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HELLO 2026

  • mai-creative
  • 1 hour ago
  • 3 min read
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Hello, 2026.


I seem to have stumbled into one of life’s rarest luxuries: spare time at home. The kind you don’t plan for. The kind that happens when your phone is accidentally locked inside your son’s bedroom, and getting him to sleep was such an Olympic-level event that opening the door again simply isn’t worth the risk. And just like that, I was unreachable.


No social media. No endless scrolling. Just me, a quiet house, and a few uninterrupted hours.


So instead of doom-scrolling, I decided to give my creative website a long overdue update and the attention it’s been patiently waiting for. For those of you who haven’t been following along, or those who have but maybe haven’t seen me in a while thanks to my sporadic posting habits, this little reflection is as much for you as it is for me.


Today, I updated my creative bio. Strangely, I wrote it in the third person as I figured something about it felt more polished, more professional, like stepping back and really seeing the evolution of my work. That small shift sparked another idea: adding a written, blog-style space to the site. And just like that… here we are.


If you’d like the full story, head to my About section. But the short version? I’ve found myself in an unexpected and exciting evolution. Over the last 3 years Mai Creative has not taken on direct bookings from personal or brand clients, but it has acted as a showcase portfolio. This has become a curated space that blends my personal creative work with the projects I produce within my 9–5 marketing role. Incase you missed a chapter, I no longer take on private clients under Mai Creative because I’ve been fortunate enough to land a full-time position that allows me to do what I love every day: create, strategize, grow brands, and work alongside and for genuinely incredible people.I feel… very lucky.

And beyond luck, I truly love what I do. Working in hospitality marketing has been energizing and inspiring, and I’m deeply excited about the growth ahead, both for myself and for our clients at Think Hospitality.


As I step into 2026, Mai Creative is ready to continue showcasing the creative direction and production work I do through Think Hospitality, while still leaving space for personal projects whenever life allows.

Now, as a mother, a wife, and a full-time employee, saying I’m going to “find time” for myself feels almost comical. But creatives know this truth: when you carve out even the smallest pockets of time to create, it fuels you in ways nothing else can. Honestly, I’d happily spend a Friday night with a glass of wine, going through photo selects or in an editing deep dive as opposed to going out.

That said, I’ve learned something important over the last year. Time is limited, so the question becomes: what personal projects are truly worth it? 


There’s one idea that’s been quietly growing in the back of my mind for years as a dream project. I’ve always told myself it was unrealistic, too big, or not meant for this season of life. But this year, I’m saying it out loud (well… almost). I’m committing to starting it. Even if it takes years to complete around my schedule, I’m holding myself accountable to at least begin the project.


Sorry for the tease...I don’t fully believe in sharing everything before it’s ready, but consider this me putting positive energy into the universe. Before I start to sound like I’m rambling (very on brand, I know), I also just want to take the time to say thank you. To every client, model, hair and makeup artist, and creative I worked with last year. Each of you have made this journey incredibly special. I’m endlessly grateful to be able to work with people who are not only talented but genuinely wonderful humans. I love each and every one of you.


So here’s to a busy, fulfilling 2026. To more shoots and creative concepts for my Think Hospitality clients. To new beginnings at Mai Creative. To creativity in the margins, late nights, and stolen moments of inspiration.


2026 I’m ready for you. Watch this space.


 
 
 

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