We were lucky to catch up with Mandi Lin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mandi, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic in graphic design is deeply rooted in my understanding of the transformative power of design. Unlike art, where interpretation is subjective, design holds the unique ability to convey a narrative and connect with people through a single visual composition. What makes my work truly special is the meaningful stories I infuse into each design. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about connecting with emotions and conveying a narrative through floral art.
A poignant example of this principle came to life when I received a customized order for a centenarian life insurance manager’s birthday celebration. Wanting to create more than just a beautiful arrangement, I meticulously crafted a tree using everlasting flowers. On the accompanying plaque, I chronicled the countless cases he had handled and the numerous hearts he had touched throughout his remarkable career.
When the centenarian laid eyes on the creation, emotion overwhelmed him, and tears welled up in his eyes. He clasped my hand, expressing gratitude, and shared that he would hang it prominently on his wall. The piece, not only a visual delight but a tangible testament to a lifetime of meaningful experiences, became a cherished daily reminder of his impactful journey.
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?
I’m really excited to talk about Studio Lorax and how I got here. At Studio Lorax, I make floral art with preserved flowers that last for three to five years. What’s special about my work is that I try to tell a story and connect with people through each design, going beyond just making things look nice.
One of the best parts of what I do is hosting floral workshops and creating festive products, DIY kits, and personalized flower arrangements. These things let me connect with my community and share not just beautiful pieces but also a chance for people to explore their creativity and make connections with each other.
Working with preserved flowers has its challenges like higher costs and them being delicate during shipping. But I see these challenges as chances to come up with new ideas. I’m always looking for fresh ways to share the joy of floral art with more people.
Over time, I’ve had students travel from Seattle to take my classes, and local Chinese moms get together with friends for my workshops, creating a relaxing and connecting experience through floral art.
Recently, I started studying interior design to broaden my creative vision beyond just floral art. The pandemic pushed me into online learning, and I’m really excited about where this new direction might take Studio Lorax.
Running a one-person studio is tough. I do everything from creating to marketing, packaging, accounting, and tax filing. Even with all the busyness, I find joy in the process and love connecting with other Chinese female entrepreneurs. Our regular meet-ups and book clubs are like a supportive group where we help each other instead of competing.
Studio Lorax isn’t just a brand to me; it’s a place where stories come to life, feelings are expressed, and connections happen. I really care about putting meaning into every design, and I’d love for everyone to be a part of this journey of creativity and community with me.
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?
Absolutely, here’s a more sincere, humble, and straightforward version:
Resilience:
Resilience has been my sidekick through the ups and downs of my journey. Balancing a demanding advertising gig with unexpected motherhood needed a strong mindset. Shifting to a full-time mom had its lonely and emotional moments, but resilience pulled me through. If you’re starting your journey, my advice is to see challenges as chances to grow. Keep your eyes on your goals, learn from hiccups, and use them as stepping stones toward progress.
Creativity:
Creativity is the heartbeat of my work as a floral artist. Navigating the highs and lows demanded a creative touch. Moving from a graphic designer to a floral artist showed me the magic of creativity. If you’re just starting, let your creativity flow. Explore different things, find inspiration in everyday life, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Creativity blooms when we embrace the unknown.
Flexibility:
Flexibility became my friend when switching from a hectic advertising world to full-time motherhood. Recognizing the need for change and diving into floral art emphasized the importance of staying flexible. To those starting out, I’d say, roll with the punches. Be open to learning, embrace change, and see challenges as chances to grow.
For beginners, my advice is simple: foster a growth mindset. Face challenges as opportunities to learn, surround yourself with supportive folks, seek advice, and remember that setbacks are part of the journey, not roadblocks. Cultivating resilience, nurturing creativity, and staying flexible will not only enhance your personal and professional journey but also contribute to your long-lasting success.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
This year, I’ve set a goal to have a collaborative workshop or project each month, specifically teaming up with female creatives. I’ve named the series “Spark with the name of the female.”
In February, I will team with a local home bakery to host a Valentine’s Day workshop to bringing together the art of floral arrangements with the sweetness of homemade treats.
March will see a collaboration with another talented florist who not only creates beautiful arrangements but also grows her own flowers. Together, we’ll dive into the world of home gardening, sharing tips and creating simple garden-to-table arrangements.
Looking ahead to April, my aim is to find a collaborator specializing in eco-friendly creations for Earth Day. I’m eager to join forces with someone passionate about sustainability, bringing a touch of creativity to celebrate our beautiful planet.
If you’re a female creative and resonate with the spirit of collaboration, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to connect, and let’s explore the possibility of sparking creativity together.
Contact Info:
- Website: studiolorax.com
- Instagram: @studiolorax
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studiolorax
