I purchased my very first sewing machine in March 2020, which was right when the pandemic hit and changed our lives. I made this purchase because I felt so inspired by watching people (such as bestdressed) on YouTube thrift clothing and then alter them to transform the garment for a new look. I even saw her make a dress from scratch with a pattern and thought: I would LOVE to make my own clothing some day. I knew it would be so rewarding to get to look at something and say, "I MADE that" because I have always had a desire to create, using my hands.

But of course, here was the kicker: I had ZERO knowledge on how to use and operate a sewing machine. I thought: what was I even thinking getting this?

My mom is a seamstress and I remember watching her and my dad sew hours on end to make a living (thanks mom and dad!) for me and my brother, but I never saw these sewing machines as anything other than "big scary machines that make loud noises".

So it took my mom by surprise when I learned how to sew all by myself - watching tutorials on YouTube on how to thread my machine (which by the way, I remember it took me 30 minutes to figure out which I can now do with my eyes closed) and understanding some sewing techniques.

It wasn't until the most stressful week of my life when I was waiting for my CFE results (which would be my final exam in my accounting career), I began sewing scrunchies to help alleviate my anxiety and put that energy of stress into doing what my soul innately wanted to do: create.

After stepping in a fabric store for the first time with my mom, I was so overwhelmed with joy, seeing the array of colours, fabrics and everything I could ever want to motivate me to actually start sewing. I began showing my scrunchies on Instagram, piling on more and more colours each day. The more I showed them, the more I would get positive responses from people who share the love for scrunchies and also getting asked, "how do I purchase?" or "where is your website?" - when I really had just started and had no intention to start the business that LUNARIA has grown into today.

I am so grateful for this unexpected turn of events. The overwhelming amount of support that I have received has pushed me to create this platform where I can more easily share some of my dreams with you.

Fast forward to today, I am making not only scrunchies but also our bestselling satin face masks, heatless hair curlers, clothing, and more.

You would be surprised by the amount of products that I have tried or fabrics that I've gotten that just did not make it to my shop. If I don't like the product, I will either keep making tweaks until I do or don't sell it all together. It is important to me to make sure that I am in love with the products to truly and honestly stand by it and confidently say you will love it too.