Ask questions, ask for help. I was very guarded about the fact I was interested in making and selling my jewelry designs. Only when I started asking questions of other designers, teachers or people simply working at the local bead shop did I really start to learn and grow. People very generously shared their resources and experiences with me, often giving me tips that propelled me to the next level I needed to reach.
As a part of our series about “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist” I had the pleasure of interviewing Peggy Li.
Peggy is the designer and founder of Peggy Li Creations, a handmade jewelry business she has had for over 20 years. What began as a “side hustle” eventually evolved into her full-time pursuit, with her jewelry being seen on dozens of TV shows and in films. She never thought she would have an artistic career; in fact, she struggled with the “artist” label due to her upbringing and fact that she studied science in college.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
Hello! I grew up in a small town in Northern California, the middle child of immigrant parents. I was one of only a few Asians at my schools growing up. I loved nature and art but always thought I would have a science career because both of my parents were scientists. I majored in chemical engineering in college because my father was an electrical engineer and my mother a chemist. But I always dabbled in a lot of hobbies on the side.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
I was a good student in school, but I also loved experimenting with new projects and learning new things outside of academics. At some point I started to make jewelry as gifts for friends and really enjoyed the simplicity of the art — the tools you needed to get started were your hands, a pair of pliers and a pair of wire cutters. I took this hobby with me to college at UC Berkeley, where there were always artisans along the famous Telegraph Avenue and that was very inspiring. I thought about selling my jewelry designs for a little college pocket money, but didn’t pursue it at the time. After I graduated college, I moved to Los Angeles to be a screenwriter and took my jewelry making hobby with me.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
While working as a writer in Los Angeles, I had the opportunity to meet with the costume designer of one of my favorite TV shows at the time, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Afterwards, I sent some of my jewelry pieces to Cynthia Bergstrom and she very kindly used my pieces on the show as well as gave my name to a reporter for USA Today. When the reporter called me and asked where people could buy my jewelry because it was going to be on the next season of Buffy, I replied, “my website.” After hanging up that call, I turned to my coworkers and said, “I think I have to build a website right now!” It was a time when having your products on TV wasn’t necessarily a “cool” thing, but fans were finding out the Internet was a great way to get information on their favorite shows, so the fans found me!
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
My love of film and TV continues to this day and I continue to love working with costume designers for shows! I have pieces with different TV shows at the moment, like Virgin River and And Just Like That, as well as a piece in an upcoming movie release that I’m not able to talk about yet, but will be very exciting. I’m so proud that my work has been used on such diverse and fun projects. I’m forever grateful.
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
I’ve had the opportunity to visit TV show sets and their costume departments, which is such a thrill. So much work goes into TV and film that a viewer may not realize! To see how costume designers organize their work and use clothing to help build characters along with the actors is incredible. To speak and work with costume designers like Cynthia Bergstrom, Lyn Paolo, Rachel Sage Kunin and so many more has been a true privilege. I hope they know how much I admire their creativity and devotion to their craft.
A few times, there have been projects where costume designers have asked for specific pieces based on a moment in the show — and these requests are terrifying but also such a fun challenge! For example, one time I was asked by Shawna Trpcic to submit several options for “space pirates”. Only later did I discover that these pieces were being sourced for characters on The Mandalorian! As a life-long Star Wars fan, I just about fainted.
Where do you draw inspiration from? Can you share a story about that?
I take so much inspiration from the materials I work with. When I find a beautiful stone bead in an unusual cut, it can inspire many new designs. Early in my jewelry design career, I used a lot of vintage beads and findings. Going to fabric stores and vintage shops to source unusual materials such as vintage buttons, felt flowers or leather bits I think made for some of my best work. I’d love to go back to more one-of-a-kind creations!
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
When the COVID pandemic hit it put everything into a tailspin. I earmarked several designs where I give a portion of the proceeds to charities such as World Central Kitchen or GoFundMe’s campaign to Stop Asian Hate. I give back in a way I know how, with designs that allow people to show their support on their bodies and allow them to feel good knowing their purchase goes to great causes.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why.
1 . Ask questions, ask for help. I was very guarded about the fact I was interested in making and selling my jewelry designs. Only when I started asking questions of other designers, teachers or people simply working at the local bead shop did I really start to learn and grow. People very generously shared their resources and experiences with me, often giving me tips that propelled me to the next level I needed to reach.
2 . Your path can be different. I often lost confidence when I looked at other businesses like mine and decided that I wasn’t good enough, doing enough, or ambitious enough. It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that I was growing my business the way I knew how and finding a groove that worked for me. It’s valuable to look at your peers and competition, but don’t let it overwhelm you and steer you too far off the path of why you enjoy your work.
3 . Your weaknesses can be your strengths. Every part of your story and journey is interesting and valuable. Don’t be afraid to share it. It’s what makes you unique.
4 . Take good notes. I still struggle with this one! But it’s always good to document your processes, keep notes on things you tried and what the outcomes were. Keep good notes on your interactions with others because it’s remembering those slight details that will make a good impression on the people you want to work with.
5 . Do the research. Take the time to research and learn as much as you can about your craft as well as the industry or business or people you are trying to pursue. If that feels intimidating, see #1 on this list!
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I believe the smallest action, if outside the norm, can inspire others to take additional action. I currently help lead a neighborhood cleanup on weekends in my neighborhood. When someone sees someone else taking that little extra effort — whether it’s picking up a piece of trash or deciding to ask a question about that idea they’ve been kicking around — it inspires. I try and take those small actions every day.
We have been blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she just might see this.
I recently had the chance to speak with costume designer Terry Dresbach (who worked on Outlander, Carnivàle, amongst many other projects), whose life and work are fascinating. I’d love to have the chance to sit down with her again and continue our conversations!
What is the best way our readers can follow you on social media?
On Instagram @plcpeggy
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!
Peggy Li: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.