We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mikayla Chin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mikayla below.

Alright, Mikayla thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The biggest risk that I’ve taken this year is to do in-person markets and vend locally in San Francisco. My small business has been online-only since the beginning, so this is a huge milestone in my small biz world! So far I’ve done two markets, and both have been so fun! You learn a lot, you get to talk to customers and local people, and you are being seen in your community. It does take a lot more prep and energy, but it’s such an experience and will push you to grow. You have to invest in yourself, your products, and your branding by showing up and representing what you create, making inventory, getting signage, etc. I’ve also been challenging myself to look for secondhand items to use for my market setups instead of buying new shelves and such. I’d definitely recommend for you to try a market if you’ve been wanting to; it’s totally different than selling via website. And if you’re not a small biz owner, make sure to visit your local craft fairs and markets to support artists and vendors near you.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

MadeItMikayla includes Plants-and-Positivity-themed stationery and gifts, such as stickers, art prints, clay creations, and much more. I’ve been an eco-conscious, AAPI, woman-owned small business since 2020. To me, plants and positivity represents growth, advocating for the environment, being inspired by nature, and spreading kindness. I chose the name MadeItMikayla because I wanted to say “I made it,” I hand make or hand draw everything, and I make different types of artworks and am not tied down to one type of medium.

I have a background in graphic design, graduated from the BFA Graphic Design Program at San José State University. I’ve also always been a creative person and knew that I wanted to do something creative for my career. I’ve tried many mediums, including jewelry making, painting, macramé, and I find that what I learn in one medium can be creatively changed and applied to other mediums. I’m also a plant mom of over 10+ plants! I live the most eco-conscious lifestyle that I can in MadeItMikayla and my personal journey: I love thrift shopping, eating my veggies, avoiding plastic, etc.

I’m most proud of continuing my journey and consistently working for my small business every day, as well as doing all the things a.k.a. wearing all the hats. I had to learn how to do everything on my own, whether it’s learning a new software, finding the most eco-packaging, tracking orders, setting pricing, posting on social media, being customer support, etc. Everything is handmade/illustrated by me!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Growing up as an Asian American, I learned to be a very shy and quiet person. I distinctly remember not being able to do class presentations sometimes because I was so scared to talk. I would never ask questions during school, and would very rarely raise my hand. I find that I still revert back to being quiet when I feel cornered or helpless, or when I run out of energy, but I’m slowly learning to unlearn that and to speak up more, ask questions, and ask for help when I need it.

I also have anxiety, and I didn’t know what it even was until a few years ago. On top of being shy and having anxiety, I’m also an introvert. Both of my parents are introverts, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but I did pick up on habits that maybe others didn’t, such as staying home more than going out and talking only when I really needed to. Having anxiety about what to say while also being shy and introverted equaled not talking at all. As I’m in my 20’s, I’m pushing myself to be more spontaneous, not care what others think, not take things personally, and see from others’ perspectives.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The best part about being an artist/creative is that you get to challenge yourself to try new things, you are in charge of your own path and timeline, and you get to have fun while you work. It’s not always rainbows and sunshine as some people would think; you have to rely on not getting art block, burn out, etc. One thing I learned from my creative path is that rest is really productive and you need to take breaks. Creatives use their subconscious, so when you’re constantly thinking and trying to be creative, you’re actually pushing towards the opposite; this is why you get good ideas in the shower or on nature walks. It’s not lazy to rest, we need it as humans. I also make sure that I get enough sleep; I prioritize it actually. If I don’t get my 8 hours, I find that my creativity, productivity, and functionality will lack, which will waste even more time than if I had just gotten more sleep. It’s rewarding to get to sleep and rest when I need. Even though as an artist and small business owner I work 24/7 instead of 9-5, it’s super rewarding to be a creative and I wouldn’t see myself doing anything else.

Contact Info:

• Website: madeitmikayla.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/madeitmikayla
• Facebook: facebook.com/madeitmikayla
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/mikaylachin
• Youtube: youtube.com/c/MadeItMikayla