Coffee With Shay 2.0
Hey there, Shay here. It’s storytime….
Once upon a time, there lived a blog titled “Coffee With Shay.”
This blog featured coffee chats with inspiring changemakers of the community, along with a few mixtapes and random thoughts to enjoy with your coffee. I interviewed friends and shared their stories and sources of inspiration. Though time-consuming, it is one of my favorite projects to date. If you know me, you know I love a new project to explore. With so many interests pulling my attention, I decided to close the blog to consolidate my energy.
Thus, Coffee with Clemeaeve was born. And even better, it’s all-encompassing. It’s a space to support both my own projects—the jewelry—plus an opportunity to share the incredible stories of everyone who has supported and inspired my journey. Despite my name in the title, “Coffee With Shay” was never about me. Rather, it was about the inspiring individuals featured.
No day is complete without a good cup of coffee. So of course, we’ll still be grabbing some coffee—virtual or IRL—with everyone we feature on Coffee with Clemaeve. To kick it off, brew yourself your favorite cup of caffeine and enjoy a coffee chat with me.
Social Handles: @shayyylen on Instagram
Currently: Vancouver, WA
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawai‘i
Go-To Cup of Coffee: Almond milk vanilla latte—hot or iced, surprise me
Favorite Coffee Spot: Coffee Talk in Kaimuki, O‘ahu
Must-have jewelry piece: Earrings, specifically a good stack for multiple ear piercings
3 things you never leave the house without: My film camera, a reusable shopping bag, and my hydroflask
Currently reading: Obsessed: Building a Brand People Love from Day One by Emily Heyward
Currently binge-watching: The Andy Warhol Diaries docuseries on Netflix
What is your current job and what was your journey like to get to where you are now?
By day, I am a Social Media Manager. I work from home for a fitness company based in Portland, Oregon managing the organic social media accounts for the brand. I moved up to Washington in July of 2021 after starting this position. Previously I was in Honolulu, HI also doing social media in the hospitality industry. I went to college at the University of Oregon where I studied Digital Art and minored in Business and Art History. Right after graduating, I moved back home to get my Master’s degree in Communication from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. Social media has been something constant throughout that I’ve been able to apply all of my interests into—photography, design, marketing, and branding.
What is your favorite weekend activity?
My ideal weekend starts with grabbing a latte and a vegan/gluten-free baked good from a new or favorite cafe. Then visiting a few vintage and thrift stores. All with a camera or two in hand.
Where do you find inspiration? What keeps you inspired?
Social media is an endless source of inspiration. It allows you to stay plugged in with what’s current and trending. On the flip side, my alternate ideal weekend is strolling through an art museum or bookstore. Museums and books of art and photography keep the creative ideas flowing. I love collecting photography books, especially photography project books that focus on one concept. Conversing with friends is also a big source of inspiration. I have so many creative and talented people in my life. I’m grateful they’re always there to bounce ideas around.
What is the greatest piece of advice you’ve been given?
Speak up or do something about it. If you want something, go after it. If you need help, ask. If something can be better, address it and work towards the change.
What is the best piece of advice you’d give to someone else?
All you can ever ask of someone or yourself is to just try. Try it out and try your hardest. Then, see what happens. If you fall short, you gave it your all. If you didn’t like it, now you know. If you loved it or succeeded, that’s what happens when you give it a try.
What does “embrace your inner oddness” mean? Why all this talk about being odd and weird?
I think we’re all a little odd, in one way or another. The words “weird,” “odd,” and “strange” often have a negative connotation. But it’s not a bad thing to be different. I’ve been called “weird” my whole life but I think the definition of “odd” holds better. It alludes to breaking the norms and what’s expected of us. “Embrace your inner oddness” is about being authentic to yourself and following your passions without trying to “fit in.” If that means you’ll stand out, then happily stand out from the crowd. If it makes you happy to live your quirky life, we should support each other in doing so.
What future plans do you have for Clemaeve?
So many plans! More jewelry, designs, accessories, artwork, you name it. I’m personally very passionate about limiting my environmental impact and want to do the same with Clemaeve. Coming soon, I’ll be incorporating vintage beads found in local Portland and Vancouver thrift stores. Thrifting is a great way to give new life to objects that might end up in landfills. I hope to be able to decrease our footprint on the environment as much as I can and one way is by giving these old objects new homes. Stay tuned to see more!
