Design has always been part of my life. As a child growing up in Mexico, I was always drawing, creating, and imagining new things. While other kids dreamed of becoming ballerinas or firefighters, I knew I wanted to be a designer.

That passion led me to study Industrial Design, where I learned about design principles, design thinking, and how products are made. After graduating, my adventurous spirit took me across North America, where I worked in hospitality before eventually settling in the UK. Moving to a new country wasn’t easy, but it pushed me to grow in ways I never expected.

Even while working in hospitality, my love for design never faded. Anytime someone needed a logo or branding advice, I was the first to jump in. I love the process of researching and understanding a brand’s identity. That passion, combined with my entrepreneurial mindset, led me to start Maria Sabina, a Mexican eatery in South London.

Running a business was an incredible experience, full of highs and lows. I learned firsthand that resilience comes from navigating challenges head-on. Things can change in an instant, and you have to adapt.

When the pandemic forced our restaurant to close, I took the opportunity to start fresh. I first explored programming, but one day, while trying to understand a line of code, my husband - who’s a software engineer - introduced me to User Experience Design. That moment changed everything. The mix of problem-solving, technology, and human interaction fascinated me, and I dove headfirst into learning more.

I eventually enrolled in the UX Design Institute, where I earned a Professional Diploma in UX Design. The structured program, focus on research, and hands-on experience helped me transition into the field and start thinking like a UX designer. Looking back, I now realize that UX was always part of my journey - even when designing workflows for my restaurant. 

Recently, I started a new chapter: motherhood. Having just welcomed my baby and spent time on maternity leave, I’ve discovered a new layer of adaptability, empathy, and problem-solving. Balancing UX design with being a new mom has given me fresh insight into accessibility, usability, and how design impacts everyday life.

As I look ahead, I’m excited about new projects and collaborations. If you think we can create something great together, reach out; I’d love to connect!