Why Mời Atelier During a Time Like This?

There are days when I wonder if I'm doing everything backwards.

The economy feels unpredictable. Rent keeps climbing. Groceries cost more than they used to. It seems like every week someone I know is talking about layoffs, burnout, or wondering whether they'll ever be able to afford a home.

Some days it feels like everyone is just trying to survive.

I've been there too.

I've worked retail. I've been laid off more than once. I've questioned my career, my future, and whether I was chasing unrealistic dreams while trying to stay financially responsible. There were moments where it felt easier to give up than to keep creating.

But every time life became overwhelming, I found myself returning to the same things.

Drawing.

Hand lettering.

Vietnamese cafés.

The feeling of flipping through a notebook filled with ideas.

Tiny moments that reminded me there was still beauty worth making.

That's where Mời Atelier began.

Not as a perfect business plan.

Not as a trendy brand.

But as a quiet promise to myself that I wanted to build something that made people slow down, smile, and feel welcomed.

Growing up 1st Generation Vietnamese American, I've always lived between cultures. I love the traditions my family brought with them, but I also love the everyday experiences of growing up here—grabbing boba after work, eating bánh mì on a picnic, getting coffee with friends, decorating journals, doing nails, laughing at Vietglish jokes that only make sense to us.

Those ordinary moments deserve to be celebrated too.

When I think about Mời Atelier, I don't just imagine stickers or art prints.

I imagine a place where someone walks in after a difficult week and leaves feeling just a little lighter.

A place where Vietnamese culture isn't only about history—it's about everyday life.

Where beauty, art, coffee, conversation, and community exist together.

Where creativity feels approachable instead of intimidating.

I'm still figuring everything out.

I'm designing products one illustration at a time. I'm balancing work while trying to invest in this dream. Some weeks I feel confident. Other weeks I question whether any of it will work. I would often mentally force myself to dive back into my hobbies or invest time to my own business projects.

Maybe that's what being a founder really looks like.

Not having all the answers.

Just continuing anyway.

This blog isn't here to pretend entrepreneurship is glamorous.

It's here to document the messy middle.

The sketches that never become products.

The lessons from my first vendor markets.

The excitement of discovering new Vietnamese artists and businesses.

The moments where I fail.

The moments where I grow.

And hopefully, the day Mời Atelier becomes everything I've been dreaming about.

If you're also trying to build something during uncertain times, I hope this space reminds you that progress doesn't have to be loud.

Sometimes it looks like filling one notebook page.

Drawing one sticker.

Learning one new skill.

Sending one email.

Showing up one more day.

Thank you for being here at the beginning.

Mời.

You're invited.