Amber Flokstra-Radema & Andrew Szeto
Captured by François Mittins
Building It Anyway
In this talk, Amber Flokstra-Radema & Andrew Szeto share the story behind opening Miam Miam General Store and the very human decisions that led them there. Andrew reflects on balancing a long-term government career with a growing desire to create something more meaningful, while Amber traces her path through small businesses, vintage, and hands-on making, shaped deeply by loss, grief, and sisterhood.
They speak candidly about the emotional weight behind their work, from caring for Amber’s sister during her final year to taking time to grieve, slow down, and reassess what truly mattered. That pause became the foundation for Amber’s vintage practice and, eventually, a shared vision for a space rooted in care, creativity, and community.
Together, they walk through the realities of testing an idea, navigating creative differences, taking financial risks, and building a retail space from scratch. Miam Miam becomes more than a shop. It’s a place for local makers, workshops, storytelling, and connection. The talk is a reflection on choosing the harder path, trusting collaboration, and creating something that feels purposeful, even when it’s uncertain.
miammiamgeneral.com
@szetoszeto
@marigolds.vtg
@miammiam.general
