Mai Pham, Video Creator and Creative Director
What does "home" mean to you? Is it always a place? Has it always meant the same thing?
MP— Growing up, I never truly knew the meaning of home. I first moved out of my parents' home at 15 due to problems at the house and found myself constantly moving around. From a small town in Alberta on the West Coast of Canada, after moving 6 times, I somehow made it all the way to the East Coast of the USA in New York City.
It wasn't until I felt homesick being away from New York that I discovered a sense of missing home. Fast forward to the present, I've been living in New York for a couple of years, and I signed a 2-year lease on my place, which is the longest lease I've ever signed. It’s safe to say, I feel confident being here for a while. Recently, I was able to retire my parents and bring them to New York. There's nothing better than coming home to my mom cooking me a hot bowl of pho made with love; I've truly never felt so at home.
When does your body feel like home?
MP— Home is not just a physical space to me, but a feeling that resonates within me. I get overwhelmed very easily, so sitting down to spend intentional time to reaffirm myself through journaling is where I find clarity. I always feel refreshed after journaling. It's amazing to be able to go back to my journals from different periods of my life and read all the manifestations I would journal about and see them come to life. Journaling has become my sanctuary.
Does your creativity have a home? Where did it "grow up"? Where do you feel the most fearless to create?
MP— My creativity grew up on my YouTube channel that I started in 2010 as a kid. Whether it be unboxing toys, streaming myself playing Minecraft, or singing covers online. I grew up expressing myself on the internet. I always feel the most creative when I'm creating a YouTube video. Wherever I go in life, my camera and my community on YouTube have always been there by my side.