Days With (Madame Architect)
Spend a day with me! I am so honored that I get share it on Madame Architect. Julia reached out last year after my small.family illustrations were part of the “Creative Complements” section. I was taken aback because I did not feel accomplished enough - I have not even led a meeting yet. The women featured are pushing boundaries and have this incredible dexterity of balancing work and family, all the while being the smartest voices in the room. I am usually the person taking notes and considered myself lucky to be invited to the meeting in the first place. I felt out of place and responded to her with some version of, “I am drawing freelance but not working at a firm right now and navigating transition… are you sure you still want to hear from me?”
Julia reminded me that this is still a day! There are many people that also navigating Covid Limbo, maybe reading about my experience would make them feel a little less alone. Her response reaffirmed how much I respected the publication, because it holds space for alternative pathways and the broader stories behind a woman’s job title.
I share details about how I recovered from depression. I was overwhelmed when I first moved home. I think I felt so down was because my self-worth was too attached to my professional and academic qualifications. A big part of my day has been setting and achieving tiny goals to remember to what it feels like to accomplish something. Discovering Muay Thai is a large part of how I regained my confidence. Through gaining strength, learning patience and self-compassion, I reminded myself that I am capable.
I was initially reluctant to include details of my recovery because of stigma. I was most concerned about any (incorrect) associations between mental health and professional aptitude, especially towards women of color. However, I owe it to myself to celebrate this recovery because surviving through this might be my proudest accomplishment to date. Also, I think that talking openly about mental health helps destigmatize it - especially in our industry where burnout and mental health problems are pervasive and rarely discussed openly.
I am proud of my growth and doing well now. I think this journey laid a solid foundation for the next chapter of my life in London. I am excited to be studying Interiors at the Royal College of Art - turning inwards and creating nurturing spaces to bring out the best in people, feels even more meaningful to me now. It is inspiring to see industry game changers featured on Netflix, profiled right next to new generation talent. I am so pleased to be able to share my day here as well!
