A Bit About Me
Well, here we are. You’re probably wondering how I ended up in the design world.
Spoiler alert: it wasn’t a straight line. It was more of a zigzag with a few scenic detours — some planned, others not so much. But hey, who wants a boring path anyway?
Let’s rewind. I had always dreamed of being a pilot. Yes, Top Gun had its influence, and flying fighter jets was the ultimate goal. Needless to say, that didn’t happen. Instead, I took the safe route and started my (short-lived) career as an events manager before moving into project management, working with some incredible South African brands and specialising in infrastructure and technology — not a bad pivot.
From there, I somehow (don’t ask how, it’s still a mystery) landed in the BPO world, where I spent most of my career knee-deep in infrastructure, technology, and operations. If there was a business to set up, a process to streamline, or a system to implement, I was on it. And, with my dazzling personality and sparkling good looks, I made it look far easier than it actually was.
While I was great at helping other businesses build their operations, I had a constant pull to create something of my own. So, like any person with a shred of courage (and a lot of caffeine), I left the corporate world, took some time to lose my mind and find my soul, and — eventually — found my way here.
I’d dabbled in design and tech before, but it wasn’t until a friend gave me a much-needed push that I went all in. From there, it was like running full speed into something I didn’t even realise I was built for — a total game-changer.
Now, I work from my home studio in a beautiful seaside village, helping clients bring their brands and online presence to life — blending strategy, design, and a dash of magic to make it all click.
When I’m not doing that, you’ll probably find me fishing, gardening, or binge-watching a long-running medical or crime series. And when I’m not doing that, I’m dreaming about my retirement plans: buying a catamaran, chasing the sun, ticking off the travel bucket list, and becoming a full-time digital nomad. Because honestly — who wouldn’t?
Things I’ve Learned
Love and respect yourself (and others) always:
Self-love and respect are non-negotiable. It’s how I operate, and it’s what I hope to inspire in others.
Do what you love and love what you do:
When you’re passionate about your work, it shows — in your energy, your creativity, and your results.
Less is more:
Simplicity is powerful. In design and in life, removing the unnecessary makes what matters stand out.
Being a mom is better than being a superhero:
No cape required. Motherhood has taught me more about strength, love, and resilience than anything else.
It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to be done:
Perfectionism kills momentum. Get it out there, learn, improve, and keep going.
Gratitude changes everything:
Focusing on what you’re grateful for attracts more good things. It’s about appreciating where you are now, not waiting for the “perfect” moment.
I developed my gratitude journal during the hard lockdown of COVID when uncertainty was at an all-time high — for my health, my work, and the world. It became my anchor: a daily practice of finding something, no matter how small, to be thankful for.
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That simple habit shifted my perspective, kept me grounded, and reminded me that even in chaos, there’s always something worth noticing.
I still use it today — not just to stay grounded but to invite more good things into my life — and I share it with anyone who could use a little clarity and perspective.
If you’d like to try it, download my gratitude journal here.
Leigh Carnell