Meet Kim-Hoa Ung | Amigurumi Artist and Children’s Book Author-Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kim-Hoa Ung and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim-Hoa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
A big supporter of my work from the very beginning was my grandma. Whenever I crocheted anything, she would be in awe and tell me I should sell it. I told her that no one would buy it. She would always encourage me. I remember the last amigurumi piece I had shown her. It was a little doll, a work in progress. She said that it was cute and laughed. Unfortunately, my grandma passed away in 2015. I listed my first item to sell in January of 2016. My monkey amigurumi was my first original pattern. I created it for the year of the monkey zodiac, my first year without my grandma. I was so happy when the first customer purchased it. Someone actually liked it and trusted my pattern. I wish my grandma were still present so that I could tell her the many sales I have made. So, my grandma inspired me to open up my Etsy shop.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a children’s book author-illustrator and an amigurumi artist. I enjoy creating stories that explore family relationships, friendship, empathy, culture and heritage, and immigrant life. One thing I’m very proud of is my debut picture book. It is about a little girl who wants to make a lucky hat for her grandma, but she struggles with crocheting. Through perseverance and their special bond, Lyn Lyn comes to realize that the perfect gift for Nai Nai comes from within. Kirkus Reviews calls it “a sweet story celebrating the special bond between a granddaughter and her grandmother.”

I’m not sure what sets me apart from others, but I do try my best to create cute and heart-warming art. I am thankful for all the love and support I’ve received so far and for the opportunity to create what I love.

My creative journey has its ups and downs. Sometimes more downs, but I’ve learned to keep on creating. For crocheting, it is challenging to design something unique since there are so many amigurumi artists out there. It was tough getting into art shows in the beginning since nobody knew who I was. I worked hard on creating more amigurumi and posting on social media. I applied to a show one day and linked my Instagram as my portfolio. Luckily, I was accepted and am thankful that they gave me my first opportunity.

Traditional publishing has been challenging too. Writing and illustrating are very subjective. All you need is your one “yes,” whether it is from an agent or an editor. It is tough, but not impossible. There are always struggles along the way, but one saying I remind myself of is “life is a journey, not a destination.” Sometimes I just want to reach the goal when things get very tough, but I tell myself it’s the people who you meet along the way and the learnings you realize that make that path worth every step of the way. Rooting for you all to be able to achieve your goals!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my shoutout to my mom and dad. They have always supported me in everything I do, from encouraging me through my ups and downs to taking care of my kids so that I could work on my craft or meet deadlines. I am so lucky to have them as my parents. My mom just passed away so I miss her dearly. I also want to dedicate my shoutout to my little family who are always there for me. They are my reason to keep going, and I am grateful for them. Thank you to my friends and family who have always been there for me too. 

Website: http://www.kimhoaung.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnleaflet/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-hoa-ung-0298a117b/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AutumnLeaflet

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutumnLeaflet/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcaaGtDY7KPDGZbbHGsQvGA

Image Credits
All photos and artwork by me, Kim-Hoa Ung