At the final exhibition, something unexpected happened: strangers started emailing me asking to buy my prototypes, and those emails changed everything.

While contemplating bringing this project to life, I exhibited at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair’s Launch Pad, won some awards, and three months into my first full-time job, took the leap to pursue Buddy full time.

Although we started with lighting, my goal as an industrial designer is to grow into more products that integrate wellness more holistically into daily life.

Outside of building Buddy, I’m a wellness enthusiast who has discovered cold plunges as my go-to stress reliever, spends way too much time at the gym, and loves exploring the city’s food and drink scene—as expected of someone living in NYC.

This journey has taught me that the best things happen through community and positivity. Investing in each other’s success is how Buddy has gotten this far. If you’re curious about my journey building a consumer hardware startup in the wellness space, check out my thoughts below :)