Today we’d like to introduce you to Mindy Liu.
Hi Mindy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It really started with something I’ve always wanted to do: make something beautiful and meaningful. And by “meaningful,” I don’t necessarily mean something with a grand story behind it. Sometimes it simply means something you want to keep a little longer.
We live in a time when it’s incredibly easy to buy things, enjoy them briefly, and replace them with something new. I’ve always been drawn to objects that have a little more staying power, things that feel personal, that show the touch of a hand, or that become more interesting with time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to protect the joy of making while also running a business. Once something you love becomes something you sell, it’s very easy to start thinking about everything in terms of sales, inventory, markets, social media, and what you “should” make next.
I’ve had to learn that growth for the sake of growth isn’t necessarily what I want. I still want MinMin Handmade to feel like a creative space, not another job. I also balance the business with a full-time career and family life, so my time and energy are limited. That has forced me to become more intentional about where I show up, what I make, and what opportunities I say yes to.
I’m still figuring out that balance, and I think I always will be. But I’ve learned that success for me isn’t simply doing more. It’s being able to keep making work that feels like mine, while building a business that can support that creativity rather than consume it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I create jewelry under MinMin Handmade, often combining vintage and repurposed components with natural stones, pearls, and newer materials. I’m especially drawn to old brass findings and small forgotten objects that already have some age and character. I love finding something that has been sitting unused for decades and imagining what it could become next.
I don’t really design around trends or collections in the traditional sense. A lot of my work begins with curiosity. I might find an unusual vintage component, a stone with an interesting shape, or a color combination I can’t stop thinking about, and then build around it. Because many of the materials I use are vintage or limited, a lot of my pieces are one of a kind or made in very small quantities.
What I’m most proud of is that MinMin Handmade has developed its own visual language without me deliberately trying to create one. My background and interests in photography, vintage objects, drawing, and other forms of making all find their way into the jewelry somehow.
I want the finished pieces to feel a little unexpected and personal, something you don’t see everywhere. And hopefully, something you want to keep a little longer.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my happiest childhood memories is going to the park with my parents and riding the carousel. It’s such a simple memory, but I still remember how happy I was. Looking back, I think some of the most precious memories are like that. Nothing extraordinary has to happen. You just remember how it felt to be there, with the people you loved.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Minminhandmade.com
