Meet Meleina Hancock | Textile Designer

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

Hi Meleina, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always been very passionate about creating things. From a very early age I remember busying myself with some new creative project, which usually had a dual purpose of solving a problem. I think my need to express my creativity is fused with a need to find balance and order in my daily life, which is probably my right and left brain at play. Throughout my earlier years in college I felt quite clueless which direction to pursue. Anything artistic was what I enjoyed doing the most, but I didn’t believe that I could have a successful career in the arts. I had very supportive parents and art mentors who really encouraged me to, as cliché as it sounds, follow my passions. At some point I realized I just have to make a choice, and I chose to follow what I love doing to most, to create.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For me there is a process, a mini journey, I go through with every design I create. Sometimes it’s not as monumental and sometimes I can have these profound moments of discovery. When reflecting on all my mini journeys I must say the hardest projects I’ve even taken on are the ones that bring me the most satisfaction or where I learn the most about myself. I think that is the most important part about creating for me. It is a constant look inward. I test my will, I push myself to learn a new technique, or experiment with a different medium. It can be very challenging at times and I might feel like I have taken on too much, but in those moments of angst when I make that decision to push on through I feel the most alive and powerful.

The hardest thing I’ve ever done has been starting my own clothing line. With my background in textile design I was very passionate about creating a line of clothing where my textile designs would be the focus. I built a small screen printing studio in the backyard of my family’s home where I could print yardage fabric by hand. I spent countless hours, sometimes working through the night, getting my operation set up and ready for production printing. It was a true test of my will and ambition to see the project through. When I look back on what I managed to create I am proud and comforted to know that is the groundwork laid for what is ahead.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would start on the North Shore of Oahu, because that is where I grew up! We would most definitely be taking a day to soak up some sun (post getting SPF-ed up) at Sunset Beach and then take a bike ride on the neighborhood bike path to Sharks Cove. One of my favorite spots to eat there is Aji Limo food truck. Hawaii has some beautiful hikes and one that I love is up Kahana Valley. You can even grab some paddle boards and paddle up the river. This can be a nice way to take in the natural surroundings in a very unique way.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My biggest support network are my family, friends and my fiancé. They are rocks which keep me standing tall and firm each day. I am so very grateful to have such great people rooting for me through every step.

Website: www.okikacloth.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okikacloth/

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Image Credits
Catherine Erickson Sam Apuna Emily Hancock