We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Shon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
The end goal for my content is to simply share my love for mechanical keyboards. It’s an intimidating hobby to start because there’s so much to learn. However, as Taeha Types suggested, when you enjoy using your tools, you’re more motivated. You’re more productive. Everyone needs a keyboard, everyone needs to type, but not everyone takes the time to customize that experience and make it uniquely their own. It’s those improvements and small joys that get us through the day. I hope that wherever my career takes me, I’m able to convey this message and foster a supportive, accepting community along the way.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Content creation isn’t my full-time job. I used to collaborate with brands as an Instagram fashion and lifestyle influencer and I’ve also seen the other side, working in influencer relations. Social media can be a really volatile space. I have so much love and respect for full-time and aspiring full-time creators because I understand how taxing that can be, how numbers can weigh on you and how growth can feel like an uphill battle. I work at a PR agency during the day and I’m a full-time grad student by night. When I find the time, I love building keyboards and sharing that love on social media. It’s tough and sometimes overwhelming navigating all of that but I’m grateful for each and every opportunity. I have the privilege of being able to keep this venture as a hobby without worrying about monetization, and I think that has been an integral part of preserving the joy in it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Nothing beats a drive along PCH and stopping at Will Rogers State Beach. Two touristy locations I love are the Getty and Griffith Observatory (especially at night). I think those are well worth the visit! Leo’s Tacos for the best al pastor tacos (topped with pineapple slices, of course). Hangari, Hae Jang Chon and Zzamong are some of my favorites in Koreatown. I also grew up frequenting Little Tokyo — Marugame Monzo for udon, Tea Master for the best matcha soft serve, Maru in the Arts District for coffee. And the best boba: Wushiland in San Gabriel Valley.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to acknowledge two mechanical keyboard creators who really fostered my interest in the hobby from the start — Taeha Types and Hamaji Neo. I’m so thankful for their beautiful, inspiring, and informative content. I also want to thank all of my friends and the other keyboard/tech creators on TikTok who have encouraged me to keep going. My community is truly the best — they consistently go above and beyond to support me, help me and teach me.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyaeyoung/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@aeyoungie?

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.