Growing into Design: Nic’s Story

By: Nicole Angela De Souza

Being my own boss for over three years has been the most enduring yet rewarding

experience of my life. Every challenge has felt like a chapter of ego death, but the

other side always brings wisdom.

In 2020, I applied to college in pursuit of creativity and breaking out of a cycle of

corporate admin jobs, feeling like a balloon ready to burst. Growing up artistic, in a

somewhat free-spirited household, that world never fit. People called me a bird in a

cage and they weren’t wrong.

After college, I worked an admin role at a marketing agency. It wasn’t creative, but

being surrounded by creatives felt like belonging. Then, in 2022, it clicked: there are

endless creative careers that are realistically available. There were real, tangible

paths where I could do what I love, pay the bills, and fulfill a deeper purpose.

In my first year as a freelance graphic designer, I met Olivia (Liv)—a bold and friendly

ray of sunshine—at a hostel in Costa Rica. We didn’t spend much time together, but

we stayed in touch. Fast forward to 2024: Liv slid into my DMs, looking for a logo for

this very brand. Huge milestone for her, a dream branding project for me, and the

start of even more creative collaborations.

Being part of the Comfort Collective has reintroduced a sense of divinity into my

work—a space where authenticity thrives, community is real, and creativity stays

playful. You can get sh*t done while being happy. That’s something I never found in

the corporate grind, where endless productivity seemed to only benefit capitalism

and stroke egos (but that’s another conversation).

So, here’s my gentle encouragement: stay true to your internal fuel, embrace the

growth, and watch your dreams become real. Unlearn habits that don’t serve you.

Reintroduce your kid-self to who you’ve become. Those two entities within you will

connect you to who you’re becoming gracefully. Your people will find you, and your

dream life will take shape. And as someone in their late 20s, I’ll admit—those clichés I

once cringed at are actually effective pieces of wisdom.

INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH NIC?

Graphic Design Account: https://www.instagram.com/myneighbournic?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw=

Personal Account: https://www.instagram.com/nicdesuzu?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Website to check out/book with Nic: contact | 2025 Portfolio

Nic's YouTube: Nic De Souza - YouTube