Life is the teacher we should all be learning from.

  When it's meant to be, then it comes to Full Circle. Doesn't it?

I was just a curious little toddler when I first picked up colored markers and crayons. I was a kindergartener when I learned how to cut paper along dotted lines, color within shapes' edges, write my name, and read short stories.  I was a 2nd grader when I realized I loved to read books, write short stories, work out math problems, organize my work and supplies, and anticipate what teachers would say or ask for next. From then on, I continuously challenged myself both academically and artistically. Growing up, the more I paid attention and the more self-aware I became, the further I was able to sculpt who I am & maintain all that I stand for today. It was the external world that inspired me to take on new interests, but it was sharp interest and self-discipline that took them to the next level.

For years, I wanted to be a teacher. Enthusiastic about this goal, I even practiced by teaching my sisters how to read and write. But then 7th grade came around, and after I had already tried out different cliques of friends, I found myself seeking a lunch table just to be alone. Staring at the ticking clock, I sensed that the tides were turning in me - wanting something more, something to be passionate about. 

I loved music; I sang all the time. So I thought, "Maybe I should be a music producer?" 

I loved color-coding my clothes, matching them with their appropriate seasons, putting outfits together, and spending hours playing virtual dress-up games. "Maybe I should be a fashion designer?" 

I loved to occasionally reposition the furniture in my room, organize my things, and line up everything in perfect symmetry. "Maybe I should be an interior designer?" 

But eventually, the year turned to 2014. And a bright-eyed college student started her path toward Nursing, yet, I didn't really know what I actually wanted. I thought Nursing was just something I should do, but the truth is that I was only following the advice of others. 

"Work is always available, and it pays good money." 

Halfway through my second semester of the Nursing program, that old feeling came back around again. I'm crossing one of the many highway stoplights when the words appear in my mind out of nowhere... I had no idea what "social work" even meant at the time, but a force was pushing me in that direction. 

Four years later, I proudly graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, and it was exactly what I needed. The program not only taught me how to listen to others' needs, but it also encouraged deep self-reflection. And sometimes, doing so involved alternative means, like mental health and spiritual counseling to achieve self-realization. As my character became more refined, I drew up an attainable 5-year career plan for my future. But as the end of Senior year was coming to an end, what was interrupting my flow this time?

18 consecutive years in the school system is a long time to be looped in the same routine surrounded by people with similar mindsets. So upon graduating college, I realized that I was scared to turn my back on a path that would have been safe because its predictability was so straightforward. However, I was even more terrified of leaving untapped potential behind until it was completely forgotten. 

So how did I end up here, in a painting business, then? It's funny to me how lucky I feel to be embraced by something I fit so well into yet arrived through a series of random events! After all, I tried out a few different occupations after college graduation. But after a couple of years floating around, I wound up with a painting crew. And once I finally maintained good habits polishing my skills, my future in this business felt more and more secure. 

That little toddler expresses herself with color and a paintbrush.  That little kindergartner gets to meet new people and learn new stories. That 2nd grader gets to put her strategic skills to the test and savor the intuition of how to fulfill the needs of others. That middle schooler feels grounded in a purpose. That high schooler feels safe in a reliable career. And that college student finds personal healing, growth, and spiritual development in running a business that doesn't feel like it's "just a job." For once, there is no questioning where my heart belongs... 

In April 2022, Auric Designs LLC was officiated from my desire to paint the kind of living space people can't wait to absorb every single day. Everyone's energy speaks differently, and this is partly why 'auric' describes that variety of colorful atmospheres. But in my opinion, everyone's story is a treasure worthy of a canvas which then explains why 'auric' also stands for the periodic element gold, expressed as Au. Altogether hence...

"Embrace your space; Your aura shines like gold."