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

Hi Meg, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
The main goal around my small business, MegEmikoArt is to use my creativity, art, and apparel to make folks in the QTBIPOC Community feel seen, heard, represented, loved, and most importantly safe. Growing up, I never saw myself represented in clothing brands or mainstream media, which is really what motivates me today to help the younger generation feel like they can live in this world as their most authentic self. I want to create a safe space for QTBIPOC folks and especially the trans and gender non-conforming communities who often feel pressured to conform to societal norms and expectations.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Drawing has always been my creative outlet and a way for me to express myself freely. I’ve always wanted to create a life for myself that allows me to express my creativity and share my journey with others in hopes that they feel less alone. Starting my small business and creating my art and apparel has opened up so many doors of opportunities, friendships, and helping my communities. By going on my own journey of exploring my gender identity and sexuality, I’ve been able to express these experiences through my art, while also creating a safe space for other QTBIPOC folks who are also on this journey of becoming their best and most authentic self.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend coming to visit San Francisco, I would take them to The Great Highway which runs along Ocean Beach. This is a perfect spot to watch the water and walk the dogs. Then we would go pick up lunch somewhere in the Sunset area where there’s amazing boba and dim sum spots. In the afternoon we could go to The Mission/Valencia area, explore some happy hour spots, and window shop. For dinner, I’d take them back to the Sunset area and go to a restaurant/bar called Lost and Found. They have tom yum wings and amazing drinks!

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?
Schuyler Bailar (@pinkmantaray) has really inspired me over the years to share my journey and experiences with the world. Schuyler was the first person that made me feel seen, heard, and represented in this world and I hope to be able to do the same for someone else through my art and advocacy.

Website: megemikoart.com (megemikoart on Etsy)

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/megemikoart

Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/megemiko

Image Credits
All images belong to me.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.