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

Hi Brenda, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?

I can only hope that my artwork inspires other Asian Americans to raise their voice and be vulnerable. I think a lot of Asian Americans are used to internally dealing with our community issues, and it’s 2021; it’s time to let it out. It is our time to celebrate who we are, and we’re all “American enough” and “Asian enough”. We have had a history of AAPI speaking out, protesting, building community over injustice not only for us, but for BIPOC, and let’s keep that ball rolling, louder than ever.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

A lot of my work reflects my voice, and a lot of people have said it’s unique and entertaining. The professional goal is to have a mix of work that can show some of that voice, and helps others in an entertaining way, but also fit in a commercial sense. I’ve been a freelancer for some years now, and I’ll say that it’s constant hard work. It has its ups and downs, but you know, enjoy the ride as much as you can. Currently, I am freelancing and also an Associate Art Director at Pocket Comics, which has been wonderful and been the mix I just mentioned. Bottom line: telling good stories that show representation and amazing art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

A lot of my trips would be surrounded by eating. And depends on the friend: If they’re not from here, we will have to take them to Griffith to see the great view of LA, the beach if they want, show them legit Chinese food and Mexican food, maybe see the Peacocks are the Arboretum for the beauty and the “why are there peacocks in Los Angeles?” moment. If they haven’t been in LA in a while, as we know, LA changes businesses so often, there will always be a new food spot to visit. Generally, I would take them to Chinatown, to get some old school Dim Sum, plants, look at the clothes stalls that have been there for ages, boba, and also visit some of the newer local businesses too! It’s so hard to decide where to take people, as LA always has something happening, somewhere to explore, and I’d really cater it to their personal preference and interests. But, I’m a girl from the Eastside of LA, so I’m biased in showing a friend the beauty of the Eastside.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It seems hard to Shoutout just one group of people because in my journey as an artist, I’ve found so many supportive people along the way. I wouldn’t be the same without them. However, if I were to choose, it would be my family. My upbringing is a big part of my work and the type of voice I have. My parents have supported me in times when I wasn’t sure what I was doing. Moreover, having any Asian parents, especially immigrant parents, support their child’s creative career, is a big deal. Some people don’t get that support, so I feel lucky to have the family that I have.

Website: brendachi.com

Instagram: brenda_cheese

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendachi/

Twitter: brenda_cheese

Other: etsy.com/shop/BCHILA

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