I came out of my childhood and teenage years with abundant traumatic experiences. I was feeling depression, social and general anxiety, lack of personal space, uncertainty, agitation, feeling disconnected and unsafe, unhappy with my appearance and powerless. I also had an impressive portfolio of self-destructing behaviour. Everyone responds to experiences differently, at the time I simply wanted to keep my hands busy. I needed to create something that would be my own – a part of me, something that would belong to me. And thus, my first plushie was born. Just like me – it was strange, damaged and different – and jet beautiful at the same time. Over the years, I have made a great deal of progress battling with my own demons, and taming them one at a time. I have also come to realise that I am not alone in my struggle – everyone is damaged in one way or another. Devastation is a starting point. It can be a foundation, on which seeds of beauty and hope will grow.
