The BUST Craftacular @ World Maker Faire is fast approaching (Sat & Sun, Sept 20 & 21!) and since we have loads of pent up excitement about it we’ve been chatting with some of our wonderful vendors to bide our time until then. We recently sat down with Rie Miyamoto of “Love Factory New York” to talk about kawaii, New York, and spreading the love.
BUST: Tell us a little about yourself and your wares. What’s your main goal for your business, why did you start, how would you describe your brand’s personality? How did you get your name? You get the gist.
RM: I’m the designer and owner of Love Factory New York. My brand creates New York/Kawaii style fashion items. “Kawaii” means “cute” and “lovely” in Japanese.
I’m from Japan and have been living in New York almost 10 years. I grew up with kawaii stuff always around, so I want to spread “kawaii culture” all over the world to make people kawaii. My business goal is spreading love and light to make the earth a better place.
B: How did you get started? What was the first thing you made/sold? What prompted you to start making?
RM: I love fashion. I wanted to be a fashion designer when I was a kid, but I never believed that would come true for me. I totally forgot. Many years later, all of a sudden I made up my mind, “I want to make my own clothing and express myself freely!”
First my sold item was a bow headband. I made it for myself. I got lots of compliments when I wearing it, and then one of my friends asked me to make one for them.
B: What’s your current inspiration? Are you loving any particular thing or influence that’s showing through in what you’re making right now?
RM: People. Of course, Japanese culture, fashion, and TV. And also vintage art and music. I’m opening my pop-up store in SoHo. I’m also at The Marketplace at St. Anthony’s every weekend. There are lots of brilliant fashion people around.
B: What would be your one bit of key advice to anyone starting out as a maker?
RM: Just do it whatever you feel like, be free to express yourself! Have fun! Go for it!
B: What are you most looking forward to about BUST Craftacular @Maker Faire?
RM: I’m very excited to be a part of the Faire. I’m looking forward to seeing lots of people and having fun.
Photos via Love Factory New York.
