Q&A with Traci Yoshiyama | Late Bloomer
Tell us about Late Bloomer and what makes it unique.
I started Late Bloomer last year as a way for me to continue to deepen my relationship with the natural world around me. It started with art prints and in my very true late bloomer fashion, I have plans to turn it into much more! I suppose that’s what makes it unique as well – it’s just genuinely me and you’ll be able to see it grow as I grow. Hopefully what you see now will look a little differently next time around! I’ve never been big on strategy or following trends – I just want to share my love and appreciation for the wild through creative outlets and hope it brings that to others.
What message or impression do you hope your designs have on people?
I think it’s really easy to overlook the natural world that’s all around us and take from it rather than give back (I definitely do). So I would like my work to bring nature to the forefront and through that, our relationship strengthens and becomes a little more equal than it is now.
As someone who was born and raised in Hilo, do you think it has influenced your work?
Absolutely! The Big Island (and really all of Hawaii) is filled with so much natural abundance and life, but in that abundance there’s a lot of quiet, calm and mystery. This resonates so much with me and it’s that quiet strength/energy that I want to convey in my work.
After living in California for the last few years, how did you decide to come back home?
I’ve actually lived away from Hawaii since 2014 and it was never a question of if we were going to move back, it was just a matter of when. I’ve grown so much over the last 10 years and I just knew in my gut it was time to come home. I’m at a stage in my life where I feel more confident in who I am and I’m ready to contribute in a meaningful way, and what better place to do that than your home.
Why did you want to participate in this year’s UH Alumni Makers’ Market?
I’m new to the pop-up/market space and I’m constantly blown away by what others do. It’s my inspiration. I’m a one-woman business, so being around other creatives and entrepreneurs is what gives me energy to keep doing what I do. The talent of UH Alumni is incredible and I’m just excited to make new connections and see how we can support one another.
Based on your experience at UH Manoa, what advice would you give your fellow late bloomers who are currently undergraduate students?
I think a lot of late bloomers move around the world through their intuition and gut, which is amazing. But when you’re just out of high school or in your early 20s we may not know enough to make the best intuitive decisions. I know I didn’t know anything! So I think the best advice I can give to my fellow late bloomers is don’t put so much pressure on yourself to know exactly who you are (you’re so young!). More importantly, take advantage of the resources and support around you – I know UH Manoa has so much to give. As scary as it is, put yourself out there. It’s your time to explore. Who knows, that exploration could take you to places you never thought you would go.