Episode #9 Sun Ah Brock: Surface to Substance - The Interior Design Entrepreneur Who Found Her Voice Through Authenticity

Sun Ah Brock shares her remarkable journey from founding LUX Decor in her kitchen in 2019 to building what is on-track to become North America's largest interior design community. As a Korean adoptee who was abandoned at the age of four, Sun Ah explores how her personal journey of identity discovery profoundly influences her approach to design and business.

In this powerful episode, Sun Ah shares her moving story of self-discovery and the ongoing exploration of her identity. She discusses her transformation from someone deeply resistant to personal branding and questioning "why would anyone listen to me?" to embracing her unique voice and perspective. The conversation reveals how her personal philosophy of "feelings over things" and concept of "interiority" have not only shaped her personal brand but revolutionized her approach to business.

Sun Ah's journey includes reconnecting with her biological family in South Korea and taking the courageous step to share her story publicly for the first time. Her experience demonstrates how personal branding isn't about what you do, but who you are—a philosophy that has allowed her to create a distinctive approach in an industry typically focused on surfaces and aesthetics. Sun Ah also shares her vision for Maru, her design community that embodies connection, vulnerability, and belonging—values she discovered were missing in her own life.

Through authentic leadership and storytelling, she demonstrates how embracing one's true identity can create deeper connections both personally and professionally.This episode beautifully illustrates how embracing your authentic story and developing a clear message can create meaningful impact that extends beyond personal visibility to transform an entire business approach.

Key Takeaways:

• Imposter syndrome often manifests as questioning whether you deserve "a spot at the table" or if people want to hear your voice
• The difference between "fitting in" (changing parts of yourself) and "belonging" (arriving as yourself and being accepted)
• Creating a sense of home for others can become a powerful purpose, especially for those who never felt it themselves
• True connection requires both giving and receiving—sharing deeply, not just listening to others
• Communities provide belonging, support, and opportunities for vulnerability that fuel both personal and professional growth
• Entrepreneurial focus is critical—energy should be directed to 1-2 priorities rather than trying to do everything at once
• Authentic leadership involves being vulnerable first, which inspires others to do the same

Sound Bites:

• "I want to create a sense of home for others that I never really felt like I had."
• "Fitting in is changing parts of yourself to belong, but truly belonging is arriving as yourself and being accepted."
• "If you can really live authentically, you just live a richer life."
• "Focus on less and do it really well."
• "If the inner story is something burning within you, it is most likely time for it to come out."
• "Live your life as you."

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Imposter Syndrome
07:00 - Turning Houses into Homes
13:56 - The Adoption Journey and Korean Heritage
20:06 - Reconnecting with Biological Family
26:05 - Building Communities and Authentic Living
28:28 - Vulnerable Leadership
33:34 - From Fitting In to Belonging
40:06 - The Entrepreneur's Challenge of Focus
49:16 - Authentic Networking and Being "Perfectly Imperfect"