Meet Chynna Jenkins | Artist & Designer

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

Hi Chynna, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The Psychic Friends Club was created in 2020 while the world was dealing with the pandemic. I became furloughed from work and had to opportunity to focus on something positive while also dealing with uncertainty. The brand name is from a song by Harvey Danger called “Wooly Muffler” ( “… or maybe even psychic friends and we could share a secret language.”)

I have a background in apparel graphics and I have always wanted to dive into making graphics for the kids market. We have a logo with two heads that share a wavy rainbow and started with tie dye t-shirts. We have since evolved and are also creating stuffed toys and working on tufted rugs of our characters.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My background in apparel graphics and working as a production artist helped me develop the Psychic Friends Club brand. I struggled in the early years of art making because I was so focused on style development, which was something I was able to hone in on overtime- never give up! Be interested in different types of work that inspire you! I love the version of my current art making, which is fantasy-based and whimsical. Learning how to make tufted rugs was a total game changer too and pretty challenging, but I fell in love quickly. It was the perfect medium to reflect my illustration style in a textile form. If I had to give myself a compliment, it’s that I am proud of being multi-faceted and sticking to d.i.y values.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a local Angeleno (born in Glendale and grew up in Atwater Village, residing in Glassell Park) and a lot has changed in the city of Los Angeles, but I still have so many favorites.

Wat Thai Temple ( SF Valley)
Best time is the weekend when the food vendors set up. I used to take buddhist/art classes here in my preteens. There is also temple that you can check out as well as a monastery on the property. I love the Thai food here!

Griffith Park Observatory and Planetarium ( Los Feliz)
This area can get crowded for the view but the planetarium show is incredible.

India Sweet and Spices (Los Feliz)
I love this spot because they are the only place I know that serves Dahi Wada, Onion Uttapam and Masala Dosa, plus they have a case of Indian deserts and a grocery store attached.

Jugos Azteca ( Highland Park)
They make fresh juices and you can also grab bionicos, chicharrones, and esquite.

Marugame Monzo (Little Tokyo)
Not to be missed! Fresh udon noodle soup bar with appetizers and rice bowls. My favorite is the Mentai Butter Squid Udon and their Takoyaki.

BCD Tofu (Koreatown)
Best known for sundubu jjigae. Always hits the spot!

Zebulon (between Atwater Village and Frogtown)
For local and secret shows, this is the place!

Too many taco spots to list, but at all corners of Cypress and Cazador in Glassel Park there are some great options. Angel’s Tacos in Eagle Rock is great too!

Jacknife Records ( Atwater Village)
A great local place for records AND cassette tapes!

Elena’s (Glendale)
Lamb sandwiches with lentil soup and fries is all you need.

Red Car Bridge ( Atwater Village)
I grew up on the last street in Atwater at the end /beginning of the Hyperion Bridge that connects to Silverlake and Los Feliz. This is such a cool bridge that leads to the bike path and it’s a good view of the LA River..

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to give a shoutout to Mason Mothersbaugh, my husband and #1 supporter. He’s a screenwriter and someone who truly understands being resilient in a creative, competitive world. Seeing how passion drives a person is inspiring and it’s a privilege to be around.

My dad, a woodworker and painter shared art with me at a young age and he is the reason I am pursuing art today.

Emily Hillburg @boytearsllc, my art wife and tag team partner in all craft shows. We have been doing this thing together for almost 10 years and it’s never gonna stop!

Lisa McDonnell @inkybird2, is another amazing artist that I have a special connection with. She has been my rock and biggest supporter and I’m so thankful for her insight and friendship.

Melissa Mendavia @paperpenandpost, one of my oldest friends. Humble and generous, she has a sharp creative eye that is unmatched. She recently pivoted to ceramics and it’s such a joy to see her grow in her art making.

And my friend of over a decade, Leah LeBeau @toogumshoe. She’s an internet collaborator turned friend and she is pivotal in my creative process. We constantly share ideas with each other and are each other’s sounding boards. She’s honestly one of the dopest people I know.

Website: www.madeinchynna.com

Instagram: @psychicfriendsclub