What does your morning routine look like?

I wake up really early around 6:30 AM. I first take a shit then I shower. I started taking these supplements so I take a few of those and then I eat breakfast. After taking care of my health, I start the day looking for some inspiration.

Where do you look for inspiration?

To me, LA is the perfect place for inspiration and I keep visiting because there are so many events going on. I’ll go to the art book fairs, the flea markets, watch a few horror movies. I like looking at erotic art and going to Jumbo’s Clown Room, a strip club in Hollywood. Watching the strippers dance really inspires me. I also look into my personal story and put myself and how I feel in to my artwork. My personal story is my biggest inspiration. Most of the girls I draw are self portraits. And the power they express represents women empowerment for me.

What has been the biggest challenge on your journey?

I would have to say that it's been really challenging navigating the art world as a woman. And with the added layer of being an Asian woman, I’ve had people try to take advantage of me. No one took me seriously. It's actually been really frustrating. This frustration has only fueled my work to be more aggressive and has driven me to carve my own path as an independent artist. I'm just doing my own shit now without permission.

Who is someone that has helped you get to where you are now? How were they impactful?

I can't name one person but all the friends I've made through the Bloodygums crew and Superchief Gallery have been incredibly helpful. They've all given me great advice on how to be an independent artist and have supported my shows.

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“I really want my work to inspire other women to create more.”

What's the best advice you've gotten from someone?

The owner of Superchief Gallery advised me to paint more at a time when I was creating more digital work. I took his advice very seriously and ever since then, my paintings have gotten more layered. I'm really proud of the direction I'm going with them.

How do you define success? What are the goalposts you look out for?

For me, success looks like garnering respect from my community and having a positive influence. I really want my work to inspire other women to create. I don't think I'm successful yet, but a goalpost would be when I can do a solo show at one of my favorite galleries in LA. I also define success as being able to push my craft and breaking through to the next level.