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

Hi Mimiko, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My passion for vintage toy culture sparked the idea for Cabbage Garden. Growing up, I was captivated by the charm of old toys, which seemed to hold more allure than the newer models available today. I wanted to bring these cherished characters from my childhood into the present, blending classic designs with modern aesthetics to appeal to a wider audience. By reimagining these vintage characters through our products, we not only celebrate nostalgia but also introduce a new generation to the joy these toys bring.

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.
Cabbage Garden was born from a vintage toy store I owned, which faced challenges during the pandemic. Inspired by a visit to the museum at the original McDonald’s in San Bernardino, I was moved to preserve and share the endearing character IPs from early McDonald’s toys through my products. Merging the nostalgic appeal of Cabbage Patch Kids with contemporary fashion, we create clothing and accessories that resonate deeply with our customers, often rekindling their own childhood memories. Despite the challenges in manufacturing and the niche appeal of medieval toy IPs, we’re committed to educating and sharing their unique charm with the world. We hope everyone could see how we’re reviving historical charm for modern times.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend visited, we’d start with two days at Disneyland, exploring both Classic Park and Adventure Park. We’d also spend a day at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, enjoying its vast collection spanning from modern to medieval art. Over the weekend, we’d visit the Melrose Trading Post flea market, where we can shop for antiques and enjoy local music performances. This itinerary combines fun, culture, and the unique vibe of Los Angeles, ensuring a memorable experience.

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?
I owe immense gratitude to my parents. As an only child, they enriched my childhood with toys to ensure I never felt alone, fostering my love for vintage items. Their unwavering support was pivotal when I decided to transform these childhood memories into a tangible brand. Their belief in my vision has been both a spiritual and material boon to my endeavors. Their support helped launch Cabbage Garden, where we bring the past into the present with each meticulously crafted item.

Website: www.cabbage-garden.com

Instagram: cabbage_garden_88

Image Credits
All the photos credit to instagram: Cabbage_Garden_88.

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