A successful Korean-American entrepreneur who made her mark in the art supplies industry is now turning heads by bringing seniors’ dreams to the big stage. Senior model advocacy has become her latest passion through the Kama Silver Model Association (KAMA), where President Youngmi Park, 75, refuses to rest on her past business success and instead provides elders with a chance to unfold a second act in life.
Park first crossed paths with the senior modeling world in 2019. After spotting a recruitment advertisement for senior models in a local newspaper during the LA Korean Festival, she decided to apply out of curiosity. Although she successfully beat a 4-to-1 competition ratio to make the cut, she felt a sense of lingering regret after stepping off the runway. She realized that a one-time performance wasn’t enough; seniors needed a continuous platform to stay active. That realization sparked the creation of a modeling association dedicated entirely to older adults.
"Once you stand on the stage even just once, the expressions on our members’ faces completely change," Park shared. "Seeing how even their attitude toward life transforms made me realize I needed to build an even bigger stage for them."
While the LA Korean Festival served as their early focal point, Park harbored much bigger ambitions. She systematically expanded their operational scope so members could gain confidence on broader stages and showcase Korean culture to the wider public. Earlier this year, the association participated in LA Fashion Week in West Hollywood, followed by a recent senior model show in Las Vegas where roughly 40 members performed on a stage boasting an 850-seat capacity.
Currently, the association counts 70 active membersβ60 women and 10 menβranging dynamically in age from 55 to 86.
Park’s fierce entrepreneurial spirit first ignited 50 years ago when she initially set foot in the United States. Having immigrated in 1976, she hustled through mornings at an office supply store and afternoons at a dental clinic to make ends meet. By 1987, she took over an office supply store herself, but recognized the inherent limitations of the business within two years and began searching for uncharted territory.
While flipping through phone books to brainstorm fresh business items, art supplies caught her eye. Though the sector was entirely unfamiliar, she didn’t hesitate. That decisive leap gave birth to Top’s Art Supplies.
Recalling those intense startup days, Park noted, "After launching the business, I personally visited the art departments of colleges like LA City College, Santa Monica College, and USC. I would wait until professors finished their lectures and politely ask for the list of art materials required for their students." She still proudly preserves those original lists provided by professors decades ago.
Such relentless dedication naturally fueled business expansion. A major turning point arrived when she introduced easels imported from South Korea to local exhibitions. They gained massive popularity, with one British firm ordering 200 units every month, pushing her total easel sales to an astounding 100,000 units over a four-year span.
Having achieved financial and commercial success, Park eventually posed a deeper question to herself. Although she accomplished much through business, she wanted to evaluate what she had truly contributed to society. That introspective journey ultimately birthed her dedication to senior modeling, turning it into her newest life mission.
"You must always set your goals high to truly achieve your dreams," Park emphasized. "Age is just a number, and I sincerely hope senior models continue living vibrant lives fully dedicated to themselves."
