Meet the Dreamer: A Little About Me

Early Inspiration

I first became inspired to customise and upcycle my own clothing during my teenage years in the 1980s. It felt like the perfect way to combine my love for creating with experimenting with personal self-expression.

"Many people would ask me where I bought my clothes, but at the time, I had no idea I would one day be making them for others!"

When I became a mum, I started making clothing for my children. During my early adult life, I designed dance costumes for the stage and theatre, only to later return to designing clothes for everyday wear, which I have discovered to be my true passion.

Playful, Whimsical Style

As I got older, I often wondered why adult clothing couldn’t be as playful as children’s. So, I decided to create designs that allow us to express our fun, quirky personalities, no matter our age.

I design with a playful and whimsical style, adding unique twists that give each piece its own personality. At the same time, I make sure my designs are comfortable, practical, and made to last, with longevity in mind.

Before launching The Topian Den, I ran a custom design website called TuTu-Topia, specialising in tutus, bustles, and pettiskirts. Those years were full of wonderful experiences that shaped the way I create today.

"Every piece I make carries a little spark of joy and imagination."

The Dreamer and the Worrier

That little dreamer, the part of me inspired by childlike wonder, is still here. But the grown-up me often finds herself caught between two worlds.

One is the space where I create freely, playful, full of awe and curiosity, living with excitement and love. That’s my true nature. I’m a dreamer, a maker, someone who wants to bring beauty into the world.

The other is the survival me, the worrier. I worry about many things and am always trying to balance these two parts of myself, striving to feel contentment in all aspects of life.

"I am always searching for harmony between wonder and practicality."

Heart and Hope in Every Piece

Behind everything I share is a real person, living month to month with no safety net, creating with heart and hope, holding on to the belief that there is still room for slow, thoughtful, joy-filled work.

Every single purchase brings me joy, no matter how big or small. If you were standing in front of me, I would give you a hug, that’s how grateful I am.

I want to reach those who find joy in what I do, who follow this journey and feel inspired by it. I am always full of ideas, that part never goes away… but sometimes I wonder if I will run out of things to say.

"Creating is my way of breathing, of sharing a piece of myself with the world."

Navigating a Noisy World

The energy it takes to get my work seen can feel heavy some days. With how things are online now, I worry about what will happen if my posts stop being seen. How will I reach you then?

We are all navigating noisy online spaces, and I know no one should be glued to screens. But for small businesses like mine, this is often the only way to be seen. That contradiction can feel strange.

Like many creators, I wrestle with self-doubt, questioning if I am enough or if I should be doing more. I sometimes ask myself whether what I am sharing is interesting or “wow” enough to be noticed. I hesitate to share so much of myself for fear it might seem self-absorbed, but I am learning that openness is how we find connection.

"Vulnerability is the bridge to connection."

Choosing My Path

I am neither extrovert nor introvert. I enjoy the energy of people but also cherish quiet moments, creating, reading, and being with things that nourish the spirit.

I chose self-employment because I didn’t fit anywhere else. It gave me a way to express myself. I never felt at home in academic or corporate spaces. At school, I often felt out of place and didn’t particularly thrive. But even then, I believed we are all good, maybe even great, at something. We all have a gift to share.

It took years to realise I had always known mine. I had just been told too many times it was not a “real job.” Until I stopped listening to those voices and chose to believe in myself instead.

"We all have a gift to share, sometimes it just takes a little courage to follow it."

I don’t really know how to end this, but if you’ve read this far, thank you. Maybe something here resonated with you. And if it did, I’m so glad you’re here.

"If something here sparks a smile or a memory, then sharing this has already been worth it."

To follow my creative journey from the beginning, please visit my blog!