_ajmart_ - Amaryllis Monzon

First of all, happy Hispanic Heritage Month! This month is a time to celebrate all the beautiful things about our culture and I'm so grateful for all of you who tune in to the blog and help create our Kawaii y Latina community! <3 I'm hoping to squeeze in some extra blog posts this month to celebrate.

In this week's post we are highlighting the Mexican artist Amaryllis Monzon, a 20 year old artist, creating original characters along with stories to go along with them. She is a college student who will soon be attending Otis college of art and design to continue studying illustration. 

Her introduction into kawaii culture as a kid included shoujo animes and mangas, which also impacted her art style as well. Amaryllis blends this inspiration with her own life experiences growing up Latina, creating characters that many people can relate or see themselves in. "If it wasn’t obvious enough with my work, I love illustrating character concepts and designs or comics and colorful pieces! I use a lot of brighter colors with my work especially pink, I feel no matter what I’m drawing there is always some bit of pink hue somewhere in the piece. If the subject matter of my pieces aren’t a character of mine it’s usually my artist persona as I also use my art a lot to feel good about myself as a form of self love!"

Amaryllis also made a great point about how a lot of us being into kawaii culture really challenges the usual stereotypes that we are usually labeled with, "I think it’s great for more Latinas to get into kawaii culture and express themselves more in such a sweet and cute way, I feel sometimes at least in my experience we can be told we have sharp attitude or we’re always placed in that “spicy Latina” stereotype and I feel kawaii culture is just such a expressive and l enjoyable way to embrace our femininity more and step away from that stereotype that some try to stick us in."

As you may know, one question I love asking my interviewees is their opinion on why Latino's may gravitate towards kawaii culture. This is what Amaryllis had to say: 

"I feel they gravitate a lot towards kawaii things or cute culture because it has a very

childlike whimsy and innocence to it, and i feel with the way some of us are raised and

tend to be in a lively extroverted household we sometimes find enjoyment in loud and

positive aesthetics such as kawaii culture! Not only that I find that lots of latinos are

raised on mixed media and find themselves in things they are shown and since not a lot

of popular children’s characters are latino aside from dora you tend to project that onto

racially ambiguous characters like hello kitty in a way as there’s numerous edits on

social media of hello kitty repping different Latino flags or even sailor moon characters

edited by amazing artists to have them look more Latina!"

Some of Amaryllis's upcoming projects include a story called Late Night Party of Five, centered around one of her original characters. She also recently became an affiliate for the makeup brand, Flower Knows. You can keep up with her projects and art by following her on Instagram here. <3

We're now on Discord! ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

 

Hi guys! 𖹭.ᐟ After doing a poll on Instagram, a lot of you were interested in a Kawaii y Latina Discord server. So I had to give the people what they want. ദ്ദി(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧ It will be a fun place to chat about all things kawaii with like minded people. Super excited to interact more with all of you <3 You can join by clicking here. Link is also on the home page of this site in case you ever need it again under "Quick Links"

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Bratty Natty Couture - Nathalie Sánchez

Today's Kawaii y Latina feature comes from Texas! Nathalie Sánchez is the artist creating one of a kind kawaii inspired creations for her brand Bratty Natty Couture. She is a first generation Latina with roots that trace back to Ecatepec, Mexico and Celaya, Guanajuato. Although she started her brand back in 2021, the inspiration for it came from her childhood.

"I was a quiet and shy kid who loved getting lost in my own little projects. Drawing was my favorite thing, and I was always finding fun ways to make something out of whatever I had—cutting up magazines, saving candy wrappers, or using gift bags for collages. I even used nail polish as glue or paint sometimes! Being creative was how I expressed myself back then, and still is to this day. Bratty Natty Couture started in 2021 and is very much inspired by my personal obsessions, childhood nostalgia, sweet deco and a commitment to always having something pink -whether it’s a statement accessory or a full-blown pastel fantasy. My pieces are made for the dolls who like to stand out, and wear clothing that feels like a mood board come to life. I specialize in making 1 of 1 pieces -whether it’s making Decoden cream lighters junked out in charms , big hair bow or sewing dreamy silhouettes from scratch or reworking vintage finds into something entirely new. Every look and products is an extension of my world: kawaii, pink, expressive , and unapologetically bratty." 

From doing a good amount of these interviews, I've noticed a similar experience of how a lot of us got introduced to kawaii culture and that is the internet in our middle school years. So many of us watched those iconic makeup tutorials during those early youtube days. Nathalie really describes her personal experience with that so perfectly. "I first started getting into kawaii culture around middle school, but my love for all things cute started way earlier. I grew up completely obsessed with Hello Kitty, anything pink, hair bows, sparkly, princessy, or covered in unicorns—it was always my vibe. In middle school, I started exploring makeup and would spend hours watching dolly and kawaii makeup tutorials online. By high school, I had discovered Harajuku fashion / Hime Gyaru and instantly fell in love. I was so inspired by the bold makeup and creative styling, big lacy hair bows and I started finding ways to blend that influence into my style."

I really admire Nathalie's work and how expressive it is. Looking at her art feels like entering a whole new kawaii-fied universe. But her work doesn't end with Bratty Natty. She also recently started co-hosting Deco Dolls Market with @lovelyfresas—a fun, safe and creative space in Dallas to showcase small businesses and artists. "Our first market in July featured was Little twin Star themed where we had giveaways, DIY Decoden clips, photo ops, and support for families impacted by recent ice raids. Our next one’s in December! Can’t wait to keep building community and what’s in store for the upcoming year. 💝" From the pictures I've seen, the market looks amazing and it is always inspiring to see other Latinas work to create something bigger than themselves while also giving back to their Latino community.

Nathalie's next project includes a new clothing collection coming soon and her first fashion show as a designer later this year! We'll be keeping on tabs for that for sure following up for a follow up interview. (∩^o^)⊃━☆ In the meantime make sure to follow Nathalie on Instagram and if you are in the Dallas area, check out Deco Dolls Market!

Violetsarentbluue - Giselle Gonzalez

 

If you frequent pop ups or vendor markets in the SoCal area you have probably come across Giselle. She is the artist behind Violetsarentbluue and a regular vendor at the Little Tokyo Flea Market. I found myself relating to so much of what she said, specifically when she mentions how many different mediums she has tried out. And how her visits to the swamp meet while growing up introduced her to so many new characters. (I remember buying my first hello kitty items at the swamp meet and santee alley way before I ever set foot in a Sanrio store.) The interests Giselle grew up with have stayed with her and how inspire the work she creates. 

Tell us about yourself and your work! (✿◡‿◡)

I've always been a very creative individual and I pick up more hobbies than I can count. I love to draw, play bass guitar, and make keychains. I always feel the need to make or do something which is why I offer a variety of products such as keychains, button pins, hair clips, stickers and clay items. I started off my account doing ramos, my business name is a play on words inspired by a poem and my weenie dog Violet. I attended my first ever market last year as a customer and was amazed at all the talented vendors and didn't know it was something you could do, so I decided to test my luck and make the switch. Since then, I have had the opportunity to sell at so many different events from Orange County to LA & SD, meet likeminded people, and make this my full time job. I love what I do and I mean it when I say that everything is handmade with love! 

When did you first get into kawaii culture? (´･ω･`)?

 A lot of my items are inspired by childhood toys, retro magazines, music and youtube. Back when youtube was really popular, I remember watching videos of people doing dolly makeup, trying japanese snacks, and making decoden items. Music videos like Avril Lavigne's “Hello Kitty”, PonPonPon, and Hatsune Miku changed my life. Early internet days have influenced my aesthetic and who I am today.

Why do you think so many Latinos gravitate towards kawaii things and cute culture? ☆*: o(≧▽≦)o*☆

I think Latinos gravitate towards kawaii things because we were surrounded by it from a young age. I visited swapmeets a lot when I was little so i am used to the cross of cultures and items. A lot of latinos also grew up owning Hello Kitty items or watching DBZ. I was one of the kids who had to get rid of her Hello Kitty items when the whole thing about her not having a mouth came out. And I think not being allowed to own those items or even allowed to fully express myself has made me gravitate towards it a lot more now. 

How does your Latina culture impact your work? o((>ω< ))o

Trips to the swapmeet every weekend and seeing the many toys, colors, different characters and influx of different types of products is what has inspired what i make. Especially for future projects, i am going to be incorporating a lot more of my personal art which is influenced by the chicano style. 

Giselle is currently fully booked for events in August so I encourage all our SoCal cuties to check out her account for those upcoming events. She also let me know that she is going to start selling prints as well. You can follow her on Instagram here. <3 

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.