Meet Sofia Masuda | Textile & Fashion Designer

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

Hi Sofia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
When I was a little girl, my grandmother taught me how to hand stitch, sew and draw. I fell in love with making and creating things with my hands, so I knew at an early age, I wanted to pursue a creative career. I continued to create as I grew up and have been working in the fashion industry since I was 16. Since then, everything I have done involving school and work has revolved around my goal in becoming a designer and creative that impacts my community and industry. While I was working full time, I also went to college full time at Fashion Institute of Design Merchandising, for an A.A. in Textile Design, a BA of Design, and an Advanced Fashion Design degree. After I graduated I continued to work in the industry as a lead designer for a high end wholesale kidswear company and the founder/ designer of my own brand, Oyuki Designs.

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.
I got into my industry when I was really young and have worked everyday since I was 16. Getting into any industry is never easy, I was working full time and going to school full time, paying for college and having multiple side hustles along the way. I feel that in the creative field, you are always having to multitask and handle a lot of separate projects as you go. I was doing so much at one point that my brother used to tell people I “majored in side hustles”. Without the support of family and friends, I would have not been able to overcome the most overwhelming and stressful parts of my job. One of the most important lessons I have learned in this industry and on my journey is to seize every opportunity because you never know what it will lead to, everything is a learning experience and always being open to learning is the greatest tool/mindset someone can have. As a designer, I find it important to know where I came from and embrace my culture and community. Growing up in LA, I found the importance in diversity and love incorporating that idea in my designs and color aesthetic.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of the best things about LA is there is always something to do. Some of my favorite things to do is hit a farmers market on the weekends, there are a couple in DTLA and Silverlake area that are always fun to visit. Another fun thing to do is visit the flea markets around the LA area, like the Silverlake flea and the Rose Bowl flea market in Pasadena. Fun place to shop, especially for creatives, is the fashion district where they have everything you could ever need as a creative person for an affordable price, and most of the businesses there are local small businesses that have been there for years! Some good brunch spots I like to hit in the LA area are Poppy + Rose in the flower district, or the Home Restaurant in Los Feliz for really good chilaquiles. Also some places to mention that are always a fun time to stop by and eat/shop is in Little Tokyo, filled with a bunch of small businesses that have been there since my parents were kids, and still in business and thriving!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be where I am today in my creative journey/career without the help, support, and guidance from my family and mentors that I have met along the way. A special shoutout to the strong latina women in my family, my mom, tia, cousins, and family friends that have helped and dedicated countless hours to support my creative vision.

Website: https://www.sofiamasuda.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?trk=d_flagship3_profile_self_view_public_profile

Other: https://www.instagram.com/sofiemasuda/