GIRL BOSS - INTERVIEW WITH MISHA LEE

The difference between success and failure is in taking the initiative. The Girl Boss series aims to highlight the achievements of women just like you and me who are doing amazing things. Hopefully their stories will inspire you as much as they inspire me. This week we chat to Misha Lee, a mega talented photographer and creative entrepreneur.

1. Who was your favorite female cartoon character growing up?

The Powerpuff girls. Hands down. They are tough, bad-ass and totally beat up bad guys AND they get their school work done in time. They really knew the full-time hustle. Blossom was bae because she was a literal boss and pink was my coveted colour at the time.

2. If you could have one super power what would it be?

FLIGHT. Imagine how amazing the world will look from up there? Plus I could score some sassy wings while getting some cool shots. Who needs a drone anyway?

3. If you could have lunch with any woman, dead or alive, who would it be?

Ooh tough one! For now, I’d say: Joan of Arc, Amelia Earhart and Frida Kahlo. I would imagine it’d be a wild kind of afternoon but the STORIES they’d share! These women were pioneers in their time and trades. I’d be hanging off the edge of my seat.

4. What are the 3 most important characteristics you think a person should have?

Empathy. A yearning to grow and an unconditional love for themselves and other people. Start there – and I feel like you’ll go far in making this world a better place for yourself and everyone around you.

5. What did you want to be growing up?

I had my heart set on being a fairy till I was 10 years old. When I realized this wasn’t really any vacancy for this, I dreamed of being an artist. Then a business woman. And now, I get to be both! How about that.

6. When and how did you realize you wanted to be a photographer? Did you study photography/ how did you learn photography?

I picked up my first camera when I was 12. I didn’t know immediately but I did know I had fallen in LOVE. I obsessed. Taking photos of everything. Eventually, taking work as a teenager and slowly realizing this is where I wanted to be. 99% self-taught with a one-year stint at a film school. Dropped out of that stanky university, decided to start my business (aka. ACTUALLY what my heart wanted to do) when I was 19 and here we are.

7. You're an all round creative! What do you love most about this industry?

THE PEOPLE. I’ve made so many friends with other like-minded creatives and business women. The support, advice and community has been so indispensable to me. It’s an amazing feeling being in it TOGETHER rather than against each other. Community trumps comparison and competition anyday.

8. Your illustrations are stunning! How long do they take? How did you learn to do them? Take us through your creative process.

Ever since I learned how to hold a pencil, I drew. Obviously in three-year old standards, rather terribly. A lot of the time, art is self-taught with hours and HOURS of practice over years of experimenting and experiencing. I didn’t stop drawing or doodling during school (naughty) or my spare time. An illustration can take me up to three hours of concentration and care. During that time, I like to get inspired and sketch a few ideas out before going all in.

9. Did you have a mentor? Do you believe having a mentor/role model is important?

I like to think I have a few “mentors” or people I look up to. Even though I haven’t met them. I have never had a designated mentor personally guide me through my business, but I’ve been inspired by many strong, successful creatives. Including my parents. Having someone or something to look up to is important – it sets a mark and motivates us to be MORE and do more.

10. What do you want to be remembered for?

Kindness. Someone that made others feel good. More than fame or fortune.

11. Tell us a bit more about yourself.

I seriously can’t function without a coffee (I often wonder how much money I could save if I wasn’t so depend on caffeine). I have 5 cats. 90% dark chocolate and spicy curries are some of my favorites things.