My journey into design began long before I understood what the field of UX was, rooted in an early and enduring passion for drawing, crafting, and creating since childhood. I was a student who excelled academically, but my heart was always pulled toward the arts, rather than the more traditional paths of math or science. However, I found unexpected connections in subjects like geometry, where I was captivated by the analysis and logic of shapes, and English, which fueled my love for reading and exploring different realities. These early interests laid a foundational appreciation for both structure and narrative—principles that would later become central to my design philosophy. My curiosity even led me to learn Nihonggo, driven by a fascination with Japanese manga and anime, exposing me to new aesthetics and storytelling conventions.

In college, I was drawn to the film industry, captivated by the dynamic fusion of artistic vision and cutting-edge technology. The medium's power to create immersive worlds and tell compelling stories resonated deeply with my creative spirit. However, after graduation, I realized that the demanding and often hierarchical culture of the film industry did not align with my personal values and temperament. I pivoted to explore a variety of roles, seeking a career where I could apply my creative skills in a more balanced and personally fulfilling environment. This led me to become a barista, take up yoga and meditation, and even teach English and art to students. These experiences, though seemingly unrelated, were crucial. They cultivated my empathy, sharpened my communication skills, and taught me to simplify complex ideas for diverse audiences—all skills that are invaluable in UX design.

My path eventually led me to graphic design, where I found a true sense of purpose. It was a perfect blend of my artistic sensibilities and my developing technical skills. My first role as a graphic designer in the marketing department of a culinary school was a transformative experience. Working in a small team, I had the unique opportunity to expand my skills beyond graphic design into photography, social media management, and, most importantly, website design. I was immediately drawn to the process, which felt like a perfect intersection of my diverse interests.

This passion for website design led me to further my studies and move into a new role at another school, where I was able to focus entirely on web projects. The experience was incredibly rewarding, as I was involved in every stage, from initial research and conceptualization to content development, promotion, and ongoing management. I found myself fascinated by the data and analytics side of social media and websites, realizing that great design is not just about aesthetics—it must be supported by a solid foundation of research.

This journey ultimately led me to UX design — a field that balances my appreciation for collaborative problem-solving with the need for deep, independent thinking. Today, I apply everything that journey taught me to a new frontier: designing AI-powered tools that are as intuitive as they are intelligent.