Little Match Studio founder/ creative Alaina Thai is a ceramic artist who draws inspiration from the world around her. Nature's beauty, the allure of various textures, the utility of everyday items, and the soothing essence of matcha all come together in her work. Specializing in the creation of functional ceramic pieces, her art seamlessly marries form and function. Welcome to a world of artistry and functionality intertwined in the heart of Los Angeles.
When did you start Little Match?
I started Little Match Studio as a side hustle and as another creative outlet at the end of 2019. I was at my full time job at the time as a fashion designer and felt like it was not as creatively fulfilling. I felt like I had lost touch with myself, so I signed up for a class at a local pottery studio. When the pandemic happened, being stuck at home, I bought myself a wheel and converted my laundry room shed into a hybrid pottery studio where I’d wedge clay on my dryer. I then created an Instagram account to just post my work where it slowly gained traction. I began sharing my love for matcha and making many matcha bowls and cups. Then around February 2022, I finally decided to quit my job, one of the toughest decisions I had to make, and decided to trust myself to try LMS full time.
What or who inspired you to start your brand?
My dad has his own business and I knew from a very young age I also wanted to also have my own. I didn’t think it would be in ceramics, but it somehow was a pleasant surprise. During the pandemic, I envisioned Little Match Studio to be a brand/lifestyle, I wanted it to be this calming feel brand during the turmoil time. I really needed something to help ground me mentally too so this helped me build into my brand.
What or who are you currently inspired by?
Currently I am inspired by my travels, spending time in nature and just really observing everything around me like textures and colors.
Any advice for aspiring creatives?
Just start. A lot of outside noise can really disrupt your ideas and visions, but remember it is okay to disconnect once in a while and follow and flow with your own ideas, just start somewhere. Things will then easily fall into place and when or if things go wrong take it as a lesson well learned and move on.
Just start. A lot of outside noise can really disrupt your ideas and visions, but remember it is okay to disconnect once in a while and follow and flow with your own ideas, just start somewhere. Things will then easily fall into place and when or if things go wrong take it as a lesson well learned and move on.
When you're not creating, what are you up to?
I’m a homebody, so I will either be at home cleaning and or hanging with my partner and our dog Simba, cooking a nice meal, and or out having dinner with close friends and or family.
I’m a homebody, so I will either be at home cleaning and or hanging with my partner and our dog Simba, cooking a nice meal, and or out having dinner with close friends and or family.
What is your dream trip where you feel you can gather the most creative inspiration from?
My dream trip would be to Japan again. I’ve been twice already but I am always in awe and inspired by the traditional ceramicware and culture. I’d like to discover more traditional Japanese tea rooms and to spend time appreciating the serene landscapes of Japanese gardens and bringing that back into Little Match Studio.
My dream trip would be to Japan again. I’ve been twice already but I am always in awe and inspired by the traditional ceramicware and culture. I’d like to discover more traditional Japanese tea rooms and to spend time appreciating the serene landscapes of Japanese gardens and bringing that back into Little Match Studio.
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