One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned over the past year is the power of experiences. Whether it’s a quiet moment in a bustling city or an elaborate gathering with friends, experiences shape who we are. And for me, they’ve become the heart of my work.

For years, I ignored my body’s voice. I didn’t honor her needs or recognize her cues. Instead, I criticized her for reacting to certain foods, for bloating, for her natural rhythms. I silenced her, thinking I could outwork or outmaneuver her. But in doing so, I disconnected from a part of myself that was just as essential as my mind and soul.

When I left my career in dentistry to pursue a life of creativity, hospitality, and design, I thought I had finally made the boldest change of all. And in many ways, I had. I poured myself into new ventures, rediscovering my passions and building a life that felt more aligned with my values. But in the process, I overlooked something important: my body.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reflecting deeply on my life and the decisions that have brought me to this moment. I’m no longer the girl I once was—I’ve grown into a woman in her own right. A woman who has decided to embody her true nature and allow it to be seen. A woman whose opinions and life choices matter. A woman who has embraced herself, her body, and her quirks, unapologetically.

This journey wasn’t easy. Just one year ago, I felt like a shadow of myself, cowering under the weight of expectations and desperately praying for a new life. I couldn’t see then how the pain I was enduring was quietly shaping the beauty of my existence. If someone had told me then that I’d be here today—having completed my first European solo trip, immersing myself in experiences I once only dreamed of, and standing tall as a bold, courageous woman—I would have laughed in disbelief.

But here I am

It’s been a few months since I sat outside that café in the East Village, marveling at the unfolding of my life. The journey hasn’t slowed down; if anything, it’s accelerated.

With each step forward, I feel a deeper connection to myself and the vision of the life I’m building—one rooted in creativity, culture, and authenticity. I’ve come to see that designing a life is not so different from designing a space. Both require intention, imagination, and the courage to make bold choices.

The Unfolding: A Journey to Becoming Myself

Sitting outside a café in the East Village on an Easter Sunday morning, with the warmth of the sun balanced by a gentle breeze, I sipped a half-decaf honey oat latte and allowed myself to simply be. Across from me, Thompson Square Park buzzed with life, and for the first time in a long time, I felt aligned with it.