Humble Beginnings to Creative Horizons: My Entitled Journey

Growing up in a family of creatives was like living in a whirlwind of transformation. Our family salons buzzed with energy—the snip of scissors, the hum of hairdryers, and the magic of turning visions into reality. Watching my mother and sisters weave their art with hair inspired me to find my creative outlet. But I was also entitled—or so life taught me.

I believed that my passion for design would carve out an easy path. I was sure that with talent and ambition, the world would bow to my aspirations. I went to a design school, then crossed the seas to the UK, landing my first job in multimedia. But life isn’t one straight line—it’s a series of curveballs.

The next chapters taught me humility. Returning to South Africa, I embraced opportunities in design and marketing, only to realize I wasn’t truly fulfilled. I ventured into personal training, blending my love for fitness and creativity, and founded my studio. Success wasn’t just about talent—it was about resilience. But my entitlement hadn’t quite been chipped away yet.

A Life Shaped by Change        

When wanderlust called, I answered, packing up my life and chasing experiences across the globe. I taught English in various countries, finding new perspectives and forging cultural connections. When the pandemic hit, salaries dried up, and uncertainty loomed, forcing me to adapt. I joined others to organize flights that brought over 300 South Africans home. This wasn’t on my life plan, but it taught me that leadership isn’t about entitlement—it’s about showing up when it matters.

Back home, I found myself in a series of roles. I learned to craft resumes and tell others’ professional stories, but instability followed. I lectured in media and graphic design until further challenges left me jobless again. I even fell for a job scam—a harsh reminder that no journey, no matter how seasoned, is without its missteps.

Reinvention: The True Skill        

Each twist and turn became part of my story. I embraced teaching design techniques, helping students bridge their ideas with effective communication. A role to teach design technology abroad came knocking, but visa issues kept me grounded in South Africa. Every “no” taught me to find the next “yes.”

Now, as a subject matter expert, I develop digital art courses for K9-12 students. This role merges everything I’ve learned—design, education, adaptability, and humility. It’s the first time in years that I’ve felt at home in my career, though the journey to get here was far from linear.

What I’ve Learned (and Am Still Learning)        

1. Resilience is a Skill: Challenges don’t break you; they shape you. I’ve faced instability, rejection, and reinvention. Each experience added another layer to who I am today.
2. Entitlement Blocks Growth: I once thought success was deserved because of talent. Life taught me that hard work, adaptability, and humility are the real ingredients.
3. Creativity Has No Bounds: From graphic design to fitness training, teaching abroad to instructional design, creativity found its way into every chapter of my life.
4. You’re Never “Done” Learning: Whether it’s a new design software, a new job market, or a global pandemic, life always has more lessons in store.

The Next Chapter        

As I write this, I’m exploring new horizons—teaching, designing, mentoring, and diving into new projects. Life is a constant work in progress, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

If there’s one thing I want to leave you with, it’s this: embrace the detours. The path you think you’re entitled to might not be the one you walk. And that’s okay. Because the real magic happens when you’re brave enough to let go of entitlement and embrace the unpredictable journey instead.