The Storytelling and Impact of Joanne Molinaro, @thekoreanvegan on TikTok

Joanne Molinaro, also known as @thekoreanvegan on TikTok, is a standout creator who captivates her audience with vulnerable and authentic storytelling. She shares plant-based recipes from her kitchen and stories about her upbringing as a child of immigrants, her life as a trial lawyer, long-distance runner, and writer.

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Joanne's culture has greatly influenced her. Growing up with parents who came from what is now known as North Korea and experienced poverty, she has a deep appreciation for the significance of food and how it can bring safety and joy. Being a 1.5 generation Korean-American, Joanne navigates the daily struggle of balancing her Korean and American identities, while also facing the challenges of not feeling fully Korean or American enough for some. This struggle has shaped her, providing insight into the collective pain caused by racism and the importance of solidarity and compassion.

Joanne celebrates the diversity and strength of the API (Asian and Pacific Islander) community by sharing their food and stories, while also actively listening and learning from them. API heritage holds personal meaning for Joanne, as she reflects on her grandmothers, their hands working with mung beans and apples, her father's emotional connection to Korea during the World Cup, and the experiences of discrimination she has faced. Heritage, to Joanne, is a rich tapestry of stories, both beautiful and ugly, that she wraps around herself.

The TikTok community has inspired Joanne by creating a safe space for her to share intimate details of her life and family. They have welcomed her and embraced her mission of humanizing the immigrant story and inspiring compassion through food and storytelling. Joanne is inspired by other content creators on TikTok who approach their work responsibly, passionately, and sincerely.

In supporting other creators in the API community, Joanne follows and engages with as many as possible. She leaves comments, sends direct messages, and shares their accounts with her own followers. She also discusses the pressures of social media with them and highlights her favorite API creators during interviews with the press. Joanne hopes to collaborate more directly with these creators in the future.

Some of Joanne's favorite API creators include @Youngqim, @chefjonkung, @bootlegmegz, @yourkoreandad, @chefchrischo, @jeenie.weenie, @inmyseams, @porojin, @sheenamelwani, and @jackieliuart.