About the Founder

 


Contemporary Bojagi Artist & Designer

The Heart and Hands Behind the Stitch Judy Kim is a Korean-American artist and designer dedicated to the intersection of heritage, sustainability, and modern life. After two decades at the high-velocity center of the New York fashion industry, Judy felt a profound calling to trade the busy energy of commercial design for a more intentional path. In 2023, she founded BOJAGI—a San Francisco-based studio born from a desire to honor her Korean roots while addressing the environmental impact of the textile world.

Through the ancient art of bojagi (traditional wrapping cloths), Judy creates a bridge between ancestral craftsmanship and a new generation. Her work has gained notable recognition for its cultural depth, including a feature in The Korea Times. Recently, she collaborated with the Mayor of San Francisco to create bespoke bojagi wraps for his diplomatic mission to Seoul, which were presented as official gifts to the Mayor of Seoul.


Preserving Heritage Through Modern Craft

Judy believes that the preservation of craft is a vital act of storytelling. By translating time-honored techniques for a contemporary audience, she ensures that this cultural legacy remains vibrant and relevant. Her handcrafted textiles and home décor are more than objects; they are expressions of a low-impact, purposeful lifestyle that proves traditional wisdom can guide a modern path.

By focusing on the tactile nature of hand-stitching, Judy keeps the spirit of her heritage alive while integrating zero-waste and circular design practices. She reimagines Korean tradition for a future built on presence, community, and the beauty of the "slow." Through her art, she invites a new generation to embrace a lifestyle where every stitch is a conscious choice to honor the past while shaping a healthier, more meaningful planet.

Check out Judy's sister brand Mandoo Club.