When Obstacles Become the Way Forward
It's Thursday morning in LA, and I'm sitting in my favorite corner of the design studio, watching the September light create patterns on my sketchbook. There's something about this time of day – just after 9 AM – when the campus feels alive with possibility.
Yesterday's reflection on relationships got me thinking about something I've been avoiding: the role of obstacles in my growth. Not just the cute, Instagram-worthy challenges that make for good stories later, but the real, messy roadblocks that make me want to throw my sketchbook across the room.
Case in point: Remember that sustainable fabric project I was so excited about last month? The manufacturer just emailed that they can't deliver the materials I need for my midterm collection. Cue immediate panic and a solid ten minutes of catastrophizing in the bathroom.
But something weird happened after my mini-meltdown. Instead of spiraling or giving up, I found myself thinking, "Okay, how is this obstacle actually creating an opportunity?" (Professor Rivera would be so proud of this growth moment.)
The truth is, every significant breakthrough in my designs has come after hitting a wall. That asymmetrical jacket everyone loved? Born from a massive mistake with pattern cutting. My signature color-blocking technique? Discovered when I ran out of my primary fabric the night before a deadline.
I'm starting to see that obstacles aren't just things to overcome on the path to growth – they ARE the path. They force me to question my assumptions, get creative with solutions, and ultimately create work that's more authentic and interesting than my original vision.
It reminds me of something my dad always says: "The problem contains the solution." I used to roll my eyes at this (sorry, Dad), but now I'm thinking he might be onto something.
So today, I'm reframing my fabric crisis as an invitation to innovate. I've already reached out to three local textile artists about collaboration possibilities, and I'm experimenting with some unconventional materials that might actually elevate the whole collection.
The obstacles we face shape us as much as the relationships we form. And maybe that's not a coincidence – maybe our biggest challenges are actually relationships too, teaching us something essential about ourselves if we're willing to listen.
Anyway, that's my deep thought for the day, brought to you by caffeine and creative crisis. Time to transform this obstacle into something beautiful.