Celebrating Culture Through Creativity - Miranda @mandosbakeshop

Art has long been a powerful tool for storytelling, activism, and preserving culture. In a world increasingly shaped by digital media, artists are finding new ways to blend tradition with innovation, using creativity to not just express themselves but also to inspire change. Miranda, an illustrator and designer, does just that. With a focus on social good, Miranda’s art amplifies diverse voices, explores cultural identity, and sparks meaningful conversations. Read below to learn more about Miranda and her journey through the lens of creativity!

What is something about the art industry that you think more people should know about?

I want people to know that being an artist or designer in a digital space is strange, especially because the definition of art is constantly evolving. What “counts” as art is no longer limited to gallery walls, which I personally think is a good thing, but it also makes it feel odd to call yourself an artist. With the proliferation of content and performance online, the lines feel kind of blurred to me. Sometimes making art doesn’t feel like enough because you also have to package it, narrate it, and prove its value in the feed. While it’s freeing, it’s also confusing. I’m constantly thinking about what it means to be an artist, but perhaps uncertainty is a part of the process and helps us reflect on what we truly want to create.

As seen on your Instagram, you’re a proud Adobe partner. What has this experience taught you about your business and/or yourself?

Being an Adobe partner has taught me that everyone has something valuable to teach. It’s really easy to underestimate our own knowledge and know-how, to assume that what we know isn’t worth mentioning. But I’ve learned that what feels second nature to us might be the exact perspective or idea someone else needs. Even now, I’m always surprised that people find my tutorials useful because it feels so obvious to me. Sharing what we know, regardless of how small it seems, can spark ideas, confidence, and connection. There’s real power in offering up your perspective and contributing your voice to the conversation. I'm grateful to Adobe for giving me a platform to share my knowledge and for the opportunity to learn from so many others who are also a part of their program.

What is an aspect of being an entrepreneur that forced you to learn something new?

One aspect of being an entrepreneur that forced me to learn something new is discernment. I had to get comfortable saying no to opportunities that didn't align with the values or messages I want to put out into the world, especially when it came to working with manufacturers or potential collaborators. Protecting the integrity of my work and being intentional about the messages I share is deeply important to me because I know it has the potential to impact others or carry some sort of societal influence. Developing discernment has forced me to learn to advocate for myself, create from a place that feels true to my vision, and reflect more deeply on what we actually need in the world.

Could you walk me through your favorite hobonichi spread and what you love most about it? 

My favorite Hobonichi spread is the one from October 2024. I was following the Peachtober challenge as a guide for what to draw for each day and I just love how experimental it turned out. It’s so different from the types of things I normally draw. I appreciate getting forced to think differently because it’s easy for me to treat something as routine. I also think some of the most creative ideas come from working within constraints. It teaches you to be resourceful, shift your perspective, and approach things in an unexpected way.

What are your favorite professional resources for running your business?

Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Express, Shopify, and Notion

What is your favorite way to unwind at the end of the day?

Watching a show, reading, or having a good meal (or ideally, all of the above).

If you could go back in time and tell your past self anything, what would it be?

I don’t think I’d actually choose to say anything because I think that would detract from the experiences that have made me who I am today. But if I had to, I would tell her: you are just as smart and beautiful as other people, your voice and opinions matter, trust yourself and your intuition, there are good people out there and you will find them in time, and life is never that serious.

Your brand revolves around central themes of AAPI appreciation, sustainability, and social good. What inspired you to make these key elements within your business? 

I’m so glad these themes come across from my page. My art and design practice has never been just about creating for art's sake. Of course, while I believe that art in itself is inherently powerful, culture-shaping, and impactful in our everyday lives, my personal ethos has always been to use my work and skills in service of something greater. I care about celebrating my Asian heritage and I want to encourage others to embrace and connect to their own cultural identities. I care about contributing to a more sustainable future, especially in an industry centered on the exchange of goods, one that respects the balance between human needs and our planet's capacity to support us. And I care about being of service to others because, at the end of the day, we only have each other. This is why I’ve always donated a portion of the money I’ve made from selling my art to people or causes that I care about. When I look back on my life, I want to know that I helped in some way to make it easier, more meaningful, and more equitable for all of us to be here. Hopefully, my art and small business can play even a small role in that as something that uplifts, inspires, and/or connects people.

Share another Asian-women-owned small business or entrepreneur that inspires you!

Lisa Li, founder of The Qi! I’m interested in holistic and natural approaches to wellness and it’s been cool to see her bring more Eastern healing philosophies to a new audience. She’s not just building a business, but really trying to help people live better, more balanced lives and I strive to do that in some way through my art. 

What is the last thing you were curious about? 

The last thing I was curious about was the invisible structures that shape how we build or fail to build community today. I’ve been thinking a lot about shared spaces, like libraries and coffee shops, not just as physical environments, but as reflections of what we value as a society and how they’ve changed over time. Libraries feel like remnants of a more collectivist time and coffee shops seem more about productivity than

connection. It also seems that being together often requires an activity or a purchase. Just spending time with someone, without a clear purpose, feels less valuable somehow. And I'm curious how that shift affects our relationships and what it might look like to create spaces where connection is the focus, not just a byproduct.

What can the community help you with?

The community can help connect me to new people with ideas and perspectives I’ve yet to ponder. I believe we become more empathetic and knowledgeable with every new person we meet and this space can help me expand my worldview, get closer to the truth of what it means to live fully, and learn from others in meaningful ways.

Miranda's story helps us appreciate the beauty in expressing one's culture while navigating the ever-changing landscape of art and society. You can find more of Miranda's art and work here:

https://mandosbakeshop.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mandosbakeshop/