Some journeys begin with careful planning. Others begin with a simple moment of joy.
For Patch Torres, everything started in a shopping mall when her mother brought her and her brother to an art activity. They were handed paper and colors, and as Patch began to fill the page, she felt a happiness she could not explain. That moment stayed with her long after the crayons were put away. It became the beginning of her love for creativity, even though she did not know it yet.
Growing up, Patch Torres was surrounded by creativity at home. Her mother loved making things with her hands, and that environment shaped her natural interest in art. Creativity became part of who she was, even before she had words for it.
Choosing a Practical Path Over Passion
When it was time to choose a career, Patch Torres made a practical decision and studied Information Systems. Like many young people, she believed this was the safest path to a stable future. After graduating, she worked as a UX Designer. The role was connected to design but focused more on structure and systems than visual storytelling.
While she was grateful for the opportunity, something felt missing. Public speaking was part of the job, and it triggered deep insecurities. Patch Torres often doubted herself and felt out of place, even though her colleagues were supportive. She felt like she was moving away from the creative life she secretly wanted.
At the time, she did not realize this season was quietly shaping her future. What once felt uncomfortable became a training ground for her freelance career, building her confidence, sharpening her client facing skills, and teaching her how to communicate with people from different backgrounds. Facing new clients and unfamiliar conversations soon became possible, something her younger self would have never imagined.
This stage of her life was difficult, but it prepared her for the leap she would soon take.
Discovering Freelancing and Taking the First Risk
In 2018, Patch Torres learned about freelancing from an officemate. The idea opened her eyes to a new world of possibilities. With no formal design background, she decided to try anyway. She applied for an entry level illustration job, taught herself Adobe Illustrator using online tutorials, and created sample works to build a portfolio.
When she received the job offer, it felt like a miracle. Although the project only lasted a few months, it gave her confidence and showed her what was possible. She later applied for a web and graphic designer role and was hired again. This time, the opportunities kept coming.
Clients began referring her to others, and her income grew steadily. More importantly, Patch Torres finally felt aligned with her purpose. She was creating every day, learning constantly, and growing as both a designer and a person.
From Uncertainty to Stability Through Faith
Freelancing gave Patch Torres freedom, but it also came with uncertainty. Some months were financially strong, while others were not. In 2022, she realized she wanted stability without giving up creativity. She prayed for guidance and trusted that the right door would open.
That same year, a graphic designer position became available in Dubai through a friend. At first, Patch Torres declined because the role was not freelance. When the position remained open, she decided to apply. Soon after, she found herself moving to Dubai to work for a marketing agency.
It was not something she had planned, but she believed it was part of a greater plan. Moving to Dubai marked a new chapter in her life, both personally and professionally.
Building a Creative Career in Dubai
Life in Dubai allowed Patch Torres to grow in ways she never imagined. Working in marketing, especially in the food and beverage industry, gave her creative freedom. Unlike the strict styles of corporate industries, this space encouraged storytelling and bold ideas.
She worked with diverse clients and industries, which helped her refine her style and confidence. Her personality thrived in an environment where new ideas were welcomed. She was not just executing designs but contributing to creative direction and shaping brand stories.
Dubai became the place where she truly stepped into her identity as a designer.
Seeing Her Designs Come to Life
One of the most meaningful moments in Patch Torres’ life was seeing her designs exist in real spaces. She had the opportunity to design the full branding for a cafe in Dubai. Walking into a place where people experienced her work daily gave her a deep sense of fulfillment.
She also worked on branding projects for international businesses, including a candy shop in Turkey. These projects confirmed that her journey was not in vain. What once felt like an impossible dream was now a reality she could see and touch.
Every completed project reminded her that faith, patience, and perseverance truly pay off.
Redefining Success Through Peace and Contentment
For Patch Torres, success is not defined by titles or income alone. Her greatest achievement is reaching a place of peace and contentment. She no longer feels the need to prove herself. Instead, she focuses on doing meaningful work that aligns with her values.
She once dreamed of seeing her designs come to life. Today, she lives that dream. Every small win reminds her that the journey was worth the waiting and the fear.
Faith as Her Greatest Strength
Faith has been the foundation of Patch Torres’ journey. She struggled for years with self doubt and impostor syndrome, especially because she came from a technical background and worked in a creative field abroad. There were moments when she questioned whether she was good enough.
But faith pushed her forward when confidence was weak. It taught her to take risks, trust the process, and believe in herself even when fear was loud. One verse in particular carried her through difficult seasons:
“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9
She learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to move forward anyway.
A Message to Those Afraid to Begin Again
Patch Torres hopes her story inspires others who feel lost or discouraged. She wants people to know that it is never too late to start over and that changing direction is not failure.
She wants to be remembered as someone who refused to let fear or hardship stop her from pursuing her dreams. From a child coloring in a mall to a designer building brands in Dubai, her life is proof that dreams grow when nurtured with faith and courage.
To anyone standing at the edge of a new beginning, her message is simple. Keep creating. Keep believing. And never let fear stop you from becoming who you are meant to be.
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