I want to make unique, handmade art that are treasured by customers and followers. From sketching to embroidering to piecing together embellishments, I spend hours on creating a wearable art piece that I hope compliments my customer’s essence.
Joy, owner of Joy Castillon
Tell us a bit about yourself
Hello! My name is Joy Castillon. I am so thankful to Gabriela to offer her platform to share my story.
I am originally from Canada, now living in sunny California and I am currently working in the medical field.
How and why did you start your business?
Since I was a child, I’ve always done arts and crafts but I didn’t think it was something I could seriously pursue. My Asian parents wanted me to do the sciences, so I got a degree in biology. But throughout the years, I’ve always painted as a way to relax and cope with stressors.
About two years ago, I started digitally painting because I was running out of room for all my canvases. Then in October, I started dabbling with Embroidery then it continued to evolve from there.
I always admired polymer earrings and so I thought I could combine embroidery and jewelry making.
What is your vision, and why is this important to you?
I want to make unique, handmade art that is treasured by customers and followers. From sketching to embroidering to piecing together embellishments, I spend hours creating a wearable art piece that I hope compliments my customer’s essence.
However, I make pieces that I would wear and this is important to me because I don’t want the guesswork pressure of what is popular.
What inspires you and your work?
Many different things — mainly my travels and the places I’ve lived.
My first embroidery collection was based on my home province, Alberta, Canada. I made pieces based on landmarks in National Parks in Alberta.
My next collection is inspired by Filipino Textiles. I am ethnically Filipino and I wanted to learn more about my heritage. I researched traditional Filipino clothes and I based my new collection on those patterns.
Can you share some challenges in running your business and how you’re coping?
I think starting always seems to have the highest threshold. I am my biggest critic and so I have doubted my abilities. So I think trying to quiet down that inner critic helped me power through.
Any advice for aspiring artists?
Go for it! Don’t be hard on yourself and always practice your craft. The more you practice, the more you learn what works and what doesn’t.
Art is creative experimentation and enjoying the journey!
Instagram: @joy.castillon
Etsy: Joy Castillon
I’d love to hear your story! Drop me a message at hello@makenstitch.com and I’ll get back to you with a few questions to get to know you or your business a bit better.
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