Im So Happy You're Here
Our T.M.I. story
I believe it’s important to share my story—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Just in case another Taya were to read this, they might be able to see things do get better, and understand how important it is to believe in yourself.
The Backstory
I had a very normal, happy childhood. But around 4th grade is when I remember feeling different, and later realizing it was depression affecting me (in my 20's I was diagnosed with depression and bipolar II). Throughout school, I had difficulty learning and reading *cough* got held back *cough*, which led to low self-esteem and made me feel like I wasn't smart.
However, I flourished in drawing, so that’s how my journey to becoming a graphic designer began. College was long (about six years for me) and hard (depression got pretty bad around this time), but it was the first time I started to like what I was making of myself. After I graduated, I got my first job, which came with its own new difficulties. I tended to try and limit stimulation in my life—I stopped going out, wasn’t trying new things, only going to work, and didn’t really date. And this is how I lived the last 5 years of my life.
A Seed Was Planted
I knew I wanted to add a dog to my little family of my cat, Zenn, and me. Zenn was my unofficial-official emotional support animal, so I figured a dog might be helpful when going out into the world (also, my new apartment allowed dogs!). When I found a dog that had the same birthday as me, I knew it was meant to be.
That’s how Bunny arrived into mine and Zenn’s life. While I was getting everything one needs for a new puppy, I had trouble finding one thing: poo bags that I liked. I thought to myself, ‘I could just design them,’ but then I placed an order for a random pink dog poop bag and forgot about the idea for a few years.
A Series of Uncharacteristic Moves
Fast forward to September 2022, I found myself barely living paycheck to paycheck and maintaining an extremely bland existence. For the first time, I was so mad at myself for allowing these limiting beliefs to dictate my life—that I’m not smart, undeserving, not special enough to live a life I wanted. That day is when a fire was lit in me like never before.
For the first time, I wanted to trust in myself and was able to do it! I haven’t stopped since; I have focused on the positive and learned from the negative. I keep surprising myself with my dedication, and I’m happy to say my depressive episodes have almost disappeared (I don’t mean to imply starting a business will cure depression, this is just my journey).
I want whoever reads this to know that you are capable of anything you decide to do. I know my story isn’t unique, and there are other people who have done far more impressive things. I’m sharing this for myself and for the people out there who live mediocre lives, who want more. You can do it, so please, please try!