Rediscovering My Creative Spark: A Journey from Despair to Design

The start of what would be become Ribbit Customs

Crystal Hamilton

9/19/20252 min read

Creativity has always been the driving force behind everything I do. From problem-solving to crafting, my life has revolved around my ability to create. For 15 years, I immersed myself in the beauty industry, which allowed me to express my artistic flair daily. However, after stepping away from that vibrant world and entering a 9-to-5 desk job, I began to feel a shift. Though I enjoyed my new position, it felt increasingly soul-crushing as the days rolled by. Without a daily outlet for my creativity, I started to lose my spark.

In an effort to find a way to express myself again, I found myself in an almost obsessive cycle of redecorating our home. It became my refuge. Furniture stores became both a haven and a source of anxiety for my husband; each weekend morphed into a treasure hunt for new pieces that I could DIY into something spectacular and transform our living space. While he grew increasingly wary of my incessant need to rearrange and refurbish, I found joy in making our surroundings more vibrant and personal.

As the dust settled from yet another redecoration, I realized I was still missing something, plus furniture is expensive — more creative outlets to explore. I turned to painting. Each stroke of the brush reminded me why I didn't paint. So, I began writing short stories, reconnecting with the narrative threads that had woven through my early years. Although I enjoyed it. It started to feel like I was in therapy and writing a diary of sorts.

During my creative renaissance, I stumbled upon resin and jewelry making. What began as an innocent search for a new hobby quickly spiraled into a love affair. The tactile experience of working with resin, the mesmerizing way it transforms enthralled me. Each piece I crafted became an exploration of colors, shapes, and textures. I started to lose track of time, absorbed in the process, and with every item I created, I felt more and more alive. This newfound passion was not only therapeutic but also reinvigorated my creative spirit in a way I hadn’t expected.

Resin pieces began filling my home and eventually caught the attention of friends and family, who encouraged me to share my creations. Emboldened by their support, I decided to set up an online shop, allowing me to connect with others who appreciated the same spark of creativity. Each sale represented not just a transaction but a connection with someone who valued the uniqueness of handmade artistry.

Reflecting on this journey, I realize that creativity is not just a part of me; it is the essence of my being. It drives me, inspires me, and allows me to connect with something inside myself that truly makes me feel accomplished and alive again. Following my passion and starting Ribbit Customs both online and in pop ups has taught me a valuable lesson: we must nurture our passions and find outlets for our creativity. Life’s routines can often threaten to dim our inner light, but when we actively seek what inspires us, we can reclaim our spark.

Now, I approach each day with renewed enthusiasm. Sketching new designs and watching them come to life. My heart overflows with gratitude for the creative pursuits that light up my life. Seeing the happiness a piece I've made brings to someone truly makes my heart happy.

My path has taught me that it’s never too late to follow what sets your soul on fire. If you’re feeling the weight of monotony, I urge you to embark on your own creative journey. You might just find the spark you thought had extinguished is waiting for you to reignite it.