I started Alisha Kiara Design in the midst of a challenging period in my life. Working as a nurse during the COVID-19 crisis left me feeling incredibly burned out and unfulfilled. I needed an outlet that would not only bring me joy but also help heal my mental health through creative expression.

The turning point came in 2021 when my mom passed away suddenly. Her loss was a profound moment of reflection for me. It made me realize that if I wanted to change my life and pursue something fulfilling, I needed to act decisively. I turned to creativity as a way to work through my grief, and it became a powerful healing tool for me.

Creativity has always been a part of my life, but it was during nursing school that I developed a preference for watercolors, which has since become my primary medium. My interest in floral designs is deeply rooted in my memories of my mom, who loved flowers. She would often leave a small glass of flowers on my bedside table so I could see them when I woke up. Lilacs, her favorite, remain my favorite flower to this day.

I believe that everyone has a well of creativity within them; sometimes, they just need encouragement to tap into it. There were many times in my life when I doubted my own creativity. It wasn’t until I began practicing and nurturing it that I realized how essential it was to my mental health and overall well-being. Creativity has become integral to who I am—not just as a person, but also as a nurse, mother, and wife.

I feel there is a significant lack of resources dedicated to empowering women to explore their creativity and understand the positive impact it can have on mental health. My goal with Alisha Kiara Design is to help women realize that by channeling creativity into their lives, they can become healthier and more fulfilled versions of themselves.

In the long term, I aspire to be a source of inspiration for women who feel they don't have the time or space for creativity in their busy lives. I want to show them that it is possible to be everything they want to be—mothers, professionals, and creative individuals—while taking care of themselves. Through Alisha Kiara Design, I aim to help women connect with their creativity and facilitate their journey toward improved mental well-being.