about

Shane's Story of Kteashop

Since I was young, I've always dreamed of becoming a successful business person. However, I found myself unsure of how to achieve that dream or what it truly meant to be successful in life. I grew up in a lower class family in Korea and moved to the States in my teens to pursue a way to my “American Dream”. Life didn’t get easier or closer to my dream. In fact, even after working tirelessly to afford tuitions, I dropped out of college. I struggled for years to simply get by, didn’t meet my parents and family for 10 years and stayed trapped into this dream… but I persisted. These experiences led me to think out of my cultural box, expand my horizons and and eventually also led me to meet the person I call today my wife. So then I moved again to a new country: Switzerland. A new dream, and a new reality. During my first year living in Switzerland, I experienced a devastating layoff from Meta, and it forced me to reflect deeply on whether the daily grind of a job was truly fulfilling and worthwhile. Working tirelessly for a company, only to face the constant fear of being let go, made me question the value of trading my precious time for a paycheck. I realized that I didn't want to spend the majority of my life building someone else's dream. Instead, I yearned for a life where I could prioritize my family and truly live for them. It was during this soul-searching period that I made a life-changing decision—I would embark on a journey to create my own business together with my wife Nicole: a Korean tea shop “Ktea Shop”. Through this venture, I wanted to share my belief in the power of sharing and caring for our loved ones. Our shop offers a wide range of incredible Korean products, but it is more than just merchandise. It symbolizes a commitment to spending quality time with the people we hold dear. Through my personal journey and the creation of Ktea Shop, I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams. Let’s rewrite the narrative of success and inspire a world where heartfelt moments are treasured above all else, by sipping together on a cup of tea and taking care of each other.

Nicole's Story of Kteashop

🌸✨ Since many people ask me why Korea and how did I develop my love for this culture here is my story: When I was a teenager, I traveled to Canada to study English. Little did I know that this journey would change my future. It was there that I met some incredible Korean friends who invited me into their homes to experience their culture firsthand. I was astonished as we sat on the floor to eat spicy ramen 🍜 at the time ramen and “Oppa Gangnam Style” were the only things I knew of the existence of this country and culture. Suddenly I found myself growing closer to the culture and its people, as if there was a part of me being dragged in a deeper journey. I could not forget those moments spent with my Korean friends in Canada and shortly after high school I applied to study at first Busan National University, and then Seoul National university. During my time in Korea, I discovered something truly special - the magical world of Korean cafes. These cozy little corners became a hub for friends and schoolmates to gather, share stories, and create unforgettable memories. I can still feel the warmth of those moments spent sipping on a delightful Matcha latte, discussing our lives and dreams in Korea. Throughout my journey, I realized that my passion for sharing culture was a calling I couldn't ignore. My Korean friends met in Canada, ended up attending my wedding in Korea. From a simple bowl of ramen eaten in the floor of a student apartment in Vancouver, to 7 years later becoming part of a new culture that today I call my second home. Having moved to Switzerland after our Korean wedding, with my husband Shane by my side, I decided to turn my passion into something tangible. That's why we founded K-Tea Shop, a place where I can finally share my love for Korean culture with all of you. Through our carefully curated products, we hope to bring a piece of Korea into your lives, just as it has enriched mine and inspired my path. Life has taught me that the most extraordinary experiences often come from sharing. By embracing and celebrating different cultures, we open doors to new opportunities, friendships, and a world of endless possibilities. Let's explore the wonders of Korean culture together and share your own passions with others. Nicole Kim

We, through Ktea Shop, aim to build a community where our shared love for Korean culture brings us together and inspires us to create meaningful connections.

We share a deep passion for Korean culture, and it has inspired us to create Ktea Shop, a place where we curate a diverse range of Korean products and provide a welcoming space for people to come together, share stories, and create beautiful memories. Our own journey and the creation of Ktea Shop have taught us valuable lessons. We want to inspire you to pursue your dreams, redefine what success means to you, and prioritize the meaningful moments spent with your loved ones. We believe in the power of resilience, embracing different cultures, and the impact of sharing and caring for one another.