Beyond a UX Researcher, I'd also like to share something that is more personal — me being a mom. And also my late mom.

I gave birth last 2020. Shortly after, pandemic happened. It was a challenging time, navigating life as a first time mom at a time of pandemic. Our family stayed in the province to also care for my late mom who had a terminal illness. It was very difficult. But it was difficult for the whole world.

I was working remotely back then. Eventually, I had to leave the Company in 2021 to prioritize the life of my newborn son and my late mom. My mom left us last 2023. It was the most difficult and darkest times of my life. But all these made me stronger and the person I am today. I will always be proud of me and my husband being hands-on parents, taking care of our son without any helpers. I will never regret my decision to leave my career, to prioritize life, to spend time with my mom and to be able to take care of her in her last few years.

I resorted to making art to heal myself. Me and my husband are managing a registered design & printing studio. I also am proud to have connected with people around the world through the NFT communities I'm a member of. And to be able to have my art & photography collected globally.

My son is also older now and attending play school. By 2025, he will enter kindergarten. Given all this, I think I'm also ready to go back to a full-time job as a UX Researcher, hoping that potential Companies will still give me a chance, because my skills are still there, my determination, even stronger. Being a working mom is not a handicap. It's a strong reason to be successful in work, and in the end, to be able to help provide for the family.

Thanks for reading my personal stories. To keep things lighter, I'm sharing some of the artwork of my son below. He had been creating and selling art too as NFTs. He may be the youngest one to be able to sell at the age of 1 or 2? I'm not sure. Nonetheless, his work below makes me proud as a mom.

Artwork created from 1 to 2 years old.

"Playground" - one of his latest artwork in 2024

"Blippi"

"BMO"

"Sportivo"

His drawing of me crying when my laptop broke. I'm glad I was able to raise a child who is sensitive to other people's emotions, saying sorry when he knows he is at fault, and kissing and hugging me when I'm sad.