Get to know Blowfish Malibu Graphic Designer, Minjung Shin!

Welcome to the Blowfish Malibu Spotlight, a new feature on the Journal! We’ll be spending some time each month talking with different members of our team and giving readers a little bit of insight into what each person does in the office every day.

FIRST UP, MEET MJ!

Tell us about your position at Blowfish Malibu.

I am the Graphic Designer here at Blowfish Malibu. I work with our Art Director in creating new content and brand assets for the marketing team.

When did you first become interested in graphic design?

My first job out of college was as a graphic designer in the Marketing Department of The Los Angeles Film School. Working in the entertainment industry, in the heart of Hollywood, was a very eye-opening experience that led to further interest in working with a marketing team and designing in-house.

What did you do previously before joining the Blowfish Malibu team?

I was freelancing for exclusive clients.

How did you get started with Blowfish Malibu?

I was overly ecstatic to be scheduled for a virtual interview with Blowfish Malibu after applying during my trip to Hawaii. Luckily enough, we made a positive connection, and I was just counting down the days to joining the team.

What creative projects have you been working on that you’re excited about? Can you tell us about them? 

My first photoshoot experience ever was with the Blowfish Malibu team. It was a very rewarding learning experience. I’m excited to be a part of this for each season!

What do you like most about working in the fashion industry?

Working in the fashion industry has put me in touch with the latest trends. I enjoy learning about the latest and greatest.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Every day is different from the next in terms of project. From email blasts to IG Stories to ads and trade show assets. It keeps things interesting!

The Blowfish Malibu offices are in LA. What’s your favorite thing about the city?

I love this city so much that I’ve never moved out of it! I totally appreciate the variety that the city has to offer.

Which is your favorite pair of Blowfish Malibu shoes?

I love the wedge sneakers. They are comfy and provide extra height!

What advice would you have for someone who’s trying to pursue the same career as you?  

Don’t be afraid to take risks with your designs.

JUST FOR FUN

What was the last thing you were obsessed with?

Finding new and easy recipes for meal prepping and the great outdoors.

Where are you from and how has that shaped you?

Growing up in Los Angeles has exposed me to ethnic and cultural diversity, as well as a city rich in the arts. I have to remind myself of how fortunate I am to have been raised in a city like this.

What’s your dream travel destination?

Australia or Japan

If you could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

I think it’d be delightful to grab a bite to eat with Robin Williams or Anthony Bourdain. I’ll take either one!

When do you feel best about yourself?

After a session of self-care!

What’s your personal motto?

Don’t be scared, be prepared.

What’s a fun fact about you most people don’t know?

I’m left-handed.

FILL IN THE BLANK!

I learn the most from YouTube and hands-on training. I’m a visual learner.
I can’t live without Hank, my German Shepherd.
You can find me shopping at Amazon.com
My astrological sign is Libra!
I’m scared of Dismemberment. I watch too many true crime shows.
The last book I read was the Harry Potter series.
Most people would say I’m honest.
I’m currently listening to Hall and Oates.
My style mantra is casual all day.
I feel most comfortable in lounging around on a Sunday afternoon.
When I woke up today I felt happy but hungry, lol.
I feel the best when I’m adequately hydrated.

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Thank you so much for your time, MJ! We loved catching up with you!

Follow Blowfish Malibu on Instagram and check out more stories on the Journal.

Get to know Blowfish Malibu Marketing Assistant, Leah Sullivan!

Welcome to the Blowfish Malibu Spotlight, a new feature on the Journal! We’ll be spending some time each month talking with different members of our team and giving readers a little bit of insight into what each person does in the office every day.

FIRST UP, MEET LEAH!

Tell us about your position at Blowfish Malibu.

I am a Marketing Assistant here at Blowfish Malibu! Which means I assist social media & community building efforts and assist on a variety of projects in the Marketing Department.

When did you first become interested in marketing?

I don’t think I ever had an aha moment where I realized I loved marketing, but I have always loved visuals & story telling, and enjoyed the learning how to build a brand around telling a story when I was in college.

What did you do previously before joining the Blowfish Malibu team?

I started a swimwear company, Peachy Keen Swim, a few years back and still work on it now as my role at Blowfish Malibu is part time. Before working here I also spent a lot of my time freelancing and helping other brands build their TikTok marketing strategy, but I enjoy being able to work at an established company now and having continuity in my projects.

What creative projects have you been working on that you’re excited about? Can you tell us about them? 

I really enjoy learning about the 4Earth collection and the sustainability efforts going into this line. Learning about the partnerships with Oceana and Bloom and being able to dive into the science behind the collection has been really cool! I took a lot of environmental science classes in college and I’m happy that I’m able to.

What do you like most about working in the fashion industry?

The ability to make make major changes globally and individually. I love the ability to express yourself and build confidence through creating your personal style, but know that the fashion industry can be very detrimental to the environment. I’m excited to learn more about the ins and outs of the industry and try to create change that will allow us to celebrate our style in a way that works in harmony with nature.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

There’s a great culture! I’ve gotten to meet a lot of great people and go to fun events.

The Blowfish Malibu offices are in LA. What’s your favorite thing about the city?

I loooove living here. The combination of nature and nightlife is a perfect balance for me. I love being able to go on a hike in the morning and a concert at night. You can really find so many interesting people and activities in this city.

Which is your favorite pair of Blowfish Malibu shoes?

The Redsen boots! So cute and minimalistic. I don’t think it will ever go out of style.

If you weren’t a marketer, what would you be?

I have a lot of interests but can never pick just one! Some type of artist would be cool.

JUST FOR FUN

What was the last thing you were obsessed with?

Painting pottery!

Where are you from and how has that shaped you?

I grew up in New Jersey and was very motivated to move out to California. I definitely feel at home here but the older I get the more I appreciate New Jersey, and I especially love the farm my family lives near. It’s really peaceful and laidback.

What’s your dream travel destination?

Bali!

When do you feel best about yourself?

When I’m having a meaningful conversation with a friend.

What’s your personal motto?

Be authentic or die trying!

What’s a fun fact about you most people don’t know?

I studied Mandarin in college, but I’m not very good. 我中文不太好!

FILL IN THE BLANK!

I learn the most from meditation.
I can’t live without my friends.
You can find me shopping at the anthropology candle section.
My astrological sign is Aries sun, cancer rising, cap moon!
I’m not scared of public speaking.
The last book I read was The Women who Run with the Wolves.
Most people would say I’m fun.
I’m currently listening to Mac Miller.
My style mantra is don’t follow trends, express yourself through your own style.
I feel most comfortable in comfy pants with a fun print.
When I woke up today I felt like hitting the snooze button lol.
I feel the freest when I’m in the ocean.

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Follow Blowfish Malibu on Instagram and check out more stories on the Journal.