Recently, I read a statement on Twitter that really summed up the aim for building a community. The quote from @therealdiamonde shares: “When I tell people that I want community, sometimes that equate that to being “out” and going to events. They equate it to being around people. Which I understand. But community for me is depth. It’s where I feel seen. It’s where I feel safe to be me.”
The activities we began last month include: community prelaunch, website updates, and product lists free editions posted on the blog. Find out a little more about what we’re working on below.
Community Building
As we continue to grow both in numbers and in knowledge, we want to recognize the impact of the Korean Convenience user community. Without all of you, the app would not be as useful as it is today. The knowledge I obtain managing shellfish allergies can add to those in the food allergy community who manage various conditions, and understand the ins and out. However, it can’t compare to all of our people, with a whole library of knowledge existing about living with major food allergies and intolerances, Gluten, Vegan, and Vegetarian requirements or caring for someone who does.
With the prelaunch of the community waitlist we hope to learn more about user’s experience with the app. Oftentimes, it can feel overwhelming to sit behind a computer screen and work on a project without knowing the impact it has on individual lives. Community feedback is an opportunity to understand just how big of an impact Korean Convenience can have, and it makes me hopeful for the future. Managing food allergies and navigating Asian cuisine can be incredibly confusing, and oftentimes does not provide all that is needed. Better understanding how the Korean Convenience community wants to engage and show up in this space will help to shape the creative content that we provide and updates to the mobile app.
To learn more about the community and it’s planned features check it out here.
Website Update
Korean food recalls, alerts, and ingredient notices have been added to the website. Previously, we have shared The United States Food and Drug Administration and other agencies public notices of food recalls via social media. In order to keep food recall information in one place there is now a RECALLS tab for the information to be stored and shared with the community.
Product Lists
In order to provide a quick reference for people with various food allergies, and intolerances, 15 different product lists were created. The product list provides Korean bread, drinks, chips, cookies, crackers, ramen, ice-cream, snacks, and soup categories. Each product that has been added onto the list is a clickable link. Every link provides product information: food allergies, ingredients, weight and calorie information when available and the brand name.
Find your food allergy, intolerance or dietary condition and see what Korean snacks and grocery products are available. Check out our: Corn-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Fish-free, Gluten-free, Peanut-free, Peach-free, Sesame-free, Shellfish-free, Soy-free, Tree Nut Free, Tomato-free, Vegan, Vegetarian, and Wheat-free free guides.
We would love to hear your feedback on the allergy-friendly product lists that we have shared. If you found one or more of them helpful don’t forget to like, share, and or leave a review:
App or Google Play
Final Thoughts
The Korean Convenience goal is to create a community where everyone can learn more about food allergies, cook mouth watering Korean dishes, and start a small business. Everyday our small team strives to assist those who manage food allergies, and highlight food allergy insecurities. Our mission is to help you find Korean snacks and grocery products as easily as possible.
As I look to the future of Korean Convenience, I hope to make the app everything users need, and more. I am so grateful for the time and energy the food allergy and intolerance community spends to help give us feedback, and we hope to hear from as many people as we can. While I continue to update the app, build a community, I am grateful for the wonderful mentors, friends, and family that have witnessed the building of my small business.
All this being said, I am excited to see what this month will bring. Stay tuned for further announcements about the Korean Convenience app and supplemental website! Read more about Erica and her business journey here.
Stay safe and take care!
Erica Dozier
