We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Milaka Hampton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Milaka thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?
In a way yes. I wish I had, had more faith in myself and my abilities sooner. I’ve always been a very creative person. I learned I had a creative gift in junior high, back then we would have assignments that would require us to make things consistently. We were poor and I had to make do with what I had. My teachers talked about my solar system for years. Everytime they would see me with my kids, they would bring up the solar system I made with an old record, a wire coat hanger, and a spark plug.
I learned to sew in high school. I started cosplaying and making cosplays for my family in 2014. Then in 2015/2016 I started working with polymer clay and resin because it was difficult to find jewelry and other pieces that looked like the items the anime characters were wearing. So, I made my own since I couldn’t buy them. It was difficult and at one point I got really busy with work and stopped alot of my more creative hobbies. Once I really delved into (Elegant Gothic Lolita) EGL fashion it really reinvigorated my creativity. I got back into the clay stulpting, resin work, and sewing again to make things I wanted, but didn’t see on the market or in my size.
I have recently left my profession as a Physical Therapist Assistant to pursue my creative passions. I knew at 16 I wanted to be a fashion designer, but I felt I needed to be more practical. So, I never allowed myself to fully embrace that part of myself until now. I wish I had gone ahead went to Art Institute when I graduated high-school. Had I gone, I would probably be working at a fashion house in Milan or somewhere. I probably would have learned how to do alot of the things I’ve learn through trial and error with proper instruction. But, it built character. On the other hand, had I gone I probably wouldn’t have my babies, who I love dearly and wouldn’t trade for the world. So ultimately, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Milaka , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hello, for all that dont know me, “I’m Milaka aka The Ornery Bitty, because I’m a old Bitty in these lolita streets.” I’m a 42 yo mom to 3 kids and 4 fur babies, 2 cats and 2 dogs. I’m a country girl from a small town. Words I live by are “Who go tell me I can’t.”
I got into this industry through my love for EGL (lolita) fashion. I’ve always been a crafter, but I decided to take this seriously in 2022 after a close friend of mine passed away. We used to talk about ideas for making cute little crafts. She used to make stuff for me all the time. So in a way its also in her memory.
I did quit my day job to focus more on the design side of my business. The design process is the most time consuming part. I draw and create blanks and bring them to life with the help of my 3d printer. To get designs just right like I want them, sometimes it takes many many revisions until I’m satisfied.
I make items that fit into any alt fashion sub culture, but versatile enough to me worn with everyday clothing as well. Sometimes you wanna be able to wear your jewelry and accessories in a variety a ways with various outfits to express yourself freely.
My brand is for everbody. I make items that I hope make people feel beautiful that helps others feel encouraged and empowered no matter who they are. I see so much of the same thing I wanted something different, and also to provide different takes on some common staples. There is always a need for more versatility, variety, and affordability in accessories. I think my own take on items, unique vision, and how I like to pair things is what sets my brand apart.
The thing I’m most proud about is that, items may be similar, but there will be no pairs that are exactly alike. Each piece is made by hand and will very rarely if ever have pieces that are exactly alike. I don’t ever want to outsource production. Each piece is a labor of love.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me it’s seeing someone wearing my items. A beautiful coord (coordinate) with my creation fitting into someone else’s ideal coord. It’s the best feeling in the world seeing someone fall in love with something I made to the point they incorporate it into their well thought out and planned ensembles.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is to eventually become a full fledged Indie lolita brand that provides everything from head to toe. My most attainable goal right now is to get into metal smithing to create more jewelry in a variety of mediums.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Theornerybitty.com
- Instagram: @Theornerybitty
Image Credits
All photos by The Ornery Bitty