The Backdrop of Life: A Story of Creativity, Resilience, and Self-Discovery

The Backdrop of Life: A Story of Creativity, Resilience, and Self-Discovery

Sometimes, what appears to be the main event is simply the backdrop to a deeper, more meaningful story.

Last year, I had the privilege of visiting beautiful Cuba (#Thankful for Michael Reese' Artway nonprofit mission). I was there as a fashion artist, showcasing a mixed media collage in the "Letters from Ohio" Art Exhibition, styling locals, documenting photoshoots and absorbing the street fashion culture. Every day was fascinating on its on way, beauty was everywhere and although I saw ton of remarkable art and strolled multiple galleries and private studios, it wasn’t the art on the walls what moved me most, it was the life outside the walls, on the streets of Havana.

One afternoon, as I wandered through the streets, I stumbled upon kids practicing boxing. The scene was raw and unfiltered, filled with determination and grit. Little did I know, it would become a metaphor for my own journey.

This holiday season, my husband and I watched Rocky. As the iconic story unfolded, he remarked, “This is really a love story. Boxing is just the backdrop.” And as I heard his observation, suddenly it all clicked.

Cuba was a backdrop in my life—a moment that shaped my understanding of who I am and what I bring to the world. Just like those kids practicing their jabs and hooks, I’ve been fighting my own battles—not with fists, but with creativity, resilience, and a refusal to give up. The reality is that until that trip to Cuba happened, I never considered myself an artist.

Despite a lifetime of creating—jewelry, clothing, photography, websites, branding packages and campaigns, you name it—I didn’t feel I had earned the title; after all I didn’t go to art school. I didn’t have a degree in art. I convinced myself that my work didn’t “qualify.” Instead, I chalked it up to being scrappy and resourceful.

What I now recognize as imposter syndrome, held me back for years. That voice in my head told me I wasn’t an artist, even as people around me celebrated my work. I wore the label of underdog like armor, not realizing it was also weighing me down.

This struggle didn’t exist in a vacuum. It was shaped by the battles I’ve fought throughout my life—battles that many of you might recognize, too:

The Battle for Self-Worth

Growing up, I internalized the belief that formal qualifications defined success. As if having a credential from n Art School would be needed to make my art worth it.

The Battle for Creative Freedom

The fast-paced fashion industry often prioritizes conformity over authenticity. Fighting for the right to express myself and empower others to do the same has been a cornerstone of my work.

The Battle with the Inner Critic

Like so many creatives, I’ve faced the loud and persistent voice of self-doubt. Learning to reframe that voice—not as a barrier, but as a sign of growth—has been transformative.

The Battle for Belonging

As an immigrant, a woman minority, I’ve often felt out of place. These experiences have fueled my passion for creating spaces where others feel seen, valued, and connected.

The Battle Against Injustice

My commitment to sustainability and inclusion is deeply personal. I’ve seen the toll of overproduction and overconsumption. I’ve seen how fashion can hold people back fearful of trying and let themselves be creative.

The Battle for Vision

Building something as bold as Columbus Fashion Academy or The Fashion Community requires resilience. It’s a big fight against old ways of seeing and doing things. Both "Fashion" and "Creativity" are loaded words with lots of misrepresentation. Both concepts are highly misused and loaded with misleading ideas.

The Backdrop of It All

As I think back to those kids boxing in the streets of Havana, I see a reflection of all of us. We’re all fighting something—whether it’s self-doubt, societal expectations, or systemic challenges. But here’s the thing: the fight isn’t about proving we’re the best. It’s about showing up, again and again, for the things that matter.

What I’ve come to realize is this: everything I create is connected to who I am. Every project, every design, every piece is an extension of my personal journey. And while the backdrop may have looked like boxing in Cuba, jewelry on a gallery wall, or upcycled fashion on a runway, the heart of my story—the love story—has always been about creating, connecting, and sharing education and power with the world.

So here’s my question to you:
What “title” have you been too afraid to claim? What battles have shaped your story?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the backdrop of our lives—the struggles, wins, and moments of awe—becomes the canvas for our greatest stories. And this is just the beginning.

Stay tuned.

#Creativity #ImposterSyndrome #PersonalGrowth #LifeLessons #Sustainability #Empowerment