Designing Moms: Meet Tori

A classic Tori Higa card is a black and white illustrated girl wearing a vintage fabric kerchief and I have come to know Tori to be as sweet and charming as her gorgeous creations! I was so delighted and flattered when she asked me to be a part of her book, "Today's Top Stationery Artists." Finally meeting her in person in New York when we were both at a stationery show was icing on the cake. I am so delighted to introduce our latest Designing Mom to all of you!

Name: Tori

What I do: I have had my own handmade greeting card company for the last five years, but since having a baby I have recently decided to focus solely on designing so now I license my work for an innovative online card company called Cardstore.com and license my handmade card designs for Sanctuary Press (a division of International Sanctuary which is a non profit organization that empowers survivors of human trafficking). I also love to take on custom projects from time to time. I LOVE being able to work as a designer from a home studio and spend time with my little guy. For me, it's the perfect balance.

My family: I am not currently expecting (but hope to be within the next year or so). I have a 16-month-old son who keeps me very busy.

What inspires me: Finding time for creativity is just a way of life for me, which is why I think I feel inspired to continue to design while also fully embracing motherhood. I feel inspired to take on the challenge to be a designer as well as a mother – and part of me even feels like I don't have a choice. It's just who I am.

What a day in my life is like: One of my favorite things about being a "designing mom" is that each day is very full and very different. On the perfect day, I'll schedule a playdate at the park in the morning; then, we'll come home for lunch and I'll put him down for a nap. I am then able to get in two hours of work until he wakes up and my favorite babysitters (my parents) come over to take him for a couple of hours in the afternoon so I can get more work done. Then I get to spend the late afternoon and evening with him until dinner, bath, and bedtime by 7pm. My husband and I then have dinner together and try to enjoy a little peace and quiet until the next day when everything starts all over again. To be honest, a lot of times, I end up working at night as well – especially if I don't get babysitting during the day. But it's fun work. :)