Meet Mikayla Chin

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

Hi Mikayla, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
I’ll let you in on something: I grew up as the most unconfident person ever. I’m an introvert and was the most shy kid you’d meet. But then last year I turned 25, and it hit me, that I’m still here, on this beautiful planet, where I didn’t think I would make it past 22.

So now that I’m on the other side of that mountain, I see that there are so many reasons to stay and believe in myself, and keep going and growing. I saw that I was just holding myself back from being what I always wanted to be. I’m learning to get past being scared and learning that having anxiety doesn’t have to hold me back.

I’m still working on my self-confidence, but just acknowledging that I’ve made it this far helps me recognize that I’ve done a lot to be proud of, and that I have a lot to look forward to. It also helps to hear from others that they think I’m doing well and am making a difference. It helps me acknowledge and remember that I am on the right path for me and I am doing good.

Lastly, this year I’m finally getting into skincare and taking care of myself since I never really did that before, and it’s become my self-care time where I can spend time with myself and reflect on how far I’ve come.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hi, I’m Mikayla! I make and sell handmade/illustrated Plants-and-Positivity-themed stationery and cute gift items. Stickers, art prints, clay creations, pins, magnets, keychains, etc.

I started doing in-person markets last year and it changed the game! Not only does it help my small business to get out there to new people, but it also helps me to overcome my social anxiety. So me and my biz are both growing together with each and every event I do. I’m hoping to do a lot more this year, so maybe I’ll see you at one!

I’m also a host of Small Biz Secret Santa on Instagram for the past few years, and it’s just a fun way to get the small biz community together to share a handmade gift by a fellow creative during the holidays.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I was lucky enough to study Graphic Design in college and high school, so that’s what got me really started on my creative career. Of course I was always a creative kid, but I never knew the potential ways I could use that as an adult later on.

I also believe that my strive to just be creative in everything I do helps me to go along my journey. I find creative solutions to problems that others don’t think of, and I’m so thankful for this skill that I’ve acquired. Life is a non-stop learning journey, and striving to keep learning helps you grow and be more knowledgable. You really do learn something new every day.

If you’re just starting out your creative journey, congrats! You’ve already accomplished the hardest part, which is starting. Keep going, pay attention to your daily habits, and if you’re passionate enough, in due time, you’ll get there if you keep believing in yourself and your path.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
First, remind yourself that you’re okay and it’ll pass. Try and focus on one thing at a time, but write the rest down so it’s not all jumbled in your head. Think about what you can get done in this moment, and what you can do later.

If I get stuck on what I’m working on, I’ll switch to another task, because there’s always something to do as a one-woman show small biz.

I’m lucky to have a supportive and caring partner that I can vent to and talk about anything with. He lets me bounce my biz ideas off him, gives me feedback and advice, and helps calm me down when I need a breather.

Lastly, I recommend moving your body, even for a minute. We all don’t exercise enough, that’s a given, but a little a day makes all the difference later on, and it’ll help with your mental health and creativity too.

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