17/03/2026
Some of my earliest memories are of sitting quietly with paper, beads, glue, and anything else I could turn into something beautiful. Crafting was never just a hobby for me, it was a way to express myself and bring ideas to life.
In college, I had many opportunities to participate in competitions that involved craft and design. Each experience slowly built my confidence and helped me realize how much I loved creating things with my hands.
In 2015, while I was pursuing my Bachelor’s in Education, I started this small handmade business 'Sakura Crafts'. The name was inspired by my love for cherry blossoms and also by the anime Cardcaptor Sakura, which I grew up watching. I simply wanted to introduce unique, thoughtful handmade items that felt personal, and that small idea eventually became Sakura Crafts.
The photo I’m sharing here was taken in Osaka, Japan, during a traditional doll-making workshop where we created Edo Kimekomi dolls. These dolls are deeply rooted in Japanese craft, where fabric is carefully tucked into carved grooves in the wooden base to form the doll’s costume. Experiences like this are very special to me because I always try to find opportunities to learn new crafts. Creating with my hands is something that truly makes me feel alive, and it reminds me how creativity can connect people across cultures.