Mikayla De Peralta shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Mikayla, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I think all qualities are important in their own way, but integrity is the one that stands out to me the most. Integrity is the moral compass that guides all our actions, the decisions we make, and our behaviors. I believe it’s such an important quality because it can be the foundation of relationships, foster personal growth and well-being, open up opportunities for professional success, and overall just contributes to make the world a better place.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mikayla and I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I’m the founder of Avadore Studios, a Filipina-owned jewelry brand where I create edgy yet whimsical pieces made to be worn every day. I started Avadore in 2021 as a creative outlet, and it’s since grown into a space where I get to express both my love for bold, fashion-forward design and my Filipino heritage.
Through capsule collections that celebrate my roots and pieces that are playful, a little edgy, and always wearable, my goal is to create jewelry that feels personal and fun — something that resonates with people of all ages (and honestly, anyone who vibes with the style).
This past June, I celebrated four years of Avadore while still juggling a full-time job — something I’m really proud of. It hasn’t always been easy, but building this brand has been such a fulfilling journey, and I’m excited to keep creating pieces that make people feel seen, stylish, and a little more themselves.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I’m letting go of the part of me that was overly shy and hesitant. For a long time, being cautious and reserved helped me feel safe, especially in unfamiliar situations. But now, I’m ready to let go of that hesitation. I no longer want to hold myself back out of fear or self-doubt. I’m learning to trust myself more — to say yes to opportunities even if they scare or intimidate me a little, and to show up fully in the moment. That mindset served a purpose when I needed to be cautious, but now I’m focused on being more proactive, stepping out of my comfort zone, and taking initiative when opportunities arise.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most is the fear of failure. It’s something I’ve struggled with, especially when it comes to taking risks or big opportunities. A lot of that fear comes from not wanting to disappoint myself or my parents — I put a lot of pressure on myself to succeed. With Avadore Studios, that fear shows up in different ways. I worry that my brand won’t be successful, that my pieces won’t be trendy or sought after, or that I’m not getting enough likes or followers on social media. It can be overwhelming, especially in such a fast-paced, trend-driven space. But at the same time, that fear also pushes me. It motivates me to work harder, to stick to a posting schedule, to create consistently, and to keep up with the algorithm. So while it can hold me back mentally, it also fuels me to keep striving and growing.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of myself is the real me, but just a bit more reserved. I don’t have to hide the authenticity that is myself. Authenticity doesn’t necessarily mean sharing everything, but rather showing up honestly and consistently whether at work or in my personal life. One of my philosophies is that genuine connection and trust come from integrity and empathy. I try to lead and communicate with both—by being open to learning, adapting to others’ needs, and staying true to my core values no matter the environment.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What light inside you have you been dimming?
The “light” I’ve been dimming is my full creative potential. While jewelry-making is one outlet I’ve held onto—partly because it brings in income—it’s only a fraction of what I know I’m capable of expressing. I have so many other creative ideas, skills, and passions that are constantly simmering beneath the surface, waiting for time, space, and permission to breathe.
If I didn’t have to spend most of my energy on a 9-5, I would devote myself to exploring all the creative paths that call to me—whether that’s experimenting with new materials, starting collaborative projects, or learning new forms of expression entirely. There’s a version of me that feels deeply alive, curious, and in flow when I’m creating freely—not just to survive, but to fully express who I am.
But I’ve dimmed that light, perhaps out of necessity, fear, or habit—telling myself that now isn’t the time, that I have to be practical, that creativity can wait. And yet, the more I suppress it, the more I feel like I’m only showing the world a sliver of who I really am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://avadorestudios.etsy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avadorestudios?igsh=MTE3NWxwaWptdWl1MA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
