As a kid, I was always drawing, cutting things out, making little “projects” just for fun. Somewhere along the way, I stopped believing that kind of play could be part of my real life. But coming back to design — and making it my work — has felt like giving that younger version of me the space she never thought she’d get.

It’s not always easy. Deadlines and pressure can make it feel like the joy is missing. But when I step back and create just for the sake of creating, it’s like I’m telling my inner child, “You were right. This does matter.”

Still healing, still learning. But it feels good to be here!