury Community, Portola High School, and many establishments.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.