Alyssa Ostroff

I attribute my success to a combination of purpose, resilience, and authenticity. Working at the CDC was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. In that environment, graphic design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about clarity, trust, and impact. Knowing that my work helped communicate critical health information gave my creativity real purpose and reinforced my belief that design can genuinely serve people, especially in moments that matter most.

After losing my federal job during a reduction in force—on April Fools’ Day, ironically—I turned to illustration as a form of therapy. It became a way to process grief, uncertainty, and shifting identity. Encouraged by my therapist to explore it as more than a personal outlet, I launched my business on May 1st, during Mental Health Awareness Month, with no expectations. What began quietly has grown into something far bigger than I imagined.

I’ve always prioritized honesty over trends. My hand-drawn designs are rooted in humor, healing, and real experience, and people connect with them because they see themselves in the work. Over time, that connection has translated into growth: hundreds of orders, trademarked designs, and a community that feels deeply personal. I oversee every aspect of the business—from creative direction and illustration to social media, production partnerships, and customer engagement. While my background in advertising and digital strategy supports the work, it remains a labor of love. Since September, the business has been profitable, and seeing something I built from the ground up sustain itself has been incredibly validating. Most importantly, the designs don’t sugarcoat healing or pretend growth is linear—they acknowledge trauma, recovery, and resilience with humor and compassion. Hearing customers say they feel seen is the most meaningful feedback I could receive.

When I first started this business, few people believed in me—not my family, not even my fiancé—but I stayed proud of myself and never lost sight of my “why.” My advice to young women entering this industry is to believe in your purpose, especially when no one else does. Know your unique value, cultivate the drive to follow through, and maintain the conviction to see it through. Passion is what carries you through doubt, slow seasons, and setbacks. You don’t need universal support—you need clarity, confidence in your vision, and the willingness to keep going no matter what.

Starting a business on my own is challenging. There were nights I questioned whether anyone would care about my work—or if I even deserved to pursue it. One of the biggest challenges has been overcoming self-doubt and moving forward without universal support. Not everyone will believe in your vision, and that’s okay—the key is learning to believe in yourself anyway.

At the same time, the journey has presented opportunities for growth in mental health and resilience. Balancing healing, creativity, and running a business has tested me in ways I never expected, but it’s also made me stronger and more confident in my purpose. These challenges have shaped not only my work but the way I connect with the community that supports it.

Humor is central to both my work and my life—it’s a lifeline. Using humor in my designs and marketing doesn’t diminish pain; it makes it bearable, relatable, and deeply human.

Passion and drive are essential in entrepreneurship—they’re not optional, they’re survival tools. Challenges will arise, doubts will creep in, and support won’t always be there. But when you believe in your mission and trust your own voice, you discover a strength you never knew you had.