When Vision Meets Courage

You know those moments when you feel completely lost? Where nothing is going the way you planned, and you’re questioning everything.

Yeah, I lived in that space for longer than I would like to admit. And then, out of nowhere, you are given an idea or dream that makes you so excited, but your mind freezes with uncertainty. You are not alone.

For years, I believed I had life mapped out. My plans were set, my timeline figured out, and my vision boards created. I pictured myself as a thriving designer, check all the boxes for my life, and living in my dream home.

But I kept having a feeling that there was something more I needed to be doing, an internal restlessness that wouldn’t let me settle.

Starting can be one of the hardest parts of any journey, especially when you’re facing something new or unknown. And I’m not just talking about big life changes; I mean the everyday stuff too. Whether it is launching a creative project, pivoting your career, or simply taking the next step towards growth, that first move can feel impossibly heavy. You have the vision, but don’t know where to begin.

Here’s a mini challenge to ignite your progress:

Spend 10 minutes reflecting on what excites you most about your vision
Identify one small action you can take today to move closer to it
Turn this into a game by seeing how quickly you can set the wheels in motion for your dream
If you are a visual thinker:
Create a mood/visual board
Collect images, colors, and words to capture your vision

Progress begins with a single step! That’s where Dark Horse - Vision comes in.

Dark Horse stands for the underestimated — the dreamers who don’t fit the usual mold. What I’ve discovered is that it’s often the unlikely and overlooked who are destined for something extraordinary.

The Vision represents your idea of what you want to create, transform, and bring to life.

I Used to Be That Person Too

I was once the person with notebooks overflowing with so many fun ideas that never made it past the page. I would light up with excitement, only to spiral into doubt moments later.

What if it's not good enough? What if I don't know what I'm doing? What if I fail and everyone sees?

For years, I was caught in this cycle — especially in design school, where comparison felt inescapable. What I didn’t see was that every challenge was quietly preparing me for a future I couldn’t yet imagine.

Every moment I felt stuck, I was learning how to be patient.
Every time I felt uncertain, I was learning to trust that I am not alone.
Every time I wanted to give up, I was building resilience.

The Gap That’s Holding Creatives Back

Here is what I wish someone had told me back then: you are not alone in this feeling, and you are capable of pushing past this.

I’ve talked to countless designers and creatives in different stages of their careers, and they all say versions of the same thing:

“I don’t know if I’m on the right path.”
“I feel like I’m just winging it and hope no one notices.”
“Everyone else seems to have it figured out.”
“I want to grow, but I’m scared of messing up what I already have.”

The Gap That Nobody Talks About:

The problem is that most support systems fall short for creatives:

Traditional life coaching often lacks a deep understanding of the unique pressures faced by creatives: brutal critiques, impossible deadlines, and the mental toll of creative blocks.
Design education primarily focuses on technical skills, leaving little room for personal growth and self-discovery.

As creatives, we often find ourselves caught between two worlds, feeling compelled to choose between excelling professionally and nurturing our personal growth.

That is ridiculous. You shouldn’t have to pick.

After years of feeling split between my “designer self” and my “self-loving self,” I pursued a master’s in executive coaching and consulting. I had no idea that this journey would transform not just my education, but my entire perspective.

That’s when it hit me: personal growth and creative growth have always been more powerful together.

Where Growth Meets Creativity

Dark Horse - Vision was formed from my frustration of seeing talented people shrink into mediocrity, doubting their way out of greatness. I believe true growth happens when self-awareness and creativity come together.

This isn’t another cookie cutter program. It’s a personalized coaching journey that sees you as both a gifted creative and a complete, complex person.

Here’s how it works:

We will begin with an initial consultation to define your goals and expectations.
This is followed by a detailed assessment that helps you identify your strengths, challenges, and aspirations.
Our coaching sessions can range between 1-14 sessions, each lasting approximately forty-five minutes.
Sessions typically occur on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, allowing you time to reflect on and implement the learning between meetings.
Between the sessions, participants are encouraged to engage in self-directed activities or projects that align with their goals, promoting continuous progress.
We currently offer online sessions, with the hope of transitioning to in-person sessions in the future.

Coaching strengthens your foundation during guided sessions where you work collaboratively with your coach.

These sessions cover:

Clarity - cut through the noise to see your true path
Resilience - learn to bounce back from setbacks and criticism
Strategy - create actionable plans that actually work
Accelerate - stop wheel-spinning, so you start moving forward

Each session not only hones your abilities but also resonates on an emotional level, linking practical skills with personal growth.

This is done through:

Exploration - push boundaries, discover fresh ideas, and feel adventurous as you uncover new possibilities
Innovation - turn unique perspectives into breakthrough work and feel the excitement of creating something truly original
Expression - learn to communicate your vision with impact and feel empowered in conveying your ideas
Skills - build technical expertise that serves your goals and feel confident in your growing capabilities

The combination of coaching and design creates something powerful: a vision that is authentically yours and a roadmap to make it real, because life is never one-size-fits-all.

What Makes Dark Horse - Vision Different

Coaching that understands design — I've survived the 3am deadline scrambles, the critiques that become discouraging, and the creative blocks that shake your confidence. My coaching comes from lived experience, not theory.
Design that welcomes growth — Each project is a chance to grow, not just as a designer but as a person. Your portfolio becomes a living record of your creative and personal evolution.
A dual approach — Need help with creative confidence? Career direction? Portfolio development? Personal Growth? You don’t have to choose. We work on whatever serves your vision!
Empowerment for the uncertain — You don’t have to fit anyone’s mold to succeed. We’ll help you carve your own path and turn your unique story into your greatest strength.

From Struggle to Strength: My Story

In design school, I wrestled with the usual demons: comparison, perfectionism, procrastination, and crushing self-doubt. I let fear hold me back from amazing opportunities. Even as I gained experience, I saw talented friends face the same invisible battles.

That’s when I realized something crucial: technical skills aren’t enough. The most successful creatives aren’t just great designers — they’re people who’ve learned to navigate the psychological challenges of creative work.

With a BFA in Interior Design and a Master’s in Executive Coaching and Consulting, I’ve walked both paths. When you blend coaching with design, something remarkable unfolds. You don’t just elevate your work — you transform the way you move through the world.

You don’t need all the answers to begin. Start with what you have, right where you are — and I’ll meet you there!

Coaching provides you with the tools to overcome those mental blocks.
Design gives you the creativity to express your growth.
Bringing them together changed not just my career path — it became my calling.

Your Vision, Your Rules

Dark Horse Vision isn’t just about coaching or design.

It’s a space where:

Potential reshapes into progress
Ideas break open into momentum
Your vision takes shape in real life
Your unique path becomes your strongest asset

You don’t have to choose between being an amazing designer and growing as a person. You don’t have to feel guilty for wanting both professional success and personal fulfillment. And you definitely don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Ready to step into your dark horse moment?

Follow me on Instagram (@dark_horse_vision) for daily tools and insights
Or book a discovery call to see how coaching + design can move you forward (darkhorse-vision.com)

Reimagining Growth: Where Coaching Meets Design