Hello!
I'm SANG LEE
I am thrilled that you found Up and Down Story.
Hello! I’d love to share a bit about my journey, which has been as flavorful as the dishes I cherish. It all began when I ventured to the U.S. for an English language program, not knowing that this trip would lead me to my husband and a beautiful life here—29 years have flown by since!
As a proud mother of two lovely daughters, aged 27 and 25, my days have been filled with the joys and challenges of raising them while embracing my role as the eldest daughter-in-law in a large family. Balancing family life with my ambition to start various businesses has been no small feat. Often, I found myself caught in the whirlwind of daily responsibilities, leaving little room for self-reflection and pursuing my dreams.
At 48, a spark ignited within me—a yearning to reconnect with the dreams I had set aside. This was the moment I discovered the power of social media, particularly Instagram, as a platform to share my experiences and connect with others.
As an immigrant navigating a new culture, I found solace in two things: the people and the food. The flavors of my mother’s home-cooked meals and the tastes of my childhood became my anchors. Every time I managed to recreate those beloved dishes, I was enveloped in comfort and nostalgia. However, my busy routine often thwarted my attempts to pass down these culinary treasures to my daughters. This struggle led me on a quest for meal prep techniques and cooking tips that would make home cooking a reality, even on the busiest of days.
What surprised me was how many people resonated with my journey. Through Instagram, I connected with others who also longed for the tastes of home, sharing similar challenges in their attempts to recreate cherished meals. This realization inspired me to share my meal prep insights and cooking tips, hoping to offer comfort and ease to fellow food lovers.
Now, I see a beautiful community forming—a blend of second-generation immigrants and food enthusiasts who miss those comforting home-cooked meals. I've had the pleasure of meeting many who are eager to discover the rich flavors of Korean cuisine, a culinary gem that is gaining recognition worldwide.
My hope is that this space becomes a welcoming gateway for everyone to enjoy healthier, easier home-cooked meals, regardless of your background. And for my daughters, I envision it as a cozy retreat—a place to revisit the flavors of their mother’s cooking whenever they desire.
Join me on this delicious journey, as we explore the joys of cooking, the warmth of family, and the power of food to connect us all!
LEGACY
Each day, I build a legacy,
An intangible gift for my children to inherit.
This ethereal heritage
Demands the fullness of our lives,
As we pour our hearts into its creation.
In the mosaic of daily moments,
My life unfolds,
A reflection of what is to come,
A legacy is woven from the threads of our existence.
I strive to prove that dreams, once deemed impossible,
Can indeed take flight,
Even amidst the fierce storms of adversity,
I show how to rise above,
Demonstrating the strength found in gratitude,
Even when shadows loom.
This is the essence of living.
Not merely spoken words,
But a life fully committed,
A testament for my children to witness—
This is what endures as a legacy.
This is the rhythm of our everyday life.
-Up and Down Story-