Meet Mikayla De Peralta | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mikayla De Peralta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mikayla, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always envisioned myself having my own business ever since I was young. I’ve tried different routes such as designing shirts, selling hair bows, and even jewelry that was trending around the time of early 2010s. Now as an adult, I’m able to invest my own money into something that I enjoy doing.

I know for a fact that I’ve always wanted to make jewelry. I was never satisfied with my personal collection that was store bought. Inevitably, I was once again inspired to make jewelry while it was something up and coming. I experimented a lot with keeping necklaces simple or maximizing it with tons of colors and bead shapes. Today, I’ve found a good niche between the two.

While in college, I majored in art with a focus in painting. A lot of my pieces were rooted in my Filipino culture. More specifically, indigenous plants and flowers found in the Philippines. I wanted another outlet to translate my version of these plants, and it was my jewelry. This became the style I am now known for. I do research on these plants and provide brief information on it such as its holistic benefits. I draft up necklaces, bracelets, and/or earrings to embody that plant.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Creating Avadore Studios was not an easy thing to do. I knew that coming in, I would have a lot of competition since the jewelry business has been becoming more and more popular. I was nervous to see if people would actually buy my pieces since the market was over saturated. But once I set myself apart, I knew that things would look better.

Avadore Studios is a Filipina owned brand based in Los Angeles created. Inspired by the flora and fauna of the Philippines, I create jewelry that commemorates my roots. I believe my brand is different because my jewelry isn’t only for those of my culture; it’s something that everyone can wear and love.

It wasn’t easy getting to where I am today. And I’m still overcoming some challenges. I knew the position I’d be in when creating Avadore Studios. I had to not think of other brands as competition, but instead as partners or supporters. Of course, there’s still that notion of having opposing jewelry businesses, but I still wanted to keep it positive and support others. It is hard though especially on social media such as Instagram having a specific algorithm. I did plenty of research; when do I post throughout the day? What day is best to post? What hashtags do I use? Should I alternate between a picture, video or reel? I believe I speak for every small business that has a presence on Instagram—social media marketing is hard. I am still learning and overcoming it.

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.
The first place I would take my best friend is to somewhere classic—In-n-out. Basic, but it’s a good way to start off their trip. On a night out, I’d keep it local and take them to Mr. Furley’s in Glendale, Highland Park Bowl in Highland Park, or Shortstop in Echo Park. I would also take them to do all the touristy activities such as hike to the Hollywood sign, visit the Griffith Park Observatory, take them to Disneyland, and enjoy the beaches along the PCH. Being in LA, they would have to try the street tacos. Honestly, any tacos spot here is good, but my favorite is Angel’s Tijuana Tacos on Eagle Rock Blvd.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I would like to thank my partner Junne for helping me through every step of my business. Since bringing up the idea to him, he’s helped and encouraged me when I’ve had my doubts. He has also been there to help me set up and break down at every market. Not only would I like to acknowledge him, but also my friends and family who have supported me too. From visiting me at my pop ups, to giving me ideas and promoting my brand, I couldn’t have done it without them.

Instagram: @avadorestudios

Other: https://avadorestudios.etsy.com/

Image Credits
Junne Valencia