2025 has been a difficult year for many Americans, including myself. While our country faces devastating division and grave threats to our freedoms, I have also personally faced some of the biggest challenges of my life. 

While doing intensive therapy and working to restore my own joy and happiness, I have joined my mom in doing activist work to defend democracy. One day we stumbled across some vintage campaign buttons that I fell in love with. As a graphic designer, I was inspired to create some of my own designs that would capture our current fight for democracy in the U.S.

I have also had an Etsy shop for many years where I have sold original greeting cards, art prints and other items inspired by chronic pain, which I know all too well. As someone with an autoimmune disease - complicated by depression and bipolar disorder - I have long been a passionate advocate for those who suffer from chronic illness and mental health conditions. 

The similarities between my own personal battles and the ones currently facing the defenders of democracy is that they can be so difficult and so overwhelming as to make one feel powerless - sometimes to the point of giving up. And I just can’t let that happen! 

The convergence of these ideas has landed me here - as I try to piece my life back together and support myself with meaningful work. I hope that with this platform, I might help to empower others - whether they are fighting for the life of our country, or fighting for their own. I hope my designs will inspire or bring a smile to a face, offer some hope, or just help connect people to causes much bigger than our individual selves.

Even in our darkest moments, my family has always been able to laugh. Laughter is a healing force, and critical in tough times. Here’s to all of us marching forward with conviction, with power, and with a great sense of humor!