Our last Mover feature of 2020 is a genuine, creative, passionate, and incredibly humble illustrator who creates meaningful and uplifting pieces for us all to enjoy. She is so supportive of all art forms and is incredibly thoughtful in the way she creates and experiences life. She is definitely a mover in so many ways and we are really inspired by her outlook and perspective. Learn more about this creative entrepreneur, Kimberly 國子 Taylor-Pestell!

Moved LA: How would you describe yourself?

Kimberly: I'm the hapa artist behind Lacelit, an illustrated greetings and whimsies company based out of my home studio in Monrovia, CA, and host guided retreats and workshops online for fellow creatives of all mediums. All that I design, make, and write seek to foster meaningful human connection, creative self-expression, and thoughtful storytelling for those who long to uplift others while being a little kinder to themselves.

Moved LA: What’s your story?

Kimberly: As a half-Japanese and half-white American hapa growing up in Los Angeles with two diverse socializations, I've long loved and resonated with different aspects of each culture. I learned early on that there are always several ways to see the same thing, and it's through the decisions I make and actions I take that I truly choose who and how to be. It’s in the culmination of both cultures that I illustrate, design, paint, and write.

Growing up, my life centered around dance and choreography, music, theatre, and gymnastics, so it wasn't until a psychology degree had come and gone that I began to explore visual art through lace-like geometrics, freehand watercolor patterns, and hand lettering. A few years later, an opportunity arose to hand-letter and illustrate a book of poetry for a client, and I found a home in illustration. My interests continue to grow and shift in new directions as I follow my creative curiosities, and my most recent adventure has been in hosting virtual guided creative retreats and workshops online for creatives of all mediums during the pandemic.

Moved LA: If you could give *everyone* one piece of advice about living with more intention, what would it be?

Kimberly: For me, living with intention is reflected in a slow, lasting growth. It’s about choosing to dwell in a learning posture always, to engage in this world with kindness and openness and compassion, and to tend to my wellness and well-being with gentleness, yet with honesty, too. I believe that taking the time to both understand and make a conscious decision each day to live out the 'why' behind what we make and stand for and prioritize is at the crux of it all.

Moved LA: What are your top three favorite things to do when you need to relax and have fun?

Kimberly: I love delving into dystopian and fantasy novels, knitting and being able to see tangible progress with each new stitch, and playing all sorts of entertaining board games with family and friends.

Moved LA: Who or what sources do you follow to stay informed and inspired?

Kimberly: LA's KPCC NPR, a variety of podcasts, and my social justice-centered sister, Brittany, are my go-tos for staying informed and engaging in meaningful conversations amidst all that's going on in this world we share together.

I'm constantly inspired by the vast creative community on Instagram and have connected with so many brilliant artists all over the world whose perspectives, creative expressions, and innovations never cease to amaze and inspire me again and again.

Moved LA: What is up next for you and your company?

Kimberly: There's something so reinvigorating about the start of a new year and I'm excited for the continuation my virtual Guided Creative Retreat series with new themes each month, to host a mini-series of virtual Creative Business Chats covering a variety of topics relevant to artists and small business owners, and the launch my Patreon community that’s all about holding an affirming, communal space to spur on fellow creatives of all mediums and facilitate opportunities to follow our artistic curiosities, tap into the imagination to spark new ideas, and explore creatively without pressure.

Moved LA: Where can people find you online?

Home // lacelit.com

Shop // lacelit.etsy.com

Creative retreats & workshops // lacelit.com/workshops

Monthly newsletter // lacelit.com/goodies

Instagram // @lacelit

Pinterest // /lacelit

Facebook // /lacelit