Crystal Yamada-Arevalo

 

Back in July, I made my a tik tok video about Kawaii y Latina that reached close to twenty thousand people. I got a bunch of people interested in the project and interested in being featured on here. Crystal was one of the first people to reach out to me with such an interesting topic, a Folklórico dance group based in Tokyo!

Crystal Yamada-Arevalo is a proud Mexican-American with roots from Mexquitic de Carmona, SLP. When she was living in Japan a few years ago, she found herself losing her Spanish and missing the Mexican culture she's grown up with. She started attended events held by the Mexican Embassy set up to share Mexican culture with Japanese citizens. "I attended them and was scouted by one of my dance teacher’s friends. I’ve never danced folklórico before but I was excited for the opportunity to learn and be part of the vision to share Mexican culture in Japan. I started dancing in 2023 and I’m so thankful to be a part of the ‘Mexico en la piel’ dance group. The experience has been amazing and it’s so heartwarming to see the Japanese community try to learn the dance steps alongside us. Everyone loves dancing to El Caballo Dorado."

Both the dance group and the Latino community in Japan was included people of different backgrounds including Japanese, Latinos and others interested in exploring different cultures. "We’re a very tight-knit, diverse, and supportive community. We all kinda know each other and support one another at events. I learned so much about Mexican history and the gastronomy of different Mexican regions thanks to the community. We really look after one another. I mentioned it’s diverse because it’s not just Mexicans but other nationalities as well."

It is so heartwarming to hear that Crystal was able to find connection and Mexican while being so far from home. I was super excited to hear about what Mexico en la Piel's performances were like. "We've gotten to perform in various places like at baseball games, Latin-American events, Disney’s Coco premiere, the Mexican Embassy, we even had the opportunity to be featured on Fuji Television during their morning broadcast. Last year, we got to perform alongside Banda El Recodo. It was amazing! I think that was my favorite performance because I had grown up listening to them on radio and I could have never imagine that one day I would dancing with them in Tokyo. It was so surreal and I feel very blessed." Apart from dance, some of Crystal's other hobbies include exploring shops and cafes in her neighborhood by the Meguro river, visit Shonan beach, and unwinding at the onsen. 

Experiencing two rich cultures simultaneously is such a unique and special experience. Because of this I felt Crystal was the person to ask the following question. Are there any similarities you’ve noticed between Mexican and Japanese culture? "I think the biggest similarity that I see is that both cultures are family-oriented. Oh and we both love our rice!" 

If any of you happen to be in Tokyo this September, you can check out the folklórico dance team Mexico en la Piel perform live at Fiesta Mexican. It is a three day Mexican Independence Day festival held every year in Tokyo. More Details here. O(∩_∩)O You can also keep up with the dance team on Instagram here. <3

Blue Hour Two Year Anniversary

If you have been following me for a minute you may know that I for the past two years I have been collaborating with the Blue Hour tea truck to host cute character fan events. My dear friend, Maria Fernanda, is the owner of the Blue Hour Goods and also runs Natural Hour Wellness Bar located in Sherman Oaks. She is originally from Guanajuato, MX but has been a lifelong LA Native. Her mission with the Blue Hour truck, or ApoTeacary, is to serve herbal teas & natural treats, host plant-dye workshops, and bring a bit of nature into the urban sprawl that is Los Angeles.

Maria has been a huge personal inspiration to me and has always been so supportive when I come to her with my creative ideas. We met as teens through our creative endeavors and have since then collaborated a bunch, bringing our creative minds together to create so many fun things. Our most recent collaboration happened this past weekend with a bunny themed event to celebrate the 2 year anniversary of her mobile tea truck. We worked together to create super cute decorations, a themed menu and curated vendors to make the event extra special.

Piñata by @Lugubrez

Artist @Lugubrez graced us with the most unbelievable handmade miffy Piñata to use as decoration and a photo op. Sherlin of @ShopSherlin  (who also vended at our Rilakkuma fan event) came through with more of her adorable crochet creations and made the most adorable journal spread that can be seen on this posts collage. We also had coolest air brushed tees made by @Alfalfapup. I've been eyeing her shirts for the longest time and I was so hyped to get to shop them IRL. 

Shirts by @Alfalfapup

You already know I live for a themed snack so my contribution to the menu for this event was miffy inspired rice Krispie treats! I hand dipped them in chocolate and drew the face on with chocolate on each one. It was a labor of love but so absolutely worth it and they looked so cute on display in the truck.

My absolute favorite thing about these events is seeing the people who come go all out with the theme. I went around with my camera capturing all the cute moments and outfits I came across. Huge thank you that everyone who came through to support it means so much! (●'◡'●) Here is the link to all the photos taken at the event.

@shesmisery

Pastry Plug - Daisy

 

I've been so excited to feature today's artist. I first came across her art back in 2019 when I-D did a feature on her work. Daisy is the owner of Pastry Plug Shop, which can best be described as as a food-themed variety art store. They carry a huge array of dessert-inspired stationery, stickers, handcrafted jewelry, accessories, home decor, merch, DIY craft kits, and more. Daisy comes from Guatemalan roots, when asking her about her Latino background this is what she had to say," I’m first generation. My parents are from Guatemala. I’ve recently learned more about my dad’s ancestry and his Chinese lineage! His mom and her family migrated from China to Guatemala, and they fully assimilated into the "chapín" culture."

Inspiration for her work comes from lots of different kawaii influences, including Mezzo-piano, Angel Blue, Bobby Jack, Sanrio, and fake food. Daisy's work is also heavily inspired by her other passion which is baking. "While getting my start in baking, I struggled to find my creative voice. I was always creating someone else’s recipes, and felt that despite the creative process, I lacked my own creativity. It wasn’t until my partner offered to have a “clay-date” together that I discovered my love for sculpting! I started sculpting fruits, pastries, Sanrio fan art, and then began making my own jewelry and hair accessories. Soon after, my friends started commissioning." It was so cool to hear what the inspirations behind Pastry Plug are, as I know Daisy's work has inspired me and so many others! I'm also so obsessed with the idea that she is talented at making both real and fake treats.

Daisy and her partner run the company together, sharing their art by vending at different events and hosting workshops where attendees get to make their own decoden creations. One of their favorite events that they've vended at has been Atlanta Pride. "The interactions with customers and strangers were so wholesome and filled my heart with joy. We also made some genuine friendships through Pride, and that is truly priceless!" It is my dream to attend one of their workshops irl (fingers crossed they make their way to the west coast soon). I was so curious to hear what the experience of having a business centered around your own art was like, "It's so cool to create something for myself that ends up resonating with strangers online! I love to share my baking knowledge through workshops and teach people cake decorating!  It’s also a blessing to chase my dreams alongside my partner. Putting your artwork out into the world can feel scary and vulnerable, but having friends and supporters spark up with excitement and inspiration through this artwork is a wonderful feeling and keeps me going. Sometimes, creating artwork feels meaningless and bleak in the state of the world and politics, but inspiring others through this art allows me to feel productive and gives me a sense of purpose." I can personally confirm that Pastry Plug art sparks excitement for me and it's always a delight seeing it come across my feed. 

My favorite thing about Daisy's work is how insanely detailed it is. She has posted process videos on social media before, and I was in awe of how she creates all her fake fruit by hand and manages to capture the texture so well. When asking if she had any upcoming projects in the future, she mentioned that there is a Youtube Channel in the works..."We are working on starting a Youtube Channel! I am uncomfortable in front of the camera, so it’s more about getting over that discomfort and sharing my process despite those feelings! I’d like to create the type of cozy craft content that I enjoy watching while I work, and I hope that it can bring happiness to others!" I'm super hyped to see more of her creative process and I just know it is gonna end up being my new favorite Youtube channel when it launches. Make sure to follow and keep up with all things Pastry Plug here.

Star2soob - Juana

It's been about four months since I have started this blog. Since then, a lot of friends have sent me posts that makes them think of this blog or if they find something they think I should feature on here. Today's interview came about in that way. A friend of mine sent me Mexican themed spread made by Juana (@Star2soob). Juana is originally from Guanajuato, Mexico but was raised in the U.S. Her account is dedicated to scrapbooking spreads, sticker collections, and kpop photo cards. I am always in awe of people who actually use their sticker collections and are able to create such aesthetically scrapbooking pages. I reached out to Juana to learn more about her collection and all the cute decorating that comes along with being a kpop fan. 

in honor of txt performing in mexico for the first time & covering eres para mi, i present to u a spread that is very dear to me!!!! hearing them perform a song that i grew up listening to lowkey made me really miss my childhood T__T this song is very special bcs of that so i decided to make this #MexicoCore spread hehe >.< my love for stickers began when i would beg my mom for stickers from the coin machines at the mercado. i think growing up surrounded by so much color and art from my culture made me the person i am today. i decided to treat my inner child by allowing myself to freely use as many stickers as i wanted for this spread. usually i hold back or try to not mindlessly use my stickers 

How did you get into making Kpop spreads? Who is your favorite Kpop artist?

I’ve been a fan of K-Pop since I found BTS in 2018. However, I didn’t begin collecting

photocards until about 2022. After finding the trading and buying community on Instagram, I

realized just how big the deco and journaling community was becoming. I was especially

amazed at how colorful and bright many of the creations were. I’ve always loved arts & crafts

even as a child so I already had quite a bit of supplies. My first spreads were made using

stickers I had found at the thrift store and with pictures I had cut out from albums or printed at

my local library. At the time I felt a bit sorry that I couldn’t buy the aesthetic, Korean brand

stickers. Looking back now, I have grown to love those first spreads a lot given that I was

resourceful which I believe is even more creatively special. As the months have gone by, I’ve

found my style and preferred method for creating my spreads. My favorite K-pop group right

now is TXT! Their colorful and bright personalities shine through their music and light up my

day to day. Making spreads about my favorite artists and interests has been a great comfort for

me for the past three years.

Do you have a favorite spread you've created?

Oh, this is such a difficult question.. I usually prefer more colorful or rainbow-like spreads. I

think the summer Soobin spread that is pinned on my profile is definitely one that I was very

proud of. Since Soobin is my bias I think I love all the spreads I make with him! I usually love

the spreads that I take longer to plan and create the most.

What is your favorite thing about creating these spreads and the Kpop community?

As soon as I bring out my Twilight backpack full of supplies, it feels like the world slows down for

me. Usually, I am either at work, at school, or involved in family responsibilities so making

spreads is sort of an escape for me from my day to day life. I am in full control of what stickers I

chose, where I place the pictures, and the vibe I want to give off. It feels like I’m opening a little

window for people to peek into my brain and creativity which I think is really cool. Every spread

I’ve made is special in that regard. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to build this

account for almost 3 years now. I have made lots of great friendships and have received an

immense amount of support and love! I think the K-Pop community is one of the most creative

and artistic communities out there. There are so many people that I share interests with so I

have felt very welcomed. I think being able to document this time of my life through bright

spreads of my interests is something precious.

Are there any upcoming projects you’re excited about?

Yes!! My friends and I are actually organizing a joint account where we will showcase and

hopefully sell some of the crafts we love making. We were recently chosen as vendors for a

local cup sleeve event so I am excited to prepare for that! Other than that, I am currently a

graphic design student who is very close to graduation so I am looking forward to that as well. I

am eager to see just how the future unfolds thanks to this great community and space that I

have the blessing to have.

Loonaworks

Loonaworks, the Mexican American artist who's paintings are the epitome of Kawaii y Latina. She has been posting her art online for the past two years and has had great success on tiktok, especially with her iconic hand painted Calico Critter t-shirts. When exploring her other art I was truly blown away with the detail and passion that goes into her work. I’ve included full quotes from the interview because the responses contain so much meaningful context about her work, and I didn’t want to lose any of the nuance in paraphrasing.

Both my parents were born and raised in Michoacan and Jalisco Mexico in bordering

towns. I was born and raised in the central valley of California. We would visit our family

back in Mexico every summer, and those memories definitely inspire a lot of the subjects

that I am drawn to now and like to paint. As well as the nostalgia of growing up in a

predominantly Mexican small rural town, and the design elements our generation grew

up with like the curly girly aesthetic and 90s nostalgia.

Growing up I was always surrounded by craft-making and art, and my mom always

taught me to cross-stitch, crochet, and knit. When I was in college, I took a lot more art

classes and realized that painting was the medium I wanted to pursue further. I feel like my style

 has never really been consistent, but I’d say it leans more toward realism.

I really love the calico critter shirts I’ve been painting. Something about them is so

endearing and enjoyable to paint. Now as I’m researching more about them, I’m

surprised at how big their archive is. This project helps me a lot when it comes to having

a creative block because I can pull so much from their older collections. For example,

their World Parade sets they released in 2000 which included the calico critter dressed in

a Mexican outfit. That one was one of my favorites because of how much detail they put

in it, as well as all the other countries represented in those sets.

Calico critters for sale in Mexico flea market

I didn't know about calico critters until 2019 when I was watching the show “pen15” and that one

episode came on where they are playing Sylvanian Families. I didn’t think they

existed anymore since the show is based in the 2000s, and I had never seen or heard of

them before. But since that time, they’ve grown sooo much in popularity on social media.

I started seeing them everywhere with the rise of blind boxes and trinket collecting. I saw

how big they got in different countries including Mexico where they call them

“ternurines”, and that also influenced me to look back at the company’s history. I had

never seen any calico critter merch before so I decided it would be cute if I painted one

on a shirt I had. After posting it on tiktok, I started receiving a lot of positive comments,

so I began selling them on etsy. I've only made about 25 of them so far, including other

characters like Sony Angels and Monchichi plushies, but hopefully that collection

grows.

Ternurines en venta en CDMX

The shirts are one of my favorite things to paint, I think having wearable artwork is so

cool, and something that makes art very accessible and approachable to people. Besides

that, I really love painting portraits and stills from tv and film. The process of choosing a

subject is my favorite though, I really enjoy rummaging through old family albums and

watching old movies to get inspired.

I look forward to growing my Esty and building off of the shirts I'm making, hopefully

more custom pieces and more portraits. I have a lot of ideas for the calico critters, and I

want to start personalizing them a lot more. I want to expand on the World Parade set

and make some for other countries that weren't included in their original designs. Or

maybe do bigger, more intricate scenes of them with backgrounds and friends. Whatever

I decide to do, I hope to continue enjoying the process :)

You can shop her art on her Etsy and follow her on Instagram & TikTok @Loonaworks

HoodBabyLA - Saray Martinez

 

The artist we'll be highlighting today is one that first came to mind when I had the idea to start this blog. Saray Martinez aka @HoodBabyla and I have been mutuals on Instagram for years now and it's been so cool to see her explode in popularity. Saray is a clothing designer, most known for making handmade reworked pieces. Her customized jerseys have been worn by some of the coolest people like Tinahse, Young Miko, and Tyla. Each piece being completely unique makes her work so special and also creates a huge variety that appeals to so many people.

She had such sweet things to say about her family and how her upbringing has affected her work. "My family comes from Copan, Honduras. It definitely affects my art because I come from a first gen family. But what affects my art the most is growing up in a Swapmeet. I think it makes it super colorful."

Saray has been making clothes for years now. This is what she had to say about how it all started. "I knew I loved fashion since I was a kid and upcycled so much of my clothing in high school. One day I decided to take a chance and pursue my brand. It’s been nothing short of life changing hard work. I would describe my art style as hood and baby."

She has started hosting workshops in LA where attendees would learn how to make their own customized Hood Baby jersey. When I reached out to her about this interview, she was preparing for an extra special workshop, a Hood Baby workshop in Tokyo, Japan! Both her and another favorite brand of mine, Moños De Mi Niñez hosted this workshop at the clothing store Pin Nap in Shibuya. Even the flyer for the event was so insanely cute. Pin Nap is a vintage clothing store that also carries curated brand including Hood Baby. Literally the most Kawaii y Latina collab that could happen!

Saray took the opportunity to source clothing while in Japan for her brand. There are still pieces available on her site under "Japan Drop." You can keep up with her work on Instagram @Hoodbabyla and shop at https://hoodbaby.la/    

3rd Annual Rilakkuma Picnic

Saturday May 17th, the 3rd Annual Rilakkuma Picnic took place. The picnic is a collaboration between Nathalie Vazquez of Rilakkuma Memes (and this blog :3) and Maria Fernanda Lozano of Blue Hour Goods. This is the second year that Maria and I have collabed for this event by having her mobile tea truck at the meet up serving up yummy drinks and snacks including the famous Rilakkuma Paletas made by yours truly. Thanks to TikTok we were able to reach more Rilakkuma lovers and had an amazing turnout.

So many cuties came out with amazing coordinated outfits and the most adorable picnic spreads. @AppleTrinkets and @ShopSherlin were there vending Kuma themed goodies. @Finalkuma brought a bunch of handmade bracelets to share and @Verrykuma brought a giant connect four game that she set up. We also had Kuma shaped banana bread and brand new sticker sheets for sale. Below are the pictures of the event and all of the kuma fans that came through!<3 (some pictures also included were taken by @yellemarie_)

I took more pictures that I can fit on one blog post so I made a folder where you can check out all the pictures :3 ~ Check out more pictures here~

Be sure to follow along with this blog and my account on Instagram & TikTok @nonipnat for updates on my projects and future pop-ups! :)