Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nina Ishii. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nina , thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
As a content creator and bag designer, I keep my creativity alive by constantly staying curious and observing the little things around me—whether it’s people-watching in NYC, flipping through vintage magazines, or even just walking through a fabric store. I also journal a lot to clear my mind and reflect, which helps me come up with fresh ideas.
Switching between different creative outlets also keeps me inspired—some days I’m editing a reel, other days I’m sketching a new bag or sewing until midnight. That balance between digital and handmade really helps me recharge creatively. And honestly, just talking with other creatives, hearing their stories, or teaching others keeps that creative spark going for me too.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Thank you so much for having me! I’m a content creator and handmade bag designer based in New York City. I design unique bow bags that are feminine, playful, and meant to make everyday moments feel a little more magical. Each piece is carefully handcrafted, and I love bringing a sense of joy and personality into my designs.
What excites me most about what I do is the blend of storytelling and craftsmanship. I use social media not just to share products, but to share the creative process, the behind-the-scenes, and the small, honest moments of building something from the ground up. It’s a way for me to connect deeply with my community, and I’m always inspired by the messages and support I receive from people around the world.
One of the proudest moments for me has been hosting two successful pop-up events in NYC—one in January and another in September—where over 150 people came to celebrate the brand. Meeting everyone in person, seeing people wear the bags, and hearing their stories reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.
Right now, I’m working on launching an updated version of my bow bag with new details and refined materials. I’m also planning more in-person experiences to connect with my audience and grow the brand in exciting new directions.
At the heart of everything I do is the belief that fashion should be personal, joyful, and full of meaning—and I hope to keep creating pieces that reflect that.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, storytelling, and community building.
Resilience has carried me through every challenge—from figuring out how to grow a brand with limited resources to facing constant self-doubt. Especially as someone living in a new country and building something from scratch, there were so many moments I wanted to give up. But resilience taught me to keep going, even if I had to take small steps.
Storytelling helped me stand out. Whether it’s through a reel, a caption, or the way I present my bags, I’ve learned that people connect with stories more than anything. You don’t need fancy equipment or a big team—just an honest voice and a willingness to share who you are. That’s where the magic happens.
And community building changed everything. I used to think success was just about numbers, but now I know it’s about people. The support and love from my audience—whether they’re buying a bag, commenting on a post, or showing up to a pop-up—have been the heart of my growth.
For anyone just starting out, my advice is:
Don’t wait until things are “perfect”—start messy, learn as you go, and keep showing up.
Practice sharing your story, even if it feels scary at first.
And most importantly, treat every person who supports you like gold. Build your brand with people, not just for people.
Your journey won’t look like anyone else’s—and that’s the most beautiful part.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Honestly, the people who’ve supported me—my community—have been the most helpful in helping me grow through every challenge. One moment that really reminded me of that was my pop-up and birthday party last September. Over 150 people showed up, and it wasn’t just about the bags—it was about celebrating a journey we’ve all been a part of together.
That night reminded me I’m not doing this alone. From my assistant to the models, performers, and every single person who came, cheered, or even shared the event online—it gave me so much motivation. I felt seen, supported, and deeply inspired to keep going.
That experience taught me that building something meaningful is never a solo mission. It’s about showing up for others and letting others show up for you too. The energy of that night—filled with laughter, tears, hugs, and happy surprises—still fuels me today.
So while I’ve learned a lot on my own, I’ve grown the most because of the people who believed in me, even when I didn’t fully believe in myself.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Mars Alba
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
