A phone call that changed everything

I have a story to share, and it starts with a phone call that had a serious impact on my path as a surface pattern designer. 

In 2023, I joined Bonnie Christine’s Immersion course — a surface pattern design program that turned out to be much more than learning Adobe Illustrator. It cracked open a part of me I hadn’t fully explored: creativity, intuition, and the joy of visual storytelling.

I came in knowing almost nothing. But by the end of three months, I had created my first full collection. I was hooked — not just on design, but on the possibility of building something meaningful from it.

Then came the phone call.

Tyler Tolson, CEO of Denik, offered his time to speak with graduates of the course — a rare opportunity to ask anything about design, business, or bringing an idea to life. Denik creates beautiful notebooks, partners with artists, and funds education initiatives around the world. That alone was inspiring. At the end of the conversation he asked me to send him feedback. I didn’t forget – I just wanted to give an honest, thoughtful response, and that required time. Until now.

I joined the call with a clear idea: I wanted to design a collection rooted in tradition. I told Tyler about the patterns I had inherited, and my desire to see them on textiles. He listened. And then, with kind honesty, he said something that stayed with me: to… move on. He said, my grandfather had already done his job by leading me here, and that it was time for me to spread my own creative wings. Ouch. That was tough to hear.

At first, I resisted. Those patterns meant everything to me. But over time, I understood what he meant. I needed to stop waiting for permission. I had the tools. I had the passion. Now I needed to create as myself — not just as a messenger of the past.

That conversation shifted everything.

Since then, I’ve embraced experimentation. I’ve sketched, failed, learned, and grown. And in January 2024, I traveled to India, where I partnered with a 10th-generation hand-block printer to bring my designs to life. We tested samples, and this year, I’m launching a cushion collection — handcrafted, heartfelt, and rooted in both heritage and personal expression.

A Message to CEOs and Leaders

If you’re in a position of leadership, take note: it doesn’t take a lot of time to make a lasting difference. Tyler offered his knowledge and presence freely. He didn’t have to — he’s a busy CEO. But that half hour helped me to launch a creative journey I will never forget.

So here it is — my overdue thank you, Tyler. Your honest words helped me see that I was ready. Your generosity helped me believe I could begin.