What began as a personal tribute to her brother is now inspiring a new business venture, as a real estate investor and Columbia Business School graduate prepares to open her first brick-and-mortar location in Chelsea.
Noona’s, owned by Christine Kim, will open at 203 W. 20th St.
The space will serve as an Asian wellness retailer by day before transitioning into a wine bar by night.
“Noona means big sister in Korean. It’s a homage to my younger brother. There was a period in my life when my light really dimmed, and without my brother, I don’t know how I could have survived that period. My brother was really my light,” Kim told Whatnow New York City.
With the tagline, “be light, shine bright,” Kim wanted Noona’s interior to embody a welcoming space for guests and make it feel familiar as if they’re stepping into a living room.
“When thinking about Noona’s, there’s brightness, a warmth and a sun-like aura–spreading joy through wellness,” she said.
The retail section will offer skin care products, wellness essentials and supplements, while the café will serve locally sourced coffee and tea imported from Korea, creating a space where guests can shop and recharge.
“Think of your typical coffee, matcha menu, and then the exciting part that’s a little different is we will do Asian-inspired wellness smoothies, functional beverages, as well as debuting a line of Korean bone broth, which will be in a cup like you’re drinking coffee,” Kim said.
Specialty drinks will include a chestnut-flavored coffee and a kabocha squash matcha latte.
“They’re interesting flavors, they’re healthier ingredients, but it’s really, really tasty,” she said.
Around 4 p.m., Noona’s will trade its daytime café atmosphere for a wine bar serving Korean tapas.
Kim looks forward to opening her business in a neighborhood she knows and loves.
“I always say, to win the right to exist in a community, the community has to embrace you. If I knew nothing about Chelsea, I don’t think I would be the right person to open anything in Chelsea, but I’m familiar, I love the neighborhood. When I found the spot, it was a no-brainer,” she said.
She’s also excited to see her vision take shape and recognizes the important role her team has played in bringing it to fruition.
“I’m most excited to see it come to life, which is a testament to your thoughts become your actions and your actions become your destiny. Often, these ideas exist in your head, but to see it and for other people to enjoy your creations, there’s no feeling like it,” Kim said.
Noona’s is slated to make its debut in December. Stay tuned!
