Meet Laurie Okamoto

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laurie Okamoto. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laurie below.

Hi Laurie , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Growing up, my family was the only Asian family in a Caucasian town. It was often uncomfortable to feel eyes on us because even if they weren’t malicious stares, I just wanted to fly under the radar like most others in the town did. Eventually, I came to realize that their curiosity, while uncomfortable, wasn’t a negative thing. My classmates still included me, I was still able to make friends, and eventually I grew to ignore those who felt a need to stare. Once I understood that I wouldn’t be ostracized for my appearance, I became comfortable in my own skin and found that I was more willing to try new things and ideas.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Initially, I started Chiisai Leaf as a hobby while I was still in college. I used to make wire wrapped/beaded earrings, all of which would end up in an untouched pile on my desk. There was something wonderfully methodical and precise about twisting the wire and combining different colors, and it was great stress relief from school. Eventually, I found resin and became hooked on the, “alchemy” of it. Mixing colors, finding different ways of making the resin cure in different shapes, adding finishes, changing textures, etc… It really appealed to me. It was both methodical, and magical. Something that was almost entirely in my control, but also very much outside of my control.
After a lot of encouragement from friends, I started selling my jewelry online and found the, “voice” of Chiisai Leaf. Now, I make delicate, nature inspired wearable art. Although I can’t keep flowers alive forever, I can suspend the most beautiful, ephemeral moments of their lives in time, so that we can keep a touch of nature’s beauty with us, always. I hope that the feelings I experience when I see the beauty of nature will translate into my jewelry and give those who wear them a piece of calm serenity. Every piece in Chiisai Leaf is made entirely by hand, by myself, so nothing has been overlooked, and each is made with careful attention to detail.
Some exciting news! I’m launching a limited edition, pumpkin inspired fall collection with a variety of colors and styles. Each of them is designed with a particular feeling I experience in fall, ranging from the crisp feeling of cool autumn air, the smell of warming spices, or the comforting embrace of a heavy blanket. I only make pumpkins once a year and they’re available for only a short time, but this year is even shorter as I’ll be tabling at the Anthem Autumnfest this October 26-27. I’m gearing up with several new and one of a kind styles, so I am excited to see new and old friends there!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Attention to detail, organization, and definitely graphic design. Attention to detail because my work is quite tiny – some petals are only about 3mm at the longest point – and requires a good amount of both precision and accuracy. Organization… one that I’ve developed out of need, but something I wish I was more structured with when I started. When everything has its place in a well thought out system, it just makes life easier. Lastly, I don’t think I would have been able to develop as much as I have without a basic understanding of graphic design. Although I was formally trained as an illustrator, I focused a lot on design in college, and I’ve found that those skills have translated in more meaningful ways.
For those early in their journey, I really recommend thinking about what your end goal looks like. What kind of lifestyle do you want? What does your ideal day look like? Then, work backwards and plan as granularly as possible. It will still be a lot of hard work and diligence, but you’ll know what path you need to take and that will significantly reduce your stress.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

I’m currently dealing with a great deal of wrist pain and numbness. Some of the bones in my wrists displace themselves over time and have to be, “popped” back in fairly often. Although I’m trying to find ways to minimize the pain and heal my hands, it’s difficult because of the nature of my work. Both as a graphic designer, and a jewelry artist, it’s impossible not to use my hands. I’m trying to balance keeping my business alive, but also keeping my wrists healthy and functional for the long run.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chiisaileaf.com
• Instagram: @chiisaileaf
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chiisaileaf/

Image Credits

Laurie Okamoto