A Message from Joon Young Park

If we do things right for Earth, she will take care of us.

Written by Hannah Moon / 3 Min Read  /  Ethical business founding story 

Founder Profile Picture 2

In 2010, I founded SejinPlus, named after my second daughter, with a purpose deeply rooted in love and responsibility on Earth. Sejin, my second daughter, faced developmental challenges; I embarked on my journey to empower people with disabilities and create a world where they could thrive independently. Through SejinPlus, I provide comprehensive support and resources, specialized programs, advocacy, and opportunities for skill development and inclusion in society, all while promoting eco-friendly initiatives and raising awareness about the intersection of disability and the environment. By intertwining the goals of environmental sustainability and disability empowerment, SejinPlus seeks to create a more inclusive, accessible, and environmentally conscious society for all.

I never envisioned myself as the leader of an environmental activism enterprise, but for over a decade, I have been at the helm of a thriving and impactful organization. Although the journey has been what I expected, it has been incredibly fulfilling and it has become my guiding light.

I began my entrepreneurship as a garment manufacturer in the textile industry. In the earlier days of business management, I was striving to contribute to society through unconventional areas, such as creating accessible working environments for people with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities often face limited opportunities for gainful employment and adequate financial compensation. I began my business practice to remove the barrier for people who I care about. Since I founded SejinPlus, Sejin's name has become my guiding light, reminding me never to surrender to adversity.

While I was doing my best to address creating an inclusive working environment for all, fuelled by a passion for making a difference, I sought to prove that discarded textile waste could be transformed into remarkable resources. My unwavering determination and 47 years of accumulated knowledge in the textile industry led me to invent "PlusNel," an eco-friendly textile panel that breathed new life into used garments, fabric scraps, and discarded banners, recycling them into architectural materials of exceptional density.

Through my humble efforts to contribute to society and protect the environment, a remarkable journey unfolded, leading me to the invention of innovative and sustainable materials for future generations. It all began with a seemingly insignificant act - the utilization of discarded fabric scraps that were often overlooked as renewable sources. Little did anyone imagine that these remnants would become a catalyst for change, providing not only a second chance but also a third chance for discarded materials, just as I had intended for people with disabilities. This aligns with our principle that "If we do things right for Earth, she will take care of us."

I have a dream that SejinPlus represents more than just a business; it's a testament to our unwavering commitment to a greener and more inclusive world. My humble beginnings have blossomed into a remarkable mission, weaving hope and sustainability into the solution for our future generations.