My Journey to Aligning Passion with Values

Photo taken during our 2020 road trip through Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

Since childhood, I've had a unique connection with nature and indigenous cultures. I can't explain why, but I've always been drawn to them, with an insatiable thirst to learn more and help make the world a better place. As a creative director, art has always been in my blood, and I naturally followed this path, which still brings me fulfillment. However, I felt something was missing, as if creating wasn't enough; I needed to make a meaningful impact.

In recent years, I dedicated myself to various companies, working long hours without regard for time or compensation. I was creating, but I didn't realize I was giving away my personal life to businesses that exploited my generosity. Despite doing what I loved, I craved something more – a sense of purpose and impact.

Nature, which we're a part of, beckoned me back, especially during the Covid pandemic. I felt an overwhelming need to reconnect with nature and spent three months exploring the stunning American wilderness. After that, city life was no longer an option; my husband and I decided to move to the New York forest. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Now, everything makes sense; I feel complete. I've chosen to work only with companies committed to sustainability or those already on this path but needing design expertise. This decision has been the best in my career. Previously, I was willing to give myself completely to any project, but my heart wasn't always in it. Today, practicing my passion for art in harmony with my deep values gives me incredible strength, and my passion has multiplied.

Becoming "Green" might intimidate some companies, but it's a crucial fight. My goal is for all businesses to understand the importance of turning sustainable and the impact they can have on the world. If every company made this effort, the world would be healthier today. In the sustainability community, there's no competition; we should work together to accelerate change. It's one of the most beautiful communities I've encountered, with each client offering a new story and a new challenge to overcome together. And I'm not ready to stop fighting – I hope you're not either.