Growing up with an artistic mother who loves all things art, crafts were always a part of my childhood. Whether it was painting, making jewelry, coloring in coloring books, or attending art classes at our local art museum, my mother always made a point to make art fun and carefree. From an early age, I developed a love for art, but never new there was potential for me to make a career out of it. 

It wasn’t until freshman year of high school when an inspiring teacher introduced me to Photoshop and InDesign, I knew design would be a part of my life in one way or another. Through my four years of high school, my love for design continued to flourish and I set my heart on becoming a graphic designer. 

After graduating high school, I moved from my small East Texas town to San Marcos, TX and began college at Texas State University. I enrolled in communication design, joined a sorority, and set out on the life I had planned. I quickly learned South Texas and a big university weren’t for me. After my freshman year, I transferred to the Art Institute of Dallas, continuing my studies in graphic design. The next two-and-a-half years were filled with countless hours of projects, designing, and interning for inspiring designers.

In the back of my mind I knew I wouldn’t stay at my first job forever. I learned a lot, had some great experiences, and worked on some neat projects. However, the projects were too corporate, and I felt like I wasn’t able to reach my creative potential. 

Starting my own business was never in my plans or a dream of mine, it just happened to be one of God’s unexpected adventures for me. I was given the opportunity to work from home for a couple of months, and I learned I really love working from home in my own office. During that time, friends and family started turning to me for design help, and wondering if I would be open to freelancing. I learned I also love being my own boss. Then formed a new dream. Owning my own business designing the types of projects I was most interested in, and reflected my personal style. 

Being surrounded by a family full of entrepreneurs, I turned to them for guidance on the steps I needed to take, and with the support of my loving husband and family, I’ve been able to turn my dream into a reality. A few short months later, I quit my job, and in December 2021, Hannah Colleen Design became my full-time business and career future. Since then, I’ve been able to work on the type of projects that led me to be a designer, and this new path has brought me a kind of joy I didn’t know was possible in a career. Along the way, as I set new goals and chase my dreams, I hope to be able to inspire others, as so many designers have done for me.