6 Questions for Joann Kim Nunez

1. What inspired you to produce Dekalb Market?

I have a background in event production (with a specialty in markets), community development, marketing and programming so I signed up to manage this market to develop my skills in each component and join a community that is encased with passionate small business owners, a platform to share wares and creative energies with the public, and take advantage of the opportunity to take over the world, one market at a time. :)

2. Where is your favorite destination for a bicycle ride?

The West Side Highway. I often forget that NYC is an island and riding up from my apartment in the LES to Washington Heights is a beautiful reminder that we’re by the water. There are so many non-urban activities with folks jogging, biking, sun tanning, jet-skiing, canoeing and reading. Sounds like a vacation island doesn’t it? I wish!

3. Does your bike have a story?

My husband Angel & I have the same (girl and boy version) white vintage Peugeots. I’ve rode my bike around for years and started off with a badass white framed BMX and graduated to a white framed fixed gear Peugeot. Upon marriage I settled down and found a white-framed Peugeot that was tamer. We were lucky to find a matching bike for Angel and we make a beautiful pair because of it.

4. What is your favorite restaurant in NYC?

We live around the corner from a small Japanese restaurant in LES called SOY. It’s straight up traditional home cooked meals you won’t find anywhere else. No California rolls to be found here.

5. Early bird or night owl?

Early bird. In Korea I lived with my grandma who woke up at 5am on-the-dot every day and blasted the TV.  I’d wake up picking my nose watching TV and eating spoonfuls of cake frosting to start my day. I never broke from the habit (I’ve since curbed my nose picking) and come 9pm my brain turns off without the aid of Red Bull.

6. Who is someone that inspires you?

My best friend Mai comes to mind right away. She’s a constant reminder that I don’t need to be bombarded by the demanding needs of tech and social media, which I often become overwhelmed by and feel irrelevant otherwise, and that it’s a better way of living to enjoy the simple moments like baking pound cake and dancing tango.