Back in 2012, I started my first design studio straight out of university. It felt like a dream come true—a chance to turn my passion into something real. I even managed to secure a few clients early on.

But six months later, everything fell apart.

A partner I trusted defaulted on payments, leaving me with a five-figure loss. I had no contracts, no safety nets—just blind trust. It wiped out my finances and left me questioning if I had what it took to build a career in design.

I felt lost, but that failure taught me two critical lessons:

1. The importance of clarity and preparation. Contracts, negotiations, and boundaries aren’t optional—they’re essential.

2. How to adapt and grow under pressure. As an introvert, networking and pitching didn’t come naturally to me. But survival demanded I step out of my comfort zone.

Eventually, I found my way into design and then education. But that experience stayed with me. It’s why I focus so much now on helping others build clarity and structure in their careers.

Your setbacks don’t define you—they prepare you.

If you’re feeling stuck in your UX career, let’s create a plan to move forward. DM me “Plan” and let’s get started.

P.S.: DM me “Plan” to start building a strategy that gets you unstuck.