Meet Mia Andujar | Artist & Stationery Merchant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mia Andujar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mia, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from one of the three tiniest islands, of the US. Virgin Islands, St.Thomas Which capital is Charlotte Amalie. There you’ll find so many different cultures like African, danish, french, Hispanic. Music is our forte. Every where you go, you here music and cultural music above all. You hear the chimes of the steel pan playing or you see the Moko Jumbies dancing. The island is so musically driven. I love that so much, cause it thought me to explore about culture wherever I go and to think about the world in such a different perspective. We Virgin Islanders are very happy people and hardworking. Even though things get tough sometimes, we try to always find a learning happy experience out of it. And that helped me to always work even harder but never stop to enjoy the simple things in life. And because of those upbringings it helped me to visualize the love for art and people.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a watercolor self taught artist. Even though I had friends who are artist that I’ve learn so much from them. If I had to choose a name, I’ll say Mariachi the famous portrait painter from the Dominican Republic. We use to work together at the same educational institute where I taught biology, which is my major. He use to teach art there. And I always wanted to learn about painting. So I waited till we both had free periods so I could go and pick his mind! I learned so much from him. He taught me even how to hold the brush correctly, which I struggle tremendously till today, hehehe. I thought I was very awkward as a kid and still I am lol. But that’s what I love about myself overall, my awkwardness! And I think that what makes me stand out from this world, how different and quirky I am! So that love for art brought my love for journaling and stationery. I use to teach my students to keep a creative journal which they had to write on everyday! One week checking one of my students journals I saw how she journaled from recycled goods. So I’m like this is so amazing. So she taught me how she did it. And I started to journal that way. I took it up a notch using, wax seal stamps or rubber stamps. I journaled with everything! Traveling to France, I’ve always noticed the stationery shops they’re so small, cozy, intimate.. I said to myself I’ll have a stationery shop one day you’ll see. So years pass I got married to my wonderful best friend, and we traveled to Paris. And that dream came back to my heart again. I told my hubby about my dream. And he said “Mia as soon as we arrive back to California you’ll make your dream come true. ” So it happened! And then Petite Papeterie (small stationery shop in french) was created! And I’m so proud and happy for all the loving support that I’ve received from my customers, families and friends. It means so much! Never lose hope on yours dreams, they will come true one day, at the right moment!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ahhhhh so fun! So, I’ll definitely take them to the farmers market at the Grove. Especially in the morning there’s so much to see and enjoy!. You have great breakfast at Dupars. Which they’re famous for their French toast and pancakes. Then we’ll stroll around maybe do some shopping. Then for lunch to the Brazilian restaurant Pampas Grill! Ahhhh they’re so good! Especially their Churrascos! I’ll definitely take them to the Market at downtown LA. Such a trend to just visit there. For shopping and eating as well, there’s Melrose, sunset Blvd and of course bougie town Beverly hills! If they want to visit any natural sites, I’ll take them to Descanso Gardens and if they want to bike ride and enjoy fresh air definitely to Marina del Rey or Redondo beach! Ahhh they’re so much to do here in California. If they visit in December we can go up to Big Bear and see the snow! And of course we can’t forget Universal Studios and Disney Land. They’re so many choices!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout-out to my Parents. Dad Errol Augusta and Mom Cruz Augusta for raising me to be a happy girl, no matter what journey I’ll go through and for supporting my dreams. My husband Elmer Andujar for helping me make those dreams happen and for being my right hand. And my friends for always cheering me on with all my wacko ideas! Huge hugs to them! But overall Jehovah God for being so patient and loving to me. If it wasn’t for Him I wouldn’t be where I am right now.

Website: www.petitepapeterie.shop

Instagram: @petite_papeterie_shop

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-andujar-43a01a155

Facebook: @petitepapeterieshop

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCI_73ULObOk-pDJV-nKXv8Q

Image Credits
All photo rights are of Petite Papeterie