We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karen Cabral a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Karen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
It was the pandemic, I had a regular 9-5 designer job at an agency. Off course, at the that it was work from home. So the work wouldn’t stop but my pay was reduced to $50 a month. I felt like I was not valued as a designer at my agency. Creatives in South Asia are not really valued or paid well. I wanted to start something of my own and turn the narrative around. Show creatives that they are valued. And what was the best way to do it? Do it myself!
So I took the leap of faith, put down my papers and quit. Started with my Instagram page and a premade wix website.
3 years later, here I am.
I now own my own company, made sure I am valued and paid well, spreading the word to my clients and my community that you can do it too! You are capable!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Every brand has a story, it’s our job to help yours take bloom. Mine is much like the enchanting Moonflower that opens up after dark, refusing to settle for the status quo. It traces the journey of a South Asian woman who chose against tradition in pursuit of her dreams. Growing up drawing, painting, and creating, it was my dream to become an artist, but my knack for numbers took me elsewhere. After completing a degree in accounts and finance, I realized I couldn’t deny my life’s purpose any longer. So, I did what any hopeless romantic would do: I followed my heart.
Seven years, an adopted rescue dog (Nala), and certification in brand strategy and website design later, here we are.
We’re in the business of turning ideas into opportunities, one bloomin’ business at a time. CDS combines intuitive brand strategy with human-centered design to create an authentic identity that doesn’t just delight but delivers, too. We work from the ground up to help our clients find their unique voice and then craft around it a visual language that feels like home.
Whether you’re just starting out or need a fresh perspective, Moonflower Made is here to help you blossom into who you are meant to be.
Now, It’s time to unearth your unique story and allow space for it to blossom into something beautiful… on your terms!
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Atomic Habits by James Clear. Hands down the best and most actionable, mind-blowing life changing book!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
You don’t need to follow the society norms. A 9-5 may be the best for someone and that is absolutely fine ( no shame in a 9-5 ), but maybe in your case may be the best for you is starting your own venture, your own way! Even if said otherwise!
Coming from an Asian house hold, you are always told what to do, when to do it, how to do it. You are sort of put in a box.
Bloom where you want and when you want to.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.custarddesignstudio.com and soon to be www.moonflowermadeco.com
- Instagram: custarddesignstudio
Image Credits
Photoshoot : Rosebuck Studios Mockups : Moyo Studios , raw pixel