We had the good fortune of connecting with Elsie Saeng and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elsie, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
My business and social presence helps those wanting to know more about the Lao community and expands to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. I work to educate and offer a platform that is constantly learning and growing to provide a welcoming figure to the younger generation who are learning who they and and to any healing generation. By being able to have an open blog and presence, I have been able to start discussions not typically allowed in asian households or with immigrant parents. These conversations offer comfort and a form of therapeutic release.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Graphic Designer and have recently become a published Author. I focus on design work and also do illustrations. In each piece I incorporate a bit of myself and add unique details, I also focus on creating more Asian American art. A topic of art not too much in the spotlight as it could be, I want to become a voice and visual representation for any Asian/Asian American aspiring artist.

I got to where I am today through lots of self work, therapy, and extended education. I took it upon myself to go to college for the Fine Arts, where I was able to refine my work, and focus on a style of art. Doing this was not easy at first, I juggled full-time jobs with full-time school, and continued to pursue my hobbies alongside it. I had to become very efficient with planning very quickly, which was out of my comfort zone. To be transparent my first few college experiences weren’t well, I had low grades, I felt behind repetitively, and I was very tough on myself for failing any aspect of my expectations. I had learned it was okay if things didn’t go exactly as I predicted them to and that failure is not the “end all”. I continued to adjust my work and school efforts to my best capabilities and graduated with my degree, in my time frame.

I want the world to know my work, whether my blog, designs, or books- are all created with intention. My heart is put into each piece of work to assure that my goal for its audience is achieved. I create to make a difference in at least one person’s life. If I can offer a feeling of solidarity and allow someone to feel seen, I have succeeded.

By combing my artwork and love for literature, I have been able to curate meaningful text and imagery to help communities understand AAPI & Lao heritage.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friend was visiting the city, I’d like to show them the fun of Denver! To learn about the state, you have to see the city’s life and all the aspects of it.

Monday- Denver Art Museum,
Sushi-Rama,

Tuesday-Denver Aquarium,
A meal at the Aquarium,
4D theater

Wednesday-Meow Wolff
Milkbox Ice Creamery
Leven Deli Co.

Thursday-We walk the city, from 16th street walking to eating at food stalls!

Friday-Hiking in Boulder (Chautaqua: Bluebell, Ski Jump, Royal Arch, McClintock, Enchanted Mesa, etc)
Brunch at Snooze an A.M. Eatery.
Browse Pearl St Mall.

Saturday – Denver Zoo,
Denver Biscuit Co.

Sunday- Museum of Nature & Science,
Crepe n Crepes,

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My story is nothing without my parents, sister, and generations of family that came before me. They have allowed me to be self expressive and unapologetically me. The root of my work comes from research and the sources, which are people who are impacted or in the impact. My closest friends provided a safe environment to share my Laotian History and the topics of AAPI neglect we face in the US. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: https://justsaeng.wixsite.com/my-site

Instagram: https://instagram.com/just_saeng?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Justsaeng?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@justsaeng2379

Other: www.Artworkbyelsie.com

Image Credits
Photos and Illustrations by ArtworkbyElsie.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.