"Aarté" is a name pronounced “AR-t-eh” and is a shortened version of the Tagalog word "Maarté", meaning “dramatic”. Growing up, I was often called Maarté, a term typically used pejoratively, especially towards males, as an indirect attack on their masculinity. Despite attempts to tone down this "Aarté side" to avoid uncomfortable situations, my passion for aesthetics and pretty things was always irrepressible. As a child, I would constantly rearrange my grandmother's furniture and decorate spaces, inspired by watching HGTV. My enthusiasm for creating beautiful environments was evident, even when my first party had just one guest, my best friend, who could only stay for an hour.

Throughout various jobs, from retail to corporate HR, my love for decorating remained a constant. My family graciously tolerated my takeover of holiday decorations and celebrations, including obscure ones no one had heard of. After being laid off in the tech industry soon after getting engaged, I chose to focus on something that brings me joy; planning my wedding. I meticulously designed every detail, witnessing guests’ joyful reactions to my work. This experience solidified my belief in my creative abilities and reinforced my passion creating beautiful environments and memorable experiences.

These moments, where my creations evoke happiness and lasting memories, drive my passion. During my wedding, I quietly observed guests reacting to subtle details throughout the night. No matter how stressful the process or how often I doubted myself, seeing someone's genuine reaction to something I created is always a beautiful moment. It’s the same wonderful feeling I get each year after watching my family react to the holiday decorations for the first time, or the happiness I experience when my husband enjoys the home I've created for us. These moments and feelings are what brings me joy and is what I aim to provide to everyone who is willing to embrace the "Aarté" in my work.