design

My grandmother's hands traced ancient patterns across my palm, teaching me Thiruppavai's verses before dawn. Each word felt like brushstrokes on canvas, purposeful and alive. She'd say our traditions weren't obligations but invitations to belonging. Years later, I designed jewelry inspired by those early morning lessons. Colleagues gasped at the intricate Tamil motifs. Strangers reached out, recognizing their own heritage reflected back. My work became a bridge. What started as learning became creating. Creating became connection. Now young girls message, asking to learn the verses, wanting these designs. My grandmother smiles knowingly. We're all designing something.