Karol’s Journey at Picky: From Part-Timer to Product Manager, a Story of Progression

1 month ago

By Team Picky

At Picky, we pride ourselves on fostering talent and creating an environment where team members can grow and evolve with the company. One of the best examples of this growth is Karol, our current Product Manager, who first joined Picky as a part-timer and steadily progressed into one of our key operational leaders. With her INFP personality and her strategic mindset, Karol has been our beacon in execution improvement, communication, and strategy since she joined in April 2021. With nearly a decade of experience in Seoul, she has used her deep understanding of Korean business culture to elevate Picky’s operations to new heights.

The Beginning: From Part-Time to Operations Lead

When Karol started her journey at Picky in April 2021, she was a fresh face eager to dive into the world of K-beauty and content marketing. Armed with her passion and unique perspective as a Brazilian living in Seoul for over 9 years, Karol quickly became immersed in Picky’s vision of bridging K-beauty brands with consumers worldwide. Despite starting as a part-timer, Karol’s keen eye for detail and her innate ability to spot improvement opportunities set her apart early on.

Her role began with small tasks, but her commitment to learning and executing new projects soon led to greater responsibilities. Karol excelled at working closely with internal teams and brand partners to identify challenges and create solutions. Her role was not limited to identifying issues; she was proactive in turning insights into actionable tasks for the product team, helping Picky deliver a smoother and more impactful user experience.

Progress to Operations Lead: Building a System from Scratch

Karol’s first major leap came when she was promoted to Operations Lead. It was in this role that she left a lasting mark on Picky’s internal processes. Her biggest contribution to the company’s growth was helping build the foundation for Picky’s 24/7 operations. By collaborating closely with the sales team, Karol was instrumental in developing a structure that allowed the company to run giveaways and campaigns year-round.

Her efforts to fine-tune processes and automate key systems allowed Picky to scale significantly, growing from running just five giveaways a month to over 20. This not only improved operational efficiency but also strengthened relationships with brand partners and provided users with more opportunities to engage with products they love. The system Karol helped build remains central to Picky’s success today, enabling the company to operate on an even greater scale.

The Transformation: Becoming Product Manager

As Picky continued to grow, so did Karol’s role. Her contributions as Operations Lead paved the way for her current position as Product Manager, where her responsibilities have expanded even further. In her new role, Karol now takes a strategic approach to ensuring that every project aligns with Picky’s broader business goals. She plays a critical role in coordinating projects across teams, ensuring that everything Picky works on contributes to its long-term growth and success.

Karol’s progression from part-time member to Product Manager is a testament to her ability to adapt, learn, and grow within the company. She now participates in business strategy discussions, constantly looking for ways to improve Picky’s products and services for both users and business partners. Her work ensures that Picky remains innovative, competitive, and valuable in the ever-evolving K-beauty industry. Her contributions have helped lay the foundation for many of the successes we enjoy today and also a testament to Picky’s belief in nurturing talent from within. Karol’s journey continues, and as Picky grows, so does her role in shaping its future.

Learn more about Karol below with our interview!

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

Q: What made you decide to come to Korea?

A: Since my teenage years I always had this passion for Asia, I loved anime, and Japanese culture in general. When I got to know more about Korea an it’s own vibrant culture, I felt that the mindset and way of life were more aligned to my personal values than the environment I was immersed in back home. Also (as a stereotypical Sagittatius), in my early 20s my heart was longing for adventure and a new challenge, all these things combined, and I make one of the most impulsive decisions of my life – coming to Korea without a very strategic plan and with the goal to explore as much as I could and discover myself.

Q: What did you do before coming to Picky?

A: I majored in Industrial and Graphic Design and spent almost 7 years working in the field, jumping from design studios to science-driven startups to social ventures. After building up some business experience, by 2021, I found myself experimenting with all sorts of things—trying to build my own company and even attempting to become an influencer (haha). Then I came across an opportunity at Picky. What started as a part-time gig to help me financially juggle my other projects quickly turned into a full-time passion—and here I am!

Q: Almost 10 years later, what have you learned about life in Seoul and what advice do you have for new immigrants coming here?

A: Creating a meaningful, fulfilling life isn’t an easy process. Don’t get me wrong—I love the life I’m building here, and would make the same decision to move to Seoul over and over again (I just love this place so much)! But it takes effort, self-reflection, and a lot of determination. When you’re following your heart and your intuition, the ups and downs of the journey are worth it, and will create unforgettable moments of joy along the way. It’s been an adventure of personal growth and a chance get to know myself on a deeper level. However, be prepared—while the journey is rewarding and full of achievements, it’s also a rocky road filled with challenges and hardships.