How did you get started?
The first time I had the opportunity to travel overseas, I opened up this Etsy shop to fundraise. I was making necklaces at the time. I sold them anywhere from the break room to Venice Beach boardwalk. Even my parents sold some at work for me. So many of my friends and family supported me. We fundraised ~$1,000. I studied abroad that summer on a short-term program to Tanzania. This is why/how GRACreates started.

What Inspires you?
When I returned from my trip, I felt inspired to keep the shop open. I started making other things. I made bracelets, journals, terrariums,... and then one day I decided to make something out of a souvenir I had gotten for myself in Tanzania-- a colorful piece of *kitenge* fabric with a dope, repeated pattern of a peacock.

My cousin had recently gifted me a mini-sewing machine. I learned how to sew in my commercial arts class my senior year in high school. I also learned how to make a coin purse. I looked up a simple pattern, cut some fabric, and made a coin purse.

Fast forward after undergrad, I got a job in Thailand. I learned so much about Thai culture through fabrics... from the traditional "chut Thai" dresses to the "reverse appliqué" embroidery techniques of the Hmong people. I found a shop in Bangkok where I would sort through leftover trims. They specialized in "chut Thai" dresses and textiles, and did tailoring in-house. I continued to collect fabrics as I traveled. When I came home, I made things out of them. And so this became a sort of "hobby" for me.

Over 10 Years
Throughout the years I would occasionally re-open this shop and share what I'd be working on. I started to post up at markets and "craft" fairs. I tried new patterns and learned how to make different things-- zippered pouches, "plant rompers," bookmarks, to name a few. At one point, I thought to "scale my business." I applied for and received a small business grant... in that process I learned something new. At another point, I took on a few collaborative projects... in that process I learned something new. My friends and family continue to be the first to support my projects, just like when I first started.

Throughout the pandemic, I invested my energy in revisiting the textiles I had collected. I learned new things about fabrics. I asked my grandmother's sisters about their creations. I learned how to embroider. Learning about embroidery has taught me about the ways women have documented history and created culture.

"GRACreates" continues to take me through new experiences and ways of learning. I am paused here for now...