Uncovering Hope: The Story Behind My Work

The more I created, the more I realized I wasn’t just looking for good ideas. I was looking for ways to bring people together.

Prologue

I was the kid who was glued to their computer. I always had so many ideas swarming in my head. The best way I could capture them was through photography and design. Even before I could spend money on a camera or design software, I would spend hours watching people online share behind-the-scenes photoshoots and edits so I could see their creative process and storytelling unfold throughout the project. I was enchanted by this world and wanted to know everything.

As I became older, I put more of my time into graphic design. Design helped push my ideas outside of a screen and into the real world, such as a booklet, stamp, postcard, website, and many more projects I could not only make for myself but for others.

First Photo on my Camera

Admittedly a lot of my initial photographs were of my dog or nature haha. We had to start somewhere.

Career Breakthrough

It felt like a fever dream to be offered a position as an Online Graphic Design Consultant at Staples Canada. The first 3 months were a struggle. There was a steep learning curve. We had a huge catalogue, numerous projects, and deadlines. Although the transition was hard, Staples gave me two essentials to help me succeed. They provided me with several organizational frameworks to follow and a cubicle buddy who was always there to help and cheered me on the entire time.

When I started, I managed 3-4 clients daily across Canada. After 1 year, that number grew to 10-11. The biggest takeaway from this experience was that with a supportive team and a solid foundation, any complex or large challenge can be broken down into small steps that create exponential growth over time.

First Package Design Spotted in Stores

I was the primary designer for this project. It felt surreal to see the work my team and I created being sold in stores. (The brand names have been blurred out for copyright purposes.)

It was fun to explore the business of glassware and learn how it can become more than a product that simply holds liquid. It can become part of a larger experience. I took those insights and brought them into the design, which made this such a fun project to work on.

Career Pivot

After enjoying photography and graphic design for a few years, I felt like there was something missing. I decided to go back to school to become an Industrial Designer. Although I love to create visual stories, what I craved even deeper was to create a positive impact in the world.

During my final year, I chose to explore the topic of wellbeing and lifestyle in senior and long-term care homes for my Thesis Project.

I saw an opportunity in the slower moments in between programming. Alcove was a guided social activity where residents could use gentle movements to create calming natural sounds. The goal was to make a relaxing escape that supported comfort, connection, and well-being while still being adaptable to each person’s needs and abilities.

This all could not have been done without the wonderful help and support of everyone who provided me with information in older adult care. They let me into their workplaces and shared invaluable insight. This project was a dream, and I hope to come back to it one day and develop it further.

Award Winning Project

Dyson Sponsored Award for Most Innovative Project & Top Thesis Marks

Becoming

It was clear after the Thesis Project that my true path forward was no longer a skill like photography, graphic design, or industrial design. The best move was to find and help communities that embody a similar mindset as me and work with them to build a better tomorrow.

My mission is to help people who help people.

The goal is to work on project that produces a positive ripple effect within an organization.

When I worked with Pillars of Wellness, I enjoyed being engulfed in the team and culture. It was a blessing to be welcomed in and to absorb what they were offering. I converted this information into a meaningful video message they can now showcase to their clients to better understand who they are and what they offer. What stood out to me about Pillars of Wellness was how deeply they respected the people they worked with. They treated people with care and built their approach around collaboration, and openness.

This is where you come in. If any part of my story resonated with you and you would like to chat about a project or something else, please contact me. If you genuinely love to help people, I would love to meet you!

Thank you for reading my story. I hope we get the chance to chat soon.