Meet Derek & Mimi Maglinte | Social Media Influencers

We had the good fortune of connecting with Derek & Mimi Maglinte and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Derek & Mimi, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Being artistic or creative is some thing that not too many people have the chance to be. Let alone have it be something that actually earns money. Being a “starving artist“ is a term for a reason. So many of us wish to have careers or businesses that we are passionate about but sadly only a handful of people actually love what they do. Our family is very much about self-expression in all forms. I have had previous careers as a photographer and published writer, and my oldest somewhat follows in my footsteps. So it felt natural that my youngest and I were to pursue something that allowed her to show the different facets of her creative side.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Having a business that’s based on social media and an ever growing and changing realm of “trends” and fads is one of the most difficult forms of being creative. A chef can come up with a recipe and their job is to recreate that dish several times a night exactly like the dish they prepared the night before. Having a business where new trends and keeping up with what’s popular at times can be frustrating and tiring. It’s our job to approach what’s popular with our brand of creativity, humor and style. We’ve learned that we have to be on top of the trends and stay informed and stay relevant above all. Understanding our following and understanding what made them connect with us has been the most important lesson of all. Having a business based on my youngest daughter and her entering the world has been one of the most rewarding ventures ever and sharing her story with millions has been amazing. It’s felt as if she’s had an extended family watching her through the years and watching her grow and become the person she is today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We love Los Angeles! We can’t say that enough. If we had the opportunity to bring someone along with us for week, it would be a week full of fun, food and laughs. We’d have to start them off in our home area of Glendale. More so shopping and eating at the Glendale Galleria and The Americana and for sure lunch at Kura Revolving sushi. One of the days would be spent in Downtown starting off with brunch at Bottega Louie and a visit to The Broad museum then strolling through Little Tokyo for some anime shopping and ramen! We’d have to fancy up one night and take a show at The Pantages theatre and dinner at Petit Trois. For a more chill day we’d have to catch a movie, since we love movies, and then a bite at Mimi’s favorite restaurant, The Boiling Crab. All in all they’d probably gain about 20 lbs through the trip but they’d certainly have some amazing memories to take home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We truly couldn’t be where we are if it wasn’t for the support and love or or friends and specially our family. My oldest, Reiko, was instrumental to the start of what we have. She would point out trends and taught her old man how to properly navigate through TikTok. And of course my wife, partner and their mother who put up with the growing pains of starting a new business and stepping in as “boss” when I was busy with other obligations. I can’t forget our personal cheering squad and those who showed how happy they were for us like my best friend Elijah.

Website: https://hoo.be/derekandmimi

TikTok: Derek and Mimi (@derekandmimi) https://www.tiktok.com/@derekandmimi?lang=en

Instagram: Derek & Mimi (@derekandmimi) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.instagram.com/derekandmimi/

Image Credits
Getty Images