“We chose hope together. Hope over tyranny. Hope over big money and small ideas. Hope over despair…In this new age we make for ourselves, we will refuse to allow those who traffic in division and hate to pit us against one another… In this moment of political darkness, New York will be the light.” —Zohran Mamdani
It's been a while since I've felt this surge of hope. Over the past few weeks, I've found myself bursting with designs and it got me thinking about what drives me to keep creating during hard times. But before diving into that, I want to remind you:
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Fantasy has always offered me both great comfort and courage to aspire to do good.
It's why I've been challenging myself with more immersive videos, photos and writing lately trying to give my art and jewelry the hopeful and story-rich world I imagined.
But above all, I want to do what I can to keep uplifting others through fantasy, especially when reality often feels heavy.
When I first began this journey in 2012, I could never have imagined being where I am now. I just knew that creating helped me hold onto hope.
Over time, I've learned that creating isn't only about making beautiful things. It's about believing that your existence can be a light in the lives of others in ways you never expected.
“We are in the shadow of hope. But this is where creativity thrives. This is where we find our people. This is where we clarify what we believe. This is where ethics meet our actions.” —Austin Channing
And yet, hope can also feel fragile when so many are hurting and facing economic uncertainty, shrinking rights, and growing despair. It can make creating hopeful, magical art seem naïve or even foolish. But that's just not true.
I've come to remember it's exactly during dark times that we need fantasy in order to imagine a better future.
So, when I saw the news about Zohran Mamdani winning the NYC mayoral election, it felt like something inside me lit up. His victory reminded me that change against all odds is still possible.
That there are still dreamers out there and within us that can lead and succeed with empathy, integrity, and compassion in a world that often feels dominated by fear, division, and corruption.
I may not be able to wield real spells, but I create as a way to keep believing in my own magic and to remind myself (and you) that hopes and dreams are always worth fighting for.
And if you're looking for meaningful gifts for the dreamers, wanderers, and warriors in your life this holiday, my little magical corner is always here for you.
With love and hope,
<3 Melissa
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