The Designer Who Wanted More!

In 2019, I left the traditional 9-to-5 grind as a graphic designer. While many saw stability in the routine, I felt stuck. The daily commute, the fixed hours, the boxed-in creativity it didn’t feel like me. I craved flexibility, ownership, and the ability to build something on my own terms.

So, I took a leap.

I started working remotely and embraced freelancing. At first, it was liberating. No more wasting hours on traffic. No more office politics. Just me, my laptop, and clients who needed design magic. And then, the world shifted COVID-19 hit, and remote work became the new normal. While others were adjusting to this lifestyle, I was already deep into it, pitching businesses and building my client base from wherever I was.

In 2021, I landed an opportunity with a US-based company as an independent contractor. I worked with them for three amazing years, collaborating with talented people across the globe. It was fulfilling, and I learned so much not just about design, but about business, culture, and resilience.

Then came my next big move: Dubai.

I came here chasing bigger dreams, searching for something more. But Dubai’s market was saturated, buzzing with creatives from all over the world. Still, I didn’t back down. I hustled, I juggled, I adapted. I worked with multiple companies, took on different roles, and did whatever I could to keep going.

But at one point, things slowed down. The freelance gigs dried up. The job rejections piled up. Every “Unfortunately, you are not selected” email felt like a punch in the gut. I was tired, demotivated, and close to giving up.

And then I asked myself: “What now? Do I keep applying endlessly or finally build what I’ve always dreamed of?”

That’s how DBA Labz was born.

Starting my own agency wasn’t an impulsive decision it was years in the making. But I had to hit rock bottom to truly take the first step. I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I’d be growing slowly, steadily, but with purpose. I’m reaching out to businesses through cold emails, networking like never before, and more importantly, connecting with talented people in my circle helping them grow too.

“Choose your hard. Applying for jobs and waiting is hard. Starting your own business is hard. Pick your hard.”

I chose mine.

I didn’t start DBA Labz just to run a business I started it to take control of my future. To build something meaningful. To chase financial freedom and escape the rat race once and for all.

To everyone who’s encouraged me my closest friends, my peers, my supporters thank you. I’m just getting started.

Here’s to all the designers who want more. Keep going. You’re not alone.