A New Chapter: Returning to My Roots (and Rewriting the Story)
It’s been a while.
Three years, in fact, since I last really showed up in this space to share my heart, my work, or my journey. If you’ve been around since the early days—thank you. If you’re new here—welcome. I’m so glad you’re here.
This blog marks the beginning of a new chapter for me and my business. One that’s rooted in authenticity, creativity, and connection. But to understand where I’m going, I feel like I have to start by honoring where I’ve been.
How It All Started
I’ve loved art and music for as long as I can remember—coloring outside the lines, entering competitions, and using creativity as a quiet, safe space for self-expression. In college, I started out studying teaching and social work, feeling drawn to help others in a deep, meaningful way. But somehow, the universe nudged me toward art. I shifted gears and earned my degree in Fine Arts & Graphic Design—and honestly, it all makes sense now.
Because what I do today—through design, photography, workshops, and consulting—is a beautiful blend of those three paths. Creativity, care, and connection. It’s always been there. It just took me some time to realize it.
The Pause That Transformed Everything
Over just a few short years, life asked a lot of me.
In late 2019, my dad passed away unexpectedly, and everything shifted. A few months later, I made the leap to go full-time in my business, leaving behind the security of my backup job—only for the world to shut down just weeks later with the start of COVID. That same year, I got engaged, rescheduled our wedding twice due to the pandemic, and finally got married in 2022—ironically, the same year my business had its biggest growth yet.
And then... I crashed.
The momentum, the grief, the stress, the joy, the pressure—I had held so much for so long. And I realized I had been pouring out without really pausing to refill. Burnout wasn’t just creeping in—it had unpacked its bags.
So I stepped back.
I gave myself permission to rest. To grieve. To reassess. To rediscover what I actually wanted from this business, this life, and this creative path I had been walking. I explored tools like Human Design and astrology, reconnected with what lights me up, and let myself rebuild—slowly, intentionally, and in a way that feels more like me than ever before.
Like many creatives and business owners, I hit burnout. I spent years building a business I was proud of, but somewhere along the way, I lost sight of why I started. Marketing felt heavy. Social media felt noisy. I needed to step back to find my way forward.
So I paused.
I allowed myself to rest, reflect, and reconnect with what really mattered to me—not just in business, but in life. I explored my Human Design, dove into astrology, therapy, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, and more, and uncovered new layers of who I am. And slowly, gently, the fog lifted.
I found clarity. I remembered my why.
What’s New
(and What’s Stayed the Same)
I’ve rebranded with intention. Haven 33 Creative is now a space where all the pieces of me get to exist together: the designer, the photographer, the creative consultant. I’m here to help people tell their stories in soulful, aligned, beautiful ways—whether that’s through visuals, connection, or conversation.
What’s stayed the same? My love for working with heart-led humans. My passion for meaningful design. And my belief that creativity is a powerful tool for healing, expression, and change.
A Gentle Invitation
This space—this blog—is where I’ll be sharing stories, tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and reflections on living a creative life (and running a creative business) with intention. Think of it like a journal with leaves scattered across the seasons—each one holding something true.
Whether you’re here for inspiration, support, or simply to witness the journey, I hope it serves you in some small, beautiful way.
Thank you for being here.
Here’s to what’s next.
— Mel