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When Today Feels Heavy
You know…Depression doesn’t always look like crying in the shower or falling apart in public.Sometimes it’s just… silence.It’s the numb scroll through your phone.It’s brushing your teeth feeling like a full-on mission.It’s seeing messages pop up and not having the energy to respond,even though you love the people sending them. It’s laughing when you’re supposed…
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Pantone Color of The Year – Mocha Mousse
Pantone finally release the color of the year — Mocha Mousse 🍫 🫶🏽 This one is very velvety, smooth, and evocative soft brown with a sense of pleasure and deliciousness! Pantone Mocha Brown has a warm, rich hue that is of quality, and those who love chocolate and even for the brown girls. Learn more…
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My life with depression and anxiety with knowing what “it” was
Honestly, I’ve seen and heard the phrase “new year’s resolutions” enough to make my head hurt? I like to be more realistic every year. My concerns or worries don’t just disappear because it’s the new year. I’m scrolling g through posts. I’m scrolling through Google. Looking for something that says that what I’m feeling or…
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My Step by Step Branding Design + Web Design Process
What started back in 2012 as the title of my senior capstone in college. Ai-Konic Graphics was a title to make a name for myself that turned to an actual business to help ambitious solo & entrepreneurs expand and stand out from everyone else in corporate society. That mission has grown to help your entire…
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“Apologies! Just Seeing This Message Now…”
I say “sorry” like I drink water or breathe air. I apologize for speaking up. Trust me, I am always been told to stop, even as a child — and even now, I’m unable to stop especially when I genuinely am. Forgive me, but it’s not the same as taking someone else’s apology because it’s…
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Black Women Aren’t Angry—They Just Have Something Important To Say
For far too long, Black women have been characterized as angry, loud and aggressive—especially in the workplace. The stereotype has plagued generations before me and, unfortunately, even my own. Even during a collective move to inclusivity within the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ groups, somehow the “angry Black woman” clichĂ© lives on. However, it’s a tale as…
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2022 Holiday Sale + Cyber Monday Deals
Some of my favorite tools and platforms are also running “Black Friday” sales. A few notes about these deals: Here are “Black Friday” deals on five of my favorite tools… I’m currently offering extended payment plans for all my design & brand services. I want to give to my audience a little something back for…
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The Countdown Sale! Black Art 🖼️
My biggest sale is in going on. Custom art work created & printed by me is available for purchase on my website. Currently you can use code “countdown20” for 20% of your order. Each art print is hand drawn in archival ink on Bristol fine art paper, scaled and cut to the appropriate size, and…
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What I really think about as a creative business owner / content creator
Here’s what I image. I signed a big client; my dream client. Ka-Ching ! I’m thinking, “it finally happened”. The next day, I begin to feel doubt. That imposter syndrome kicks in and I thinking thoughts like… “I’ll never meet their expectations” “What if they hate my work” Let me stop myself right there. I…
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Artwork + An Art Show
A Woman’s Growth Black women in America face several hurdles to success Black progress over the past half-century has been impressive, conventional wisdom to the contrary notwithstanding. One thing that still stands is a woman’s growth — our body’s, our personalities, and our NATURAL HAIR. Whether we want to wear our hair in an Afro,…
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My Full Story; Unapologetically
It’s not about want pity or being brave. It’s about being real. For a while I aimed to somehow end the stigmatized thoughts on mental illness. The subject on Mental illness and those who deal with it are part of of a group that is shunned, judged and misunderstood by most. Suicide and chronic pain…
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The Courage of Being A Woman
We often feel the need to be perfect. We are thought to obey, sit down and apologize. We are taught to doubt ourselves. We aren’t taught to to speak for ourselves and be confident in our voice. as a result, we don’t really live the life we want to live. In reality, we fail at…
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Anxiety Habits
Little do a lot of people know, that I have many anxiety habits. Sometimes it mixes with depression. It can be debilitating at times. These things just happen often. 1. I touch my face and hair a lot searching for imperfections. 2. I am very apologetic even if I didn’t do anything wrong. I can’t…
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What It’s Really Like to Live With High-Functioning Social Anxiety
If you met me at work, an anime convention, a networking event, or even through my business, you probably wouldn’t think I have social anxiety. I’m a brand identity designer. I talk to clients. I attend events like Anime Expo and design conferences. I share my work online. I create content. I can hold a…
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Anime Expo 2026: What It Was Actually Like
Anime Expo 2026 is one of those weekends that’s still loud in my head even now that I’m home and caught up on sleep. I went all four days this year with industry access, which came with a small but honestly huge perk: the industry lounge. I have fibromyalgia, so having a quiet place to…
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USA vs Australia: USMNT Powers Through a Physical Battle Against Australia
The United States booked its place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle. While the scoreline looked comfortable, the match itself was far more intense, featuring hard tackles, heated exchanges, and controversial moments. The US, despite not having their star player, Christian Pulisic due…
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Exploring Creativity and Community at the Spring Arts Tower Takeover in Los Angeles
There’s something special about spending a Saturday surrounded by artists, makers, and people who are just passionate about creating. This Saturday, I went to the Spring Arts Tower Takeover at The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles, and it turned into one of those experiences that reminded me why supporting small businesses matters so much (especially…
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USA vs. Paraguay: USMNT Opens the 2026 FIFA World Cup With a Statement Victory
The United States men’s national team kicked off its 2026 FIFA World Cup and with an impressive win over Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles, CA. I knew they was going to win but a statement was made with plenty of strategy and plenty of confidence (this time). I was expecting a goal for the US…