Interview Feature: Yondjé Choi, CEO and Founder of OMA Natural Food

From Postpartum Care to Pantry Staple: A Conversation with the Founder of OMA

Some of the most meaningful businesses are born from deeply personal moments. For the founder of OMA, that moment came just after childbirth — rooted in tradition, nourishment, and the powerful feeling of being cared for. What began as a postpartum ritual passed down through Korean culture has evolved into a modern, convenient soup that supports recovery, grounding, and everyday nourishment.

In this interview, we talk about the spark behind OMA, the unexpected wisdom found in children’s books, the power of presence, and the long-term vision that includes seaweed farms by the ocean.

Meet Yondjé…

“As a French Korean living in hectic NY, the warmth of my mother's broth stayed with me, even amidst the rush of modern life. I wanted to share that feeling of comfort through ready-to-eat soup with clean ingredients. 

Becoming a mother myself, and having the traditional seaweed soup for 100 days, I felt the need of always having available an easy to consume broth, which gave me the desire to create OMA: Meet Seaweed soup aka “Miyeok-guk”, that will help you recover with delicious natural taste.”

1. The Original Spark: What was the moment — big or small — that first made you think, I could actually turn this into a business?

“OMA means “mother” in Korean, and the spark truly came after I gave birth. My mom flew to New York to be with me, and right after I delivered, she came to the hospital with a giant thermos of miyeok-guk — traditional Korean seaweed soup.

In Korean culture, every woman eats this soup after giving birth. It’s deeply rooted in postpartum care because of its benefits: seaweed provides iodine, fiber, and minerals, while bone broth supports recovery, reduces inflammation, and nourishes skin and hair.

I remember sipping that soup in the hospital and feeling so deeply taken care of during a moment when my body truly needed it. That feeling stayed with me.

My mom made it for me every single day — sometimes two or three times a day. And people kept asking me, “What did you do? Your belly looks so flat.” I’d joke that it was genetics, but honestly, the soup played a role. Every Korean woman I know has a similar experience — it’s universal.

I started making it for friends, especially other moms, and they loved it. People would ask, “Did you do Korean postpartum care?” And that’s when it clicked: this kind of nourishment shouldn’t be hard to access.

In Korea, everyone eats this soup — not just postpartum moms. It’s a staple. But life in New York is busy. Making bone broth from scratch takes time. I wanted to make that same warmth and comfort accessible — something nourishing, convenient, and delicious. That’s how OMA began.” —YC

2. Creative Fuel & Inspiration: What non-business thing inspires you most in your work right now — a book, ritual, or daily practice?

“This might sound funny, but it’s incredibly meaningful to me. There’s a framed Winnie-the-Pooh quote in my son’s bedroom. Piglet asks Pooh, “What’s your favorite day?” and Pooh answers, “Today.” I walk past it every day, but one morning it truly hit me. Today is what matters.

It sounds obvious, but it’s not — especially in New York, especially as a Type-A person. I was always living in the future: When I finish this project… when I achieve that goal… Or in the past: That was a good time.

I realized I wasn’t fully valuing the present. Around that time, I re-read The Power of Now. I’m 38, I’m a mom, and it landed differently this time. Being present, enjoying today — it became a real practice. Now, every morning, I look at my calendar and intentionally name a few things I’m excited about. At night, I reflect: When did I truly enjoy today? Those small shifts have had a huge impact on my happiness.” —YC

3. The Pivot Point: Looking back, what’s one surprising decision or detour that ended up shaping your business in a big way?

“Growing up Korean, food was always talked about in terms of health — every ingredient, every dish. As a kid, I didn’t care. I just ate it. But seaweed always stayed with me. It’s incredibly sustainable, cleans the ocean, grows fast, and requires no fertilizers or preservatives — just sun and seawater.

When I first envisioned OMA, I wanted to sell fresh soup. But fresh soup means storage issues, cold chains, delivery challenges — especially for new moms who already have full fridges.

I debated endlessly between fresh and shelf-stable. There was a perception issue too — dried foods don’t always feel “premium.”

But when I tested it, the convenience changed everything. I realized: I don’t want people living off protein bars. I want them to have real, comforting food wherever they are. That was the pivotal moment. Choosing convenience without sacrificing taste.

Even fresh soup uses dried seaweed — we’re simply rehydrating it. Our cubes are 50% seaweed, plus bone broth and seasoning. It’s the best of both worlds. That decision shaped OMA’s entire mission.” —YC

4. Daily Magic: What’s a small daily ritual that keeps you grounded as a business owner?

For me, it’s 30 uninterrupted minutes with my son — either in the morning or after school — with no phone.

I know 30 minutes doesn’t sound like much, but when you’re fully present, it’s a long time. I don’t multitask. I don’t think about work. I just play and listen. Before becoming a mom, I did something similar by walking my dog without checking my phone — just watching the trees move. Those moments help me disconnect so I can come back with a clearer mind. I’ve learned this the hard way. I used to push through migraines from too much screen time. Now I understand there are no shortcuts — your body and mind need rest. Even five minutes of looking at a plant instead of a screen can reset your nervous system.” —YC

5. Play & Possibility: If time, money, or practicality weren’t limits, what wild idea would you bring into your business?

“I would love to have my own seaweed farm by the ocean. Seaweed is still so misunderstood. In Korea, it’s everyday food. I remember traveling in France as a kid — my mom would unpack rice and seaweed on the train, and people would stare. Now in the U.S., parents pack seaweed snacks for their kids. The perception has shifted — but people still don’t realize how beautiful it is. Seaweed is long, flowing, almost floral. I’d love to create a place where people — especially kids — could see it growing, learn how it helps the ocean, and understand its role in nourishment and sustainability. That’s my dream world.” —YC

Closing Thoughts

OMA is more than soup. It’s a reminder to slow down, nourish yourself, and honor the small moments that matter most. Available in both a vegan broth, as well as an animal-based bone broth. Use code KELLEY to save 15% on your OMA order! Keep reading to learn more about each of the delicious OMA soup cube versions…

OMA Vegan Seaweed Soup
A clean, comforting bowl with a light yet savory umami flavor. Slow-simmered seaweed brings a natural ocean freshness, balanced with subtle aromatics for a smooth, nourishing finish that feels both grounding and refreshing.

OMA Bone Broth Seaweed Soup
Rich, deeply savory, and full-bodied. Made with slow-cooked bone broth, this version has a warm, hearty depth that enhances the natural umami of the seaweed, creating a comforting, soul-soothing soup with lasting richness.