This episode we're joined by an extra special guest, Haruka Aoki. Haruka (she/they) is a queer Japanese artist, author and illustrator of children’s books based in Queens, New York City. Their narrative artwork, which has appeared in New York Times and the Washington Post, aims to inspire individuals with both wit and sincerity as their hand drawn characters engaged with the world around them growing up.

In this episode we talk about:

• Haruka’s pivot from corporate life to exploring art
• Mental health in today’s workplace
• Their background and family experience growing up
• Haruka dives into their world of illustration and the inspiration behind their characters
• Exploring their latest book, Fitting In (fittinginbook.com)

You can find Haruka at:

• Website: https://harukaaoki.com/
• Instagram: @thecosmicharuka

You can follow me at:

• Website: https://yellowglitterpodcast.com
• Instagram: @stevenwakabayashi
• YouTube: @stevenwakabayashi
• Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: mindfulmoments.substack.com