If you love hand lettering and design, made by the loveliest lady, then you will fall head over heels for Justine Ma Design. I am absolutely honoured to feature Justine in my Spring edition of Women Worth Watching.
1)What is your business name & how did you come up with it?
Justine Ma: Design & Hand Lettering
2) What year did you start your business?
There is also no definitive answer here, since I started freelancing in University where I graduated in 2006. In terms of selling my hand lettered goods, I did my very first market in 2013, so let’s go with that year!
3) What was your dream job growing up?
I always thought I would be an art teacher for Jr High or High School students.
4) What lead you to your job today / what is your “why”?
5) What characteristic(s) do you think set you apart from other people in your industry?
Every piece of my work involves hand lettering or illustration. What sets me a part is that I rarely use fonts and if I do, I’ll pair it with something hand drawn. It’s important for my customers to know how much love and work goes into each piece. Every item is unique to my style since I’m the one physically drawing it out.
6) How do you define success?
Happiness. I’ve learned a lot from my job and from others. Life is quite short and to be overall happy is the ultimate success.
7) Who inspires you most?
Working moms. I feel the struggle daily and I feel supported knowing that there are so many of us out there making dreams come true while maintaining a household, relationship with your partner and raising tiny humans.
8) What advice would you give yourself when you were first starting out?
Don’t work 24/7. Take breaks. Enjoy and relish in your relationships. It’s very easy to work crazy hours when it’s something that you love and I’m not saying don’t work hard. Work your hardest, but take breaks otherwise you can burn out fast and you passion starts to become “work”.
9) What is your favourite motivational quote?
All of them haha. There are so many to choose from but right now: “It’s a good week to have a good week”. I try to always keep a positive outlook on life. It makes a huge difference in my energy and mentality.
10) How do you attain a work / life balance?
The true struggle! Right now, we only have three hours of child care a day, so the work/life balance has been working out really well for us since we don’t have another choice haha. The hardest part is saying no to customers and clients wanting custom work, but the reality is, Ruby comes first. It’s taken years for this concept to blossom, but now that it has, it feels right. It’s not worth the anxiety or the stress.
10) Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I’d love to see my products in stores across the country. In five years as well, Ruby will be in school full time. I’d love to take on bigger projects for big clients whether that includes murals or collaborations, I’m not sure yet.
11) What are 3 super random facts about you?
Justine is seriously such an inspirational lady. Creating one of a kind products & filling lives with happiness.
You can find & follow Justine here:
