Meet Tia Weiss | Jewelry Artist

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

Hi Tia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I first decided to start my business during the pandemic. I graduated from college in May of 2020 with a degree in photography. Due to the pandemic, however, most jobs in this industry were not available, so I ended up working a customer service job at a film development lab. This job wasn’t very fulfilling, so at the end of 2020, I decided to quit and start my own business.

I had dabbled in making and selling products on Etsy during the early pandemic. Mostly video game related accessories and fabric face masks. I shifted to polymer clay jewelry when I quit my customer service job after being inspired by small business owners on social media.

I’ve always been a creative and crafty person and making art is one of the most satisfying experiences for me. My thought process behind starting a business was actually to sustain my crafting hobbies. I had hoped that it might take off, but didn’t seriously expect much. I’m so thankful that I took the leap during the pandemic, because I absolutely love what I do now.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Okay Okay Company is a Queer and Asian American owned jewelry business. We specialize in handmade laser-cut acrylic earrings. I draw inspiration for my work from childhood nostaligia, my identity as a queer and Asian person, as well as my favorite media and fandoms. I feel like the thing that sets Okay Okay Co apart from other similar brands are these meaningful pieces inspired by my passions and identity. The most popular style of earrings is designed after the Chinese game Mahjong. I remember playing this game with family while I was growing up. There are so many meaningful memories related to this game, and it’s a sentiment that many people resonate with as well.

Getting my business to the place it’s at now was not an easy task. There have been multiple times when I had to take on additional jobs to support myself financially when business was slow. The best part about having this business though, is that it’s always there for me, even when I’m struggling emotionally. I just love making art and connecting with my customers over our shared passions.

Making your passion your life is not always rainbows and butterflies. It comes with many challenges. I’ve learned how important it is to balance work with life. It’s so easy to be constantly working when you own your own business. Setting boundaries with your work is important and necessary.

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?
Los Angeles is such an amazing city and I feel so lucky to call it my home. I’ve lived all over the country. I grew up in the Bay Area, lived in Houston, Texas, and went to school in Rochester, NY. No other place has the energy that I have felt in LA. My favorite part about this city is the passion. It seems as if everyone you meet has big dreams and are willing to work hard to achieve them.

When I have friends from out of town visit LA, I have a few of my favorite spots to take them. My favorite brunch spot is Millies in Silverlake. There’s something for everyone there. As a vegan, I also make sure to take them to Vegan Exchange in NoHo on Sundays or Vegan Playground downtown on Wednesdays. My favorite spot for a nice dinner is Pura Vita in WeHo for a fully vegan Italian experience.

For activities, I’d make sure to take them out into nature. Maybe Echo Park or on a hike at Griffith. Definitely to the beach. I love Santa Monica Pier and some of the quieter beaches in Malibu. If we want to go out at night, I’d take them to West Hollywood to visit the queer bars or to Love Hour in Koreatown. If they want to shop I’d take them to the Los Feliz Flea or to the many shops on Melrose. Other fun places to visit could be my favorite comedy place, UCB Franklin in Los Feliz.

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 would love to shoutout the folks that organize Queer Asian Social Club. I first became acquainted with the organization when they invited me to vend at one of their events. I met so many amazing people in the Queer Asian community at this event and have since done many collaborations with the organization. I want to specifically shout out the club’s organizers Jamie Issuh and Yoshi Gillette. Jamie is a talented artist and designer and Yoshi owns a queer clothing brand. They are both amazing people and have done so much for our community. They absolutely deserve the recognition!

Website: okayokayco.com

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