Meet Monika DeVinny | Creative & Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monika DeVinny and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monika, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My priorities have definitely shifted over the years. I used to have a full time job and a full time business. I would work my 9 to 5, come home, do the whole mom thing, and then after everyone was asleep I would stay up until 3am doing my business. It was exhausting! I’ve come to realize, I do not need to work myself to death to feel accomplished. I quit my 9 to 5 five years ago to be more present with my children, and now I fit in my new business during my down time. I still struggle with keeping balanced, but I am so much more aware of when I need a break, and I don’t feel guilty about it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was born in LA, moved to Kaua’i, Hawai’i when I was 10, and back to California when I was 23. Being raised in Hawaii has influenced not only my art, but my way of life.

I’ve always been a creative person. As a child I would draw with my mom, she was so artistic and I wanted to be just like her. As I got older I always gravitated towards art and crafts. I’ve dabbled in everything from painting to photography. My first business was a “mom shop” creating vinyl decals for trucker hats for toddlers and kids. I did it all, hand drew the designs, cut the vinyl, bonded them to the hats, etc. It was a great business and I met the most amazing moms doing the same thing I was. Having a creative outlet and finding ourselves again after motherhood. After 5 awesome years, the “mom shop” craze started to fizzle and I closed up shop. It was heartbreaking, but it was for the best.

Now, after a few years of being a stay at home mom with no side hustle, I was ready to find myself again. I fell in love with the world of polymer clay and decided to try it out. I found so much joy in making something with my hands again. I knew I wanted to start a business. It hasn’t been easy, and I still doubt myself all the time, but the joy in the creating makes it all worth it.
And so I started Aloha June Designs.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you are anything like me. I like to eat and drink my way through a new city! Huntington is full of diverse, family owned restaurants. From Mexican to Thai to Hawaiian, we have it all. A few of my favorites are Issara Thai Cuisine, Curry and Kabab Bistro, Jan’s Health Bar and Da Hawaiian Kitchen for the best Chili Peppa Chicken this side of the pacific!

We would bike ride along the bike path from Bolsa Chica State Beach all the way to Huntington Pier. It is a long, but beautiful and relaxing ride. Along the ride, we would stop at SeaLegs at the Beach for some live music. A little further down the path is an amazing new place called Pacific Kitchen by ‘Ai Pono Cafe. Another Legit Hawaiian food must! They also occasionally have live music as well. Once in downtown we would check out the vintage shops like 1 Look Vintage and American Vintage Clothing.

Finally, Huntington Beach Central Park is a must. The park is gorgeous and there is so much to see. The trails take you through the lakes, the library and the secret garden. It’s the perfect nature getaway in the middle of the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband and my kids have always encouraged and supported my through my business ventures. They have given me unconditional love through the doubt and tears. I truly could not do it without them as my backbone in life.

Website: www.alohajunedesigns.com

Instagram: @alohajunedesigns