Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Lei Miller.
Hi Erika, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I was born in Saudi Arabia to Filipino immigrants. We moved to Knoxville, Tennessee when I was 5 years old and I always dreamed of the Cali life. In every social setting I was put in, I was the only one there that looked like me. Finally, when I turned 27, my husband and I were able to move to San Diego. I am very grateful to this vibrant and diverse community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road! I took a long break from creating any art from ages 18-24. Growing up Filipino there were only 2 viable career options: doctor or engineer. I was accepted into two college programs at different schools: engineering at one and animation at the other. Eventually, I buried my dream of my art career and graduated with honors in chemical engineering and then had a steady engineering career. My job took over my life and I wasn’t able to create. This made me extremely burned out and miserable.
With my husband’s support, I was able to quit my job and finally pursue my art seriously. I was into collecting patches at that time but had trouble finding ones that I loved so I started designing and selling them online and the rest has morphed from there.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an artist specializing in digital illustration and acrylic painting. I started designing and selling patches in 2016 and now have expanded to t-shirts and other media. Additionally, I create content for TikTok and Instagram. In 2016, my “Send Noods” patch went viral on Instagram making for my first sold-out patch. In 2020, my “Hot Wings Hot Hands” t-shirt went viral and is still my most popular t-shirt design to date. I also love to create content with my husband. One series we have is “San Diego Date Ideas” and our Pottery Wheel Date Night from earlier this year is still shared regularly.
The work I am most proud of is my children’s book Take Care Palagi. One event that had profound effect on my life was when my mom died suddenly of ovarian cancer when I was 11 years old. 20 years later, I wrote and illustrated this brief grief guidebook so that other children experiencing the loss of a parent do not have to feel as lost and alone as I did.
Through my art, I love to incorporate my heritage and connect with my community.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My head was always buried in a book so probably books. But also, when I was 13 Shania Twain came to Knoxville and her concert is still one of the most empowering things I’ve ever witnessed!
Pricing:
- Links to my shops and book are on my website www.erikalei.com
- Take Care Palagi available on Amazon and other platforms $28.99
- Patches on my Storenvy starting at $4.20
- Tees & other made-to-order items on my Teepublic; tees starting at $14
Contact Info:
- Website: www.erikalei.com
- Instagram: @erikaleiam
- Other: TikTok @illermillers
