Meet Jia Jia

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jia Jia a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jia, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I think my resilience comes from a mix of migration and making. Moving between cultures has taught me how to adapt and find stability in uncertainty. Working with clay also mirrors that process — it’s fragile yet strong, responsive yet unpredictable. Every time a piece collapses or cracks, it reminds me that persistence and care are part of growth.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I was born and raised in an industrial city in northern China, and I’m now based in Seattle, having lived in the U.S. for about six years. My art is a reflection of my journey as an immigrant, exploring identity, adaptation, and a nuanced resistance against capitalist and political pressures. Through my work, I navigate the complex realities of globalization, migration, and cultural assimilation, shedding light on the power dynamics that often seek to reduce individuals to mere “products” in the pursuit of efficiency. My art celebrates resilience and the continuous process of finding one’s place in a diverse, ever-evolving society, inviting viewers to engage with themes of adaptation, subtle resistance, and the beauty of imperfection.

Beyond my art practice, I’m excited to venture into a new realm: tableware design. This project is not only a way to support my creative work financially but also a chance to shape a lifestyle that reflects and redefines “home” for the Asian community in the U.S., especially for young Chinese immigrants. It’s a way to celebrate our culture and share it in a meaningful, everyday form—one that speaks to identity, heritage, and a new vision of home.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: resilience, self-love, and self-motivation. Resilience has helped me push through challenges, learning to love myself has given me confidence and inner peace, and self-motivation keeps me moving forward even when things feel tough.

For those starting out, my advice is to trust yourself and trust what you’re doing. Doubts are natural, but don’t let them hold you back from pursuing what you’re passionate about. Nothing can stop you except yourself. Focus on your path and try not to compare yourself to others too much—comparison is normal, but it’s more useful to learn from others rather than discourage yourself. Finally, learn to balance acceptance and rejection; accept what aligns with your values and vision, and don’t be afraid to reject what doesn’t.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My mom has been the most influential person in helping me overcome challenges and develop the skills, qualities, and resilience I need to succeed. She has always been a role model, demonstrating how to balance work and family as an independent woman. Growing up, I watched her manage everything with discipline and organization, ensuring she could both care for our family and pursue her own career ambitions.

Since I was little, she has reminded me: “Rely on yourself to achieve your life goals; don’t depend on others. You’ll always feel motivated if you have a dream in your heart. No matter how tough life gets, always follow your heart and stay true to yourself—never lose sight of your originality.” Her words instilled a deep sense of willpower and authenticity in me, qualities I now see as essential to my journey and success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jiajiajj.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiaj.i.a/

Image Credits

Jueqian Fang