Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie X..
Hi Julie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, I was enchanted by the magic of paper and fashion. The six-year-old me would transform paper into dresses, shoes, jewelry, and even tiny watches, but my favorite creations were always the tiny origami cranes I made from notebook scraps during class. This childhood passion for paper art lasted through many years.
In 2019, while studying abroad in Tokyo, I discovered paper crane earrings made from vibrant, durable Japanese paper. It was a revelation—combining my love for paper art with fashion. I returned to the US inspired, and began crafting origami earrings in 2020, turning a pandemic hobby into a business, Kamyi.Art.
Initially, I sold origami jewelry on Etsy, but sales were slow because I didn’t pay for platform ads. Undeterred, I set up a 2ft table in Balboa Park in December 2021 to sell in person. This modest beginning gradually blossomed into a full-fledged artisan business by late 2023, following an unexpected layoff from my full-time job as a UX Designer.
Today, Kamyi.Art Origami Designs has its own independent online store and has been featured at pop-up markets all over Southern California. The product line has expanded from jewelry to charming decor, and artful collage displays. As Kamyi.art continue to grow, its mission remains to celebrate the beauty of paper art and East Asian culture, inspiring creativity and delight in every piece created.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has certainly not been smooth. I wouldn’t advise anyone to “quit your day job and follow your dream” without understanding the challenges involved. After being laid off from my tech job, I found myself selling artworks to make a living. Sales were slow initially, and I often felt a strong pull to return to the tech industry for the perceived “job security” it offered. Weekdays were spent on job applications while weekends were dedicated to pop-up markets. There were moments when I would hide under my vending table to cry after receiving yet another interview rejection, internally struggling to embrace my identity as an artist.
A pivotal moment came when I realized that true job security is a myth in today’s economic climate. Even if I landed another tech job, the threat of layoffs would always loom. Conversely, building my own business meant creating something no one could take away from me. This realization empowered me to overcome my internal battles, allowing me to fully commit to my art and business. Today, I still face typical business challenges, but none of them faze me anymore because I have my determination and I am full of hope for the future.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create paper art.
I transform washi (Japanese paper) into origami jewelries, charms, and collage displays. Each origami pieces is glazed for durability and enhanced with metal/gemstones.
While origami earrings are not a completely unique idea, I specialize in crafting miniature origami cranes from half-inch-wide paper. I can even fit these paper cranes into glass-balls about the size of my fingertips. People often ask me how I manage to create such small pieces and if I use any tools, but I simply just use my fingers to fold the paper.
In my creations, I draw from traditional Chinese and Japanese techniques and aesthetics, combining them with a contemporary twist. I match the other metal and gemstone elements with the colors and patterns of the washi paper. I want my designs to not only be elegant and culturally inspired, but also expressive and fun.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamyi.art
Image Credits
First image (modeling purple crane earring): Kevin Truitt Photography Last image (wooden shelf of small earrings): @jamilahallencreative
