How this all started...

The Dear Self collection has been such a long time coming, and I can’t tell you how excited I am to finally share it with you!

The idea first started in 2022, and together with LayHoon, the artist behind ArtyGuava, we went through five rounds of sampling to ensure every detail was just right. Then life took a beautiful pause when I had my baby, and the collection waited patiently in the background for a year. Now—it’s finally here!

The Dear Self Collection is really close to my heart. It’s designed as little talismans, love letters to yourself—whether that’s your younger self, your present self, or your future self. At its core, it’s a reminder that you already have everything you need.

I knew I wanted to collaborate with LayHoon the first time I stumbled across her art on Instagram—it’s so vibrant, free, and full of life. And when I got to know her personally—as a mum, a woman in business, and someone who built her dream life in a new country—I felt like this collaboration was truly meant to be.

Getting to know Lay Hoon

Essa: LayHoon, thank you for joining me. To start, could you share a little about yourself? Where did you grow up, and what first drew you to art and design?

Lay Hoon: I grew up in Penang, Malaysia, surrounded by a mix of cultures, colors, and traditions that really shaped the way I see the world. As a child, I loved colouring books and just losing myself in creative play. Art always felt like a natural way to express myself, though I didn’t immediately see it as a career path. Design was my first step—I studied it, worked in it, and it gave me a foundation. But deep down, I’ve always been drawn to the freedom of making art, where there are no rules to follow except your own curiosity.

Essa: How did your journey as an artist begin? Was there a defining moment when you knew you wanted to create for a living?

Lay Hoon: It actually started quite unexpectedly during the pandemic. At the time, I was working full-time as a graphic designer and picked up my iPad just to sketch for fun, as a way to calm myself in all that uncertainty. I began sharing my drawings on Instagram, and to my surprise, people connected with them. Commissions started to come in, and little by little, it grew into something bigger. Two years later, I made the leap and left my job to pursue art full-time. There wasn’t one big moment—it was more like a series of small steps that led me here—but I do remember realizing, “This is what I want to do with my life.”

Essa: What inspires your work most—are there recurring themes or emotions you often explore in your art?

Lay Hoon: So much of my work comes from my Malaysian roots and my love of nature. I’m fascinated by patterns, colors, and the quirky beauty you find in plants, fruits, and flowers. Beyond that, I’m often drawn to themes of connection—between people, with nature, and within ourselves. A lot of my pieces celebrate sisterhood, joy, and freedom of spirit. I want my art to feel alive, full of movement and vitality, almost like a dance. At its heart, my inspiration comes from wanting to show how beautiful and harmonious life can be, even in its wildness.

Collaboration & Creative Process

Essa: Why did you choose to collaborate with LuvLoops for this collection? What about our brand or story resonated with you?

On the surface, I was drawn to the pieces LuvLoops has created—they each feel thoughtful and personal. In a world full of mass-market, soulless trinkets, it’s rare to find pieces that really have a spirit and speak to you. What really drew me in, though, was getting to know Essa, the founder. I felt a kindred spirit in her. We connected over our shared experiences as women—trying to find our place in the world, balancing work and family, and caring deeply for the people around us. That sense of understanding and shared journey made this collaboration feel natural and meaningful.

Essa: When you first heard the idea for Dear Self, what images or feelings came to mind?

Lay Hoon: As a woman approaching my 40s, Dear Self immediately felt like a letter to my younger self—a gentle reminder that I would eventually find my way. It’s a reflection on strength and resilience, a moment of reassurance that even when things feel uncertain, I have the power to navigate my path and honor my own journey.

Essa: Can you share a bit about your creative process? How did you translate an abstract idea like “Dear Self” into tangible jewellery designs? 

Lay Hoon: I imagined these pieces as talismans—something I could carry with me, small objects that hold meaning and encouragement. I thought about the words I’d want to hear during tough times, the gentle reminders I could turn to for strength. That reflection led me to focus on three key messages:

1. Dance to the beat of your own drum – a reminder to be true to yourself.

2. The universe is in your hands – recognizing and owning your own power.

3. The world is your oyster – opening your eyes to the possibilities around you, ready to reach out and grab them if you choose.

Through these messages, abstract ideas became tangible designs—little symbols of resilience, joy, and possibility.

The Story Behind the Designs

Essa: The collection features three distinct pieces. Could you walk us through each design and explain what they represent to you?

1. Dance to the Beat of Your Own Drum – This piece is a reminder to be true to yourself, symbolized by dancing figures under the stars. When you embrace your authentic self, there’s a unique sense of freedom—a lightness and confidence that comes from within, not from the approval of others. In a world that doesn’t always reward authenticity, it’s a gentle reminder that being true to yourself is the greatest gift you can give yourself.

2. The Universe is in Your Hands – This design celebrates recognizing and owning your own power. Too often, we disempower ourselves with thoughts like, “This is out of my hands,” or “I can’t do anything to change this.” I know this personally from my journey to becoming an artist. For years, I told myself I couldn’t, or that it was silly to even wish it. Then one day, I stopped doubting and permitted myself to pursue what I wanted—and that part of my life unfolded beautifully. I hope this piece inspires others to do the same, despite challenges and doubts.

3. The World is Your Oyster – This piece is about possibility and perspective. The world can be beautiful, harsh, playful, or full of opportunity—depending on how you see it. By opening your eyes and choosing how to perceive it, the world becomes a place of endless possibilities, waiting for you to reach out and shape it.

Together, these pieces form a small toolkit of encouragement—a reminder to embrace authenticity, own your power, and view the world as a place of opportunity.

Essa: Which piece feels the most personal to you, and why?

For me, it’s Dance to the Beat of Your Own Drum. The journey to living my truth has been long and sometimes difficult, and it’s still a constant practice. We’re shaped by everything we observe—the media we consume, the messages we hear, the opinions of others. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to internalize these without even questioning them. I often find myself asking, “Why do I think this way? Where did this thought come from? What do I truly feel?” As an artist, there’s also pressure to conform or please others with my work. But I know that I’m doing myself—and my art—a disservice if I don’t create from an authentic space. This piece is a reminder to honor that authenticity every single day.

Essa: If someone is wearing a Dear Self piece, what do you hope they feel or remember each time they put it on?

I hope they feel like they’re part of a sisterhood of women—women who may look different, be of different ages, have different ambitions, cultures, and stories, but who all share a quiet strength and a desire to see one another thrive. I want them to feel supported, seen, and heard. Each piece is a little reminder that you’re not alone, and that there are people who believe in you and want you to succeed.

Essa: If you could write a short “dear self” message to accompany the collection, what would it say?

Dance, dream, and reach for the world—you’re stronger, more capable, and braver than you think.