Today we’d like to introduce you to Emi La.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m the owner of PixieExpress, Inc. As a child, I wanted to be an artist but it didn’t work out exactly as planned. I graduated with a BA in business management economics and worked in construction as a project coordinator for six years in the Bay Area. I enjoyed my job but it wasn’t fulfilling and it wasn’t what I imagined doing for the rest of my life. Eventually, my boyfriend (now husband) and I moved to LA to pursue greater opportunities.
PixieExpress started in our small apartment in November of 2019 with a single 3D printer in my office closet. It was initially a project for ourselves. We collected pins and buttons from all of our trips to Disneyland but with nowhere to display them. After scouring the internet with little success for what we were looking for, we decided that we wanted to make our own pinboard for our special collection. The first pinboard I designed was a mouse-shaped one and from there, I thought, if I was looking for this, other people would be too.
My first viral item was a leaf-shaped pinboard (inspired by ACNH) and from there, my single printer, hand-cut cork board-making operation became larger than I could ever imagine! Now, with the help of my extremely supportive partner, we run a 3D print operation with many machines and have many different designs and original pinboard shapes that you can’t get anywhere else.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
What was difficult for me at the beginning was not realizing the worth of my creations. Early on I felt a bit of an imposter because one of my designs went viral but my other ones didn’t do as well and I thought that I would have to follow ongoing trends to stay relevant. For me, sometimes trend chasing feels forced and I find myself without inspiration, with artist block, if it’s not something that I’m passionate about.
There was a huge learning curve when it came to running a business that I was not privy to until I actually started a business. From design choices and making the operation more efficient – all of the boards are designed very intentionally, that are optimal for pin collections for protecting the enamel faces and making sure that the pin back doesn’t bend or dull. To researching and sourcing all of the materials and tools to make pin boards and operate efficiently behind the scenes.
With the combined efforts and support of my partner, family, and friends, Pixie is able to thrive and continue to grow.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I design and make pin boards for people looking for a home for their pin collections or people that want some kawaii wall decor for their rooms. All the boards are 3D printed and handmade/assembled by myself – I still handcut the cork to make sure they fit specific shapes.
My boards come in many different colors, designs, and sizes. From basic shapes to designs that are much more complex and intricate. Catering to different niches from gaming, anime, and overall cuteness! It’s also important to me that I make designs that represent me and my culture – so I also have a handful of designs that inspire me as an Asian American.
PixieExpress prides itself on sustainability. I make sure that as much material I can source locally-I do, to reduce our carbon footprint. All of the packaging choices and decisions made are very conscious and I make sure that my customers understand that too.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
The sense of community – I love that I am surrounded by lots of creative people and I met some of my closest business partners/friends after moving to SoCal. There are a handful of us in the LA/OC area that have similar interests and relatable art and we all know or know of each other. Also, shoutout to all of my local customers who have come out to events that I’ve vended at! They are the most amazing and friendly people and their support means the world to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shoppixieexpress.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoppixieexpress/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pixieexpress
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/shoppixieexp
