A couple of years ago, I had the unique opportunity to work at a local gift shop that not only sold beautifully curated items—but also gave me space to showcase my own. I was invited to display my artwork and products in-store, and even decorate the front window with pieces I designed myself. View the window display here.
At the time, I was still shaping my voice as a designer and learning what it really meant to bring a product from idea to shelf. Through this experience, I learned how to:
Think about how a product tells a story visually in a retail space
Refine packaging and presentation to fit a curated storefront
Balance creativity and functionality in product development
Pay close attention to how people interact with and respond to items in-person
Work within real-world constraints like shelf space, visibility, and merchandising
Designing the window display also taught me the power of invitation and atmosphere—how a thoughtfully styled space can draw people in emotionally, not just visually.
How It Shaped My Current Work
This project laid the foundation for how I now approach product design and storytelling in my brand Today I Feel. From the feel of the card texture to the tone of the colors, I still think like a merchandiser: How will this live in someone’s hands, their desk, their classroom?
It also reinforced the idea that good design isn’t just beautiful—it’s engaging and intentional. That belief drives every card pack I create, every toolkit I build, and every downloadable I offer now.
Looking back, I’m grateful for that moment in the shop window—it gave me a chance to experiment, listen, and grow. And I carry those lessons into every new creation.
