We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mariko Takahashi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mariko, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents allowed me to understand the importance of hard work and taking pride within the work that I create. They enabled me to find worth in my art.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I was born in Japan and when I was about 5 my mother taught me the art of origami. I quickly grew enamored of the craft. I was interested in sharing this art after I moved to the United States which inspired me to incorporate my beloved artwork with jewelry to make it more accessible. I feel that the amount of effort put into each piece of jewelry and their uniqueness makes them incredible unique with the jewelry market.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think the best way in which society can help support artists is to alter the general perspective towards artists and those in creative fields. I believe this can be done through people supporting smaller, local artists.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I feel that the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is hearing the reaction from the consumers. Seeing those who spent their money on the work that I have created and loving it, inspires me to continue creating.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @origamiearrings