Meet Maryn Masumiya | Shop Owner & Artist

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

Hi Maryn, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always gravitated toward the arts – starting off with writing and majoring in English Literature in college. What drew me to the creative fields were the sense of freedom and possibility.

My Mom told me that in the process of learning, “there was always more than one answer and there was always more than one way to get there.” I like to think that I got my creative gifts from my Mom and that I honor her legacy by continuing to do creative work that she would have loved.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
A lot of my inspiration for my clay art comes from nostalgia and memories from childhood. I remember going to craft fairs with my Mom and seeing Japanese artists make the cutest figurines out of polymer clay. I have a collection of these handmade holiday ornaments that my Mom would buy us each year.

I intentionally incorporate my Japanese and Asian culture into my creations because that representation was so vital for me growing up.

I see my business, Kawaii Craft Shop, as a continuation of the legacy of these Japanese women whose art brought me so much joy when I was young.

I hope my polymer clay creations can bring that same happiness to others and will spark those same feelings of nostalgia and treasured memories that I feel when I look at those ornaments on my tree each year.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start off by taking them to explore my neighborhood – Sawtelle Japantown in West Los Angeles. We would pick up boba at Sunright Tea and do some souvenir shopping at Daiso, Giant Robot, and Black Market.

When we get hungry, we could grab a bowl of spicy ramen at Killer Noodle and then some delicious soft serve at SomiSomi or a creme brûlée crepe at Millet Crepe.

If we’re not tired yet, we could grab some drinks and sneak in a song or two at Karaoke Bleu or one of the private rooms at dots space LA.

More favorites:
– Brunch at 26 Beach, exploring Venice Beach, and sunset drinks at Hotel Erwin
– Afternoon tea at Chado Tea Room
– Day exploring The Huntington Library & Gardens in Pasadena
– Wi Spa in Koreatown
– Gorgeous views at El Matador State Beach in Malibu or Bluff Cove in Rancho Palos Verdes

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest shout-out has to go to my Mom who has been my inspiration from the beginning. She always nurtured my creativity and was supportive of my little crafts and hobbies growing up. When I was obsessed with miniatures, she would drive me to this special shop in Hollywood to buy pieces for my dollhouse and take me to the miniature museums.

When I was interested in making stuff out of clay, she would buy me all different colors and books, and help me bake the pieces.

I got my love of making things from her and she never made me feel weird for being in to the stuff I was in to. I am so grateful to her for encouraging me in my interests and letting me explore them freely. It had a huge impact on the way I approached my career journey, and gave me permission to start my own business and to share my creativity with the world.

Website: https://kawaiicraftshop.com/

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

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

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/kawaiicraftlady

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kawaiicraftshop9062

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kawaiicraftlady