Meet Rochelle Manalili | Artist & Founder of RM Customs Sydney

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

Hi Rochelle, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I attribute all of my success to my community and family. Where I am now, is only because of them.

I had stopped painting or making much art after my high school years, and never really had the drive to pursue it. Then one day, my boyfriend had seen a custom shoe on Facebook, tagged me in it, and begged me to paint him one. He was so desperate it wasn’t until he brought a paint and brush set from Angelus, and a fresh pair of Air Force 1s before me that I reluctantly agreed.

I ended up loving the process and posted about it on my personal Instagram. Long story short – this was the origin of RM Customs Sydney.

From there, I came up with a brand name, started a dedicated Instagram & Facebook account, registered my business, and got my first few orders. A lot of my first orders were from my closest friends. They were so enthusiastic about supporting me, not just through direct orders but also word-of-mouth, and sharing my stuff on their profiles. Literally carried and nursed my baby business into what it is now.

From there, I followed a lot of existing custom artists and just simply commented on their work, leaving messages of admiration. Over time, I was welcomed into a strong and supportive community of custom artists from all over the world.

I owe a lot of my success to my closest friends and family, and to the larger custom shoe community! I have learned from the tips & tricks of older, more established artists, and I continue to be inspired by my custom art peers. And most of all – I do it for myself and my own love for art.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I like to think that my art hits a niche community of anime/manga-lovers and k-pop fans too! And so, my work is all about your interests, and what makes you, ‘you’. Growing up, I have always loved and been passionate about pop-culture, and to be able to serve a community with the same values and passions as mine is truly special.

It definitely wasn’t an easy path to get here. It wasn’t linear, nor was it expected. I had always made art on-and-off, and I have virtually no plans to ever pursue it as a means of income (especially as a Filipino girlie). But I’ve learnt that sometimes it’s okay to do things and take risks – like make art – regardless of whether it makes you money, regardless of whether it will be a success or not.

As long as in the journey, you are happy. And wherever you find happiness, there are bound to be people who find happiness in it too.

I guess that’s how it came to be for RM Customs Sydney.

RM Customs Sydney is all about showing you off as an individual. Each commissioned shoe I paint is made and tailored specifically for you (or the person you are gifting it to), and so my designs are never, ever repeated. They are one-of-a-kind, just like you are!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a WEEK long trip, you’re in for a treat.

One of the first things I’d do is drag you to Chippendale, to my favourite art gallery: White Rabbit. Then, Central Park Mall for Fortress – a gaming PC heaven and we can play some 1v1 Valorant. Bet dinner on that game and call it a night.

The next day, maybe introduce you to my friends who are super fun to be around, we can go for some Korean BBQ and soju at Strathfield, and straight to a night of karaoke.

Then for next few days, we’re snowboarding. I’d drive us down to Perisher, and we can snowboard for DAYS back-to-back. It’s the reason why winter is my favourite season.

After that, we can take it chill in Cabramatta – I’ll order tomato rice and crispy chicken, and you can order a big fat bowl of pho so I can steal from your plate too. Then, it’s pork rolls for dessert!

Another day, we definitely have to go for a hike in the Blue Mountains.

The LAST thing I’d make you do is to go see the famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge. I’ve never really cared much for it, but it’s definitely a must-see in Sydney.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to be cliché and thank my mother.

My mum was the first investor into my business. I started RM Customs Sydney with more than enough to cover the materials and initial costs, however my mum was the one to buy my first pack of custom business cards and tags. It wasn’t about the money – it was the fact that she bought a bulk pack of 100 tags.

While I doubted that I could get past 5 orders in the year, it was her trust in me, the belief that I could use up the 100-pack of tags, that really gave me the courage to commit myself to the business. This courage has taken me a long way, and I only have my mum to thank for that.

And safe to say, I finished those tags long ago and have since ordered new ones!

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Image Credits
RM Customs Sydney @rm.customssydney