Meet Shayla Kim of Raleigh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayla Kim

Hi Shayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi! I’m Shayla, though some know me by my cosplay and gaming name, Skim Milk. I am the owner and artist behind Skim Milk Studio.

I am a Vietnamese-Cambodian-American artist located in Raleigh. I grew up in Cherryville, a small town in North Carolina. Being the only Asian student in my schools until high school was challenging, often making me feel different from those around me. Even when I transferred to Highland School of Technology, there were still only a handful of other Asian students in a school of about 500 students. Growing up in this environment taught me resilience, gave me a deep sense of identity, and helped me understand the challenges of standing out.

Art became my escape and my voice. My cousins introduced me to manga and anime, opening my eyes to the powerful world of visual storytelling. From that moment on, I found myself captivated, and art became my way to explore, process, and express my emotions and experiences. It provided a creative outlet that has been both empowering and transformative, allowing me to connect with others who may share similar feelings of being seen yet unseen. I drew whenever I had a chance and later discovered cosplay as another platform to showcase my creativity.

At Highland, I pursued the graphic design pathway, where I was introduced to Adobe software like Photoshop and Illustrator and learned how to work with clients to achieve a final product—tools and skills I still use today. I even considered pursuing a career in graphic design or animation. But by my senior year, I pivoted toward veterinary science and went on to attend North Carolina State University, where I earned a Bachelor’s in Zoology in 2022, followed by a Master’s in Physiology in 2024. Art remained a constant, though; in my sorority, Kappa Phi Lambda, I designed graphics, created videos for events, and even made a tote bag that was sold to chapters nationwide. In some classes, I created videos, graphics, and websites for projects relating to microbiology, genetics, and other science classes.

Skim Milk Studio began in late 2021, almost by accident. A sorority sister noticed a desk mat I’d made, featuring my artwork, and asked if I could make one for her. I decided to make a few extras and listed them on Etsy. From there, it all started—I expanded to making stickers, press-on nails, and other items, treating it as a fun side project while finishing undergrad and starting my master’s. It was exciting to know my art was reaching people across the country.

As I continued in my master’s program, I realized my passion was no longer in veterinary science but in my art. I felt uncertain, having started the program to strengthen my chances of getting into veterinary school. But creating helped ground me. I began dreaming bigger, designing more, investing in equipment, and signing up for in-person markets. Thankfully, I come from a family of entrepreneurs–my mom owns a restaurant, my dad owned a nail salon before he passed, two of my aunts also owned restaurants, and my cousins who introduced me to anime once owned a successful escape room before moving on to other business ventures.

My first pop-up event was the Geek & Grub Anime Market in 2023, followed by Packapalooza, and many other pop-ups! These experiences taught me a lot about connecting with customers face-to-face and making my brand known. Today, I continue to do pop-up markets and sell on Etsy, I recently launched my own website, and I’ll be vending at my first convention, Animate! Raleigh, in January 2025.

Funny story, I was waiting to hear back from a laboratory job I had interviewed for and saw they decided to move forward with other candidates. I was feeling down and discouraged. Then 30 minutes later I got an email from VoyageRaleigh asking to share my story with Skim Milk Studio. It was a beautiful reminder that when one door closes, another opens.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely had its bumps, but those challenges have been part of the growth journey for Skim Milk Studio. Starting the business while still a student was a test of balance and resilience. Juggling my studies with creating new designs was a constant challenge; it wasn’t just about finding time but also about keeping myself motivated, especially when academic pressures were high.

There was also a learning curve with the production process itself. Creating vinyl stickers and bookmarks required a lot of trial and error, and I had to learn how to work with both U.S.-based and overseas manufacturers to source other products, like desk mats and keychains. Navigating regulations for selling and vending in person added another layer of complexity—compliance is key, and it required research and careful attention to detail to make sure everything was in order.

Setting up for pop-up events brought its own set of surprises. I had to constantly adjust based on weather conditions, crowd flow, and the layout of each event. One memorable experience involved tents being blown away by strong winds. While I had my own tent weights, the event organizers didn’t provide any, and as the day went on, other tents around me started lifting and tipping over. Unfortunately, some of my stickers blew away. Moments like these remind me of how adaptable and prepared I need to be, as unexpected challenges are always around the corner.

There’s always a level of uncertainty when new products come in from manufacturers. Sometimes, items don’t sell as expected or they do well at one market but not the next, and it’s a risk I’ve had to accept as part of the entrepreneurial process. Producing products isn’t cheap, and pricing has been one of the biggest learning curves. I’ve had to carefully calculate final prices, taking into account production and shipping costs, the hours spent on design, and the expenses of packaging. It’s a balance between covering my costs and keeping prices reasonable for my customers while ensuring the quality and care that goes into each item is reflected. Learning this process has helped me understand the true value of my work and the importance of thoughtful, sustainable pricing.

All of these experiences have taught me valuable lessons, and I’m aware I still have a lot to learn. I’m constantly evolving, both as an artist and a business owner, and I’m excited to keep growing from here.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Skim Milk Studio, I get to do what I love: making art and turning it into kawaii-inspired products—everything from vinyl stickers and enamel pins to cups and keychains. My work often draws from a blend of personal experiences and cultural influences, inspired by my Asian heritage and love for nerdy pop culture. I strive to bring a touch of whimsy and a sense of personal connection to each design, aiming to create pieces that resonate with my customers on a deeper level.

One of my proudest accomplishments has been building a supportive community around Skim Milk Studio. It’s incredibly rewarding to see my art resonate with others and to connect with people who share a similar appreciation for this aesthetic and sense of culture. Whether through social media or meeting customers face-to-face at pop-up events, it’s amazing to build real connections with people who get what I’m trying to do.

What makes Skim Milk Studio a little different is the personal touch and cultural influences I put into everything. My designs are all about telling a story or sparking a bit of joy, whether it’s something cute, funny, or meaningful. At the end of the day, I just want my art to feel relatable and make people feel seen.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something a lot of people don’t realize is that “Skim Milk” actually comes from my own name! It’s a little play on words—my name is Shayla Kim, so “S. Kim” quickly turned into “Skim.” I’ve had people ask if I’m just a big fan of skim milk, and they’re always surprised (and sometimes a bit relieved) to find out it’s actually a nod to my name.

Another thing people may not know is that Skim Milk Studio is also connected to my cosplay and gaming stream world. My art brand grew out of these interests, and they’re still a big part of what I do. The Studio isn’t just about the products I sell; it’s a space where I can blend my love for art, cosplay, and gaming culture.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://skimmilkstudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skimmilkstudio/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@skimmilkstudio