Today we’d like to introduce you to Joyce Chai
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’ve followed a somewhat meandering path to where I’m at today, but curiosity has always been my compass. I was born and raised in LA by Korean immigrant parents. They were strict (requisite extracurricular Kumon and Korean school–check, check), but I’m grateful that my parents always encouraged my and my sibling’s unique interests. I studied Ecology at UCSD, worked for a number of independent LA brands, and dabbled in lettering and sign painting before “settling” into a career in graphic design. I cut my teeth at a local design agency, starting as an intern and grew into a senior director role. Soon after, I started Present Studio with my business partner Michelle Jolliffe-Saper.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The struggles have largely been self-inflicted, ha! It’s nuts how much I can get in my own way. It’s definitely been and continues to be a journey to embody the kind of person I’d like to show up as everyday. I’m encouraged that confidence and self-trust gets a bit easier with time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Present Studio offers brand strategy, brand identity, and brand application (including website design and development and collateral design) for specialty e-commerce businesses. Currently our studio is comprised of myself and my partner, Michelle. I oversee all things design and Michelle oversees development. In chatting with our peers, we’ve come to realize that this joint offering of design and development is somewhat rare. I love that we can build websites that are as beautifully branded as they are functional and future-oriented. Above all though, I feel most proud that our clients feel seen, understood, and represented in the work we create together. The opportunity for connection our studio affords us will always be so special to me.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I don’t have a single standout memory, but I cherish the fact that I was able to enjoy a childhood sans screens and social media!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.presentstudio.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studioispresent/
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Ye Rin Mok
