Today we’re taking another behind-the-scenes peek into our studio, this time focusing on our wonderful studio manager. Masaki Miyake joined our team at the beginning of the year and with her diligence and quick problem solving she has kept the finance and reserves side of our business running smoothly and efficiently. We can’t say enough about Masaki – not only is she a dedicated, hard worker but the kindest person you’ll meet. We’re lucky to have her!
Read on to learn more about Masaki and to see some of her personal work!
1. How did you find your way to working with Seema?
I always wanted to work in the creative field, but most of my career revolved around jobs on the opposite side of the spectrum such as working at an intergovernmental tropical timber organization and an international development bank! It was not until a few years ago that I decided to explore my creative side while working in New York
Photo: Ray Matsumiya
City and began taking design-related courses at NYU, FIT and Pratt. I was hooked! I moved to Boston a little over a year ago and decided to continue studying design and took a course in textile design at MassArt. It was during this course that I met Seema. My gut feeling kept telling me I would connect with her so I went up to her during a class field trip to her studio and asked if she was taking interns…and the rest is history as they say. I truly enjoy working with her. She’s an amazing person and an inspiration!
2. How many countries have you lived in?
I’ve lived in three – Venezuela, Japan and the U.S. I have also traveled to about 30 countries both for work and for pleasure. What I enjoy most is staying in one location for a good chunk of time and experience ‘living’ there. [Masaki also has full proficiency in English, Spanish and Japanese and basic proficiency in French!]
Photos: Masaki Miyake
3. What is your “rule of thumb” in life?
Be considerate. I feel nowadays more people live in a little “mobile phone bubble” that they don’t appreciate or know how to connect with others at even basic levels. For instance, if someone opens the door, say “Thank you!”, even small connections help make everyone’s lives a little nicer.
4. What is your favorite restaurant?
I’ve recently went to Décimal 81 in St. John, New Brunswick in Canada, and fell in love with it! My husband and I asked for the Tasting Course and everything that came out of the kitchen was delicious. The salmon was cooked nicely, juicy on the inside and a crispy skin yet not greasy…the tenderloin meat would melt in your mouth…the lobster appetizer was a palette pleaser… Enough said?
5. What is the most spontaneous thing you have done in your life?
Changing careers. I decided that I didn’t want to wake up one day when I am grey and old, and regret not having tried.
Designs: Masaki Miyake
Photo: Masaki Miyake
6. Who is your role model and why?
I admire Sir Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group. Not only is he a savvy business person but I like his philosophy of life.
7. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
It’s hard to pinpoint just one accomplishment, but perhaps I am most proud of having the strength and ability to adapt to change (which I am thankful to my parents!). Without this, I don’t think I would have survived living in three very distinct cultures.
8. What kind of music do you listen to?
I listen to many different genres – from opera to rock, from Latin pop to Middle Eastern music! I particularly like music that have vocals so I can sing along.
9. What is something about you that people are surprised to learn?
My age. LOL
10. If you could go anywhere right now, where would it be?
I would love to go into space!
11. What is your favorite Seema Krish fabric?
I actually have two: the Bandra Goa Sand from the current collection, and one from the upcoming collection which I won’t mention yet.
Bandra in Goa Sand by Seema Krish
