My mom always told me, "You make something of nothing". From a young age, I enjoyed painting and always knew I wanted an art career. As a creative mind, I find joy in so many things, but I guess I never knew what steps to take next and in which direction...

After school, I helped at a small health and Gift shop serving coffee. I never would have imagined being there for almost three years. I never got promoted, but my responsibilities multiplied, and my "title" changed. I went from part-time retail to stocktaker, manager assistant, and pantry and coffee shop manager. I did everything to the best of my ability, hoping to be recognised and promoted.

It's been a journey. I put more into my job than my art and felt drained because neither brought fruit. I regularly felt discouraged and lost.

In 2023, I met a client (Muji) who sparked my curiosity. I wondered how he and his wife had different careers when they both had creative minds. He was a software engineer, and photography and filmmaking were his passions. His wife was a doctor and an artist. The best part of my job is working with clients. I love the stories and experiences they have to share. You realize you always have something in common with someone. You also never forget the person who gives you a spark of hope and another perspective on life.

My title at work changed again, and unfortunately, it was not for the better (perhaps this was a blessing in disguise). The moment came at the crossroads where I decided that I would instead take a leap of faith and believe that I'd get further chasing a dream rather than be stagnant in life since I wasn't fulfilled and didn't see how I would ever be. I regularly thought of this quote, "a salary is a drug your employer gives you to forget your dreams". In some cases, it is true.

It's difficult to tell someone who I am, but I know who I don't want to be. I don't want to take small things for granted. I want to remain down to earth and have a good and kind character. I always want to understand the person next to me. How can you do that if you have everything in life? I enjoy working on something I like and observing birds pecking at crumbs on the ground.

For the first time in a long time, I look forward to the future, walking by faith, not sight. I get to decide what I want to do and what will make me happy, not what others want and expect of me anymore.

Zoe

July 2024