Seven years ago, if you’d told me I’d be running my own business, I wouldn’t have believed you.

At the time, I was trapped in an abusive relationship - mentally, physically, and financially. I became a step-mum at 18 while struggling to hold down a job due to chronic health conditions and undiagnosed neurodivergence. Life felt heavy, and there were days I didn’t want to exist anymore.

Now? I’m the proud owner of Bumblegee Designs - a creative business where I design bold, personalised artwork with charm and a little ‘tude. More importantly, I’ve taken back control of my life, and through my work, I get to help others feel seen, celebrated, and empowered.

Here’s how Bumblegee Designs began - and why neurodiversity, chronic illness, and a special connection with bees shape everything I create.

Bumblegee Designs didn’t start with a business plan - it started as a way to survive.

When life felt overwhelming, drawing became my escape. But as my chronic health conditions worsened, even traditional art became difficult. There were days when I couldn’t get out of bed - my body too exhausted to move - but my mind still craved a creative outlet. That’s when I turned to digital art.

With just a tablet in hand, I could still create - even on my hardest days. Digital art became a form of freedom. It allowed me to express myself when nothing else felt possible. Whether I was physically stuck in bed during a flare-up or simply trying to cope with the emotional weight I was carrying, art gave me a way to hold on.

The name Bumblegee Designs came from something just as personal. I’ve always had a deep connection with bees - they’re small but mighty, resilient against the odds, and they never stop buzzing along. In many ways, I see myself in them. And the "G"? Well, that’s me!

At Bumblegee Designs, being eco-friendly isn’t just a bonus - it’s a responsibility.

Bees, which hold a special place in my heart, are a powerful reminder of how interconnected we all are. These small but mighty creatures play a vital role in pollinating the plants we rely on for food and biodiversity. Without them, entire ecosystems would collapse. But bees - and the environment as a whole - are under threat from pollution, habitat loss, and climate change.

That’s why I’m committed to running Bumblegee Designs in a way that honours and protects the world around us. Every decision I make reflects a promise to reduce waste, minimise environmental impact, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Here’s how I’m doing that:

🌱 Sustainable Materials: Many of the products I offer - like prints and home décor - are made using responsibly sourced paper and organic fabrics. This means you can enjoy unique, personality-packed designs without contributing to deforestation or harmful manufacturing practices.

🌍 Print-on-Demand Model: Each product is created only when you order it. This reduces overproduction and waste while ensuring you receive fresh, high-quality artwork. Nothing goes to landfill simply because it wasn’t sold.

📦 Eco-Friendly Packaging: I make sure your orders are packaged using recyclable or biodegradable materials wherever possible - cutting down on plastic waste and supporting a cleaner planet.

Bees don’t just inspire the name Bumblegee Designs - they inspire my entire approach to business. Just like bees work tirelessly to sustain life, I believe small, intentional actions - like choosing sustainable suppliers - can have a ripple effect that helps protect our planet.

When you support Bumblegee Designs, you’re not only getting artwork that’s full of charm and ‘tude - you’re also choosing to support a business that values and protects the world we all share.

Taking back control of my life has been empowering - but even more meaningful is helping others do the same.

Through Bumblegee Designs, I get to collaborate with people who, like me, know what it’s like to feel overlooked or underestimated. My art allows me to amplify their stories and create designs that reflect who they are. I love working with:

🐝 Small business owners - bringing their vision to life with custom designs full of personality and flair.

🐝 Fellow spoonies and neurodivergents - offering personalised artwork that reflects their realities and triumphs.

🐝 Female creatives - helping women express their vision through unique branding and designs.

I know how isolating it can feel when the world doesn’t understand your reality. That’s why every design I create is infused with heart - and a commitment to showing others that they are seen, valued, and capable of taking up space.

The journey hasn’t been easy, and it’s far from over. I’m still undergoing tests for new chronic illnesses - but now, I face those challenges on my terms.

Bumblegee Designs is about more than just creating art - it’s about using creativity to amplify voices and celebrate those who often go unheard. Every piece I make is a reminder that no matter how tough things get, you can transform pain into something beautiful.

So

If you’re looking for designs that capture your personality - or if you want to support a neurodivergent creative who’s rewriting the rules - I’d love to welcome you into my hive.