Mingi Choi Exemplifies The Beauty & Power of Motherhood
Mingi Choi is one of the most passionate, kind, and creative people we know. She's an incredible mother of two adorable daughters, and she truly exemplifies the beauty and power of motherhood. We admire her so much, the dedication she shows her children and the stunning art she creates in her spare time! Thank you so much for showing us what it means to be a female hero and super mama. We had the pleasure of learning more about her experiences and how her perspective about being a woman has changed over the years!
Q: Where did you attend college and what did you study?
Mingi: "I attended UC Davis and studied communications and psychology."
Q: What are your hobbies? You have lovely illustrations, is there a backstory behind your art? How would you describe your artistic style? Any inspiration behind your creations?
Mingi: "I love to make things! I have been illustrating on my iPad Pro with procreate, mainly because I missed painting, but I couldn’t maintain the mess of using real paint with 2 babies. With procreate, I don’t have to worry about the mess and it’s easier to share and print. Lately, I got my hands on some clay and I’ve been tinkering with it making functional items around the house, like vases, catch alls, candles and such. It takes more time, but I find extreme joy in making these mundane moments special.
I adore Rami Kim, a LA based ceramist’s minimal yet unique style with a touch of whimsy. I’m just practicing with clay, and I would love to one day justify owning a wheel and a kiln to bake and gloss my own goods at home. My creativity juice flows out of necessity, mostly for my two little ladies. I find myself most focused when working on my kids’ birthday party invitations and decor (flower arrangements and table decor). I strongly believe that we are all our happiest when creating, as we are thinking animals. Inspiration can spark from anything, as long as you take a moment to appreciate the beauty in people or objects around you. In that sense, I think it’s my self care too, as it forces me to be present with thoughts of gratitude, as I practice the most basic act of being a human being."
Q: You have two beautiful daughters!! What would you say is the biggest lesson you’ve learned after becoming a mother? Any advice you would give to women who are preparing to be a first-time mom or a mom of two?
Mingi: "Aw, thank you! They are my source of energy and they also know how to drain it all simultaneously. They reallly helped me become the woman I’ve always wanted to be — graceful and patient and strong. I believe we all have these characters within us, but motherhood really tests you to hone these qualities and become masters of them. For those of you looking to welcome a new life into your family, congratulations! Also, I wouldn’t take any advice from anyone, because I feel like that’s when comparing begins. Everyone is different, so why not own it! We all have our strengths and weaknesses; I choose to always highlight my strengths and just go with that. I think that’s what makes motherhood fun, because you get to raise little minds with different strengths and weaknesses. You see a lot of yourself in them, as you do with every new person you meet. Then, they also remind you that they are their own individuals too. In a nutshell, being a mother is full of paradoxes — you can’t wait for your babes to grow up, but you also want them to stay little forever. Just remember that you are enough."
Q: What advice would you give to your younger self? And where would you like to see yourself in 10 years?
Mingi: "In 10 years, I’d love to have published a children’s book of my own story and illustration, as I continue to practice these skills in my spare time. Opportunities are always there, but only those who are ready can actualize them. I’m always open for change, so who knows where and what I’ll be in 10 years really? I’ll just stay optimistic and flexible."
Q: How has your perspective of what it means to be a woman changed over the years? What lessons do you hope to teach your daughters?
Mingi: "What a timely question! As we trudge along these unconventional times with COVID and systematic inequality, I hope to raise rebels and pioneers. Everyday, I try my best to foster their curiosity and kindness through the smallest acts and plays. We love to read about female heroes, like Dr. Mae Jamison, Frida Khalo, and Maya Angelou. However, kids learn best my mimicking, which means I have to own it first, as Gandhi once said, 'you have to be the change you want to see.' More than anything, I just want my kids to know that they are unconditionally loved."
Thank you so much for inspiring us Mingi! Mingi is wearing our Black Crop Corduroy Pants from our Fall 2020 collection.
Connect with Mingi on Instagram!
Photography by Mingi Choi
