Let's start here...

This journey of rediscovery is not merely professional; it is deeply personal. It’s about understanding my roots as a Hmong woman and allowing that identity to inform my artistry. I realized that my voice, and the voices of countless Hmong women, deserved to be celebrated and remembered in the annals of art history. We are not just a footnote; we are a vibrant part of the story.

Nessie Designs is a vessel for storytelling, community engagement, and artistic expression. Each piece will serve as a testament to the strength of women who have come before me, women who have paved the way with their courage and grace. Through this endeavor, I aim to carve out a space within the art world that honors the past while looking toward a vibrant future. In sharing my journey—from the silence of reluctance to the vibrant expression of artistry—I hope to encourage anyone who has held on to their dreams to step into the light. It’s never too late to pursue the visions that stir your soul, to create from the heart, and to contribute your narrative to the rich complexity of history. Every story is valid, and every voice deserves to be heard. My journey is just beginning, and I invite you to walk alongside me as we embrace our stories and the art they inspire.

At that time, I operated under the name Lowki Designs, a tribute to my late fiancé who played a significant role in my life. His memory was woven into every stroke, every pixel of my work, infusing it with a deeper meaning and sense of purpose. However, the piece I created during that period was never intended for public eyes. I was not ready to share it with the world; vulnerability can be a daunting prospect, especially when it comes to revealing the intimate parts of our identities and experiences. I envisioned a broader collection that would celebrate Hmong history through American art—a collection that would tell the stories of resilience, culture, and the often underrepresented narratives of Hmong individuals.

As I revisit that initial piece created years ago, I find strength in its imperfections, warmth in the nostalgia it carries, and a renewed sense of purpose in its message. It is a piece steeped in the stories of resilience, struggle, and the beauty of cultural heritage, which are as relevant today as they were then. My commitment now extends beyond creating art for myself; it includes sharing these narratives in the hopes of inspiring others who have walked similar paths or who find themselves at a crossroads between their heritage and modern identity.

In 2009, I created an image that voiced an unfilled void in the realm of history books—a void that lingers even today. It was shaped by the experiences of the Hmong women in my life, women who have inspired me immeasurably. Despite the rich tapestry of human stories explored in my art history classes, I often found myself disheartened by the lack of narratives that resonated with my own experiences. This disconnect was more than frustrating; it served as a potent reminder that while we may walk different paths, we share common struggles. It was a universal truth that often felt overlooked.

Unfortunately, my aspirations took a backseat as life took its course. I dedicated myself to my career, stepped into the role of a wife, and embraced motherhood, immersing myself in the beautiful chaos of family life. In this whirlwind, my artistic ambitions dimmed. Yet, as time passed, I felt an insistent pull towards that original vision. Recently, I made the significant decision to quit my job, a choice that felt both liberating and daunting. In that moment, I acknowledged a fundamental truth: I wanted to reclaim my narrative, to rejuvenate my passion for art, and to finally focus on the vision that had long been nestled in the back of my mind.