Hey there, I’m Dyani. I’m a single (and happy to stay that way) Aussie gal not far off celebrating my 50th birthday. I’m a self-taught mixed media artist, bookbinder, animal lover, camping enthusiast and (I hope) future full-time nomad.

In 2011, after seven years at university, and another eleven years working long, stressful hours in various hospital jobs, I finally worked up the courage to ditch my medical career and follow my dream of living a more creative, soul-satisfying life. My family and colleagues thought I was mad, but I’m a huge believer in the importance of being true to yourself and following your heart, because life is way too short to be wasted by regret

My handmade business is the realisation of that dream. I started as Little Deer Studio back in 2011, and now trade under my own name as DYANI. While it hasn’t been an easy journey getting to this point, I have enjoyed facing the challenges and watching my business grow, and not once have I regretted my decision. Not even for a second.

Now I’m chasing another dream – to build my own tiny home on wheels, and become a full time nomad, travelling Australia in a converted bus. I’ve never done anything like this before, and there are many challenges involved, not the least of which is how on earth I fit not just my house but also my entire handmade business (and now my rescue pup as well! ) into such a small space! 

It may take me a while to get there, but I’ve come to realise that the journey towards a goal can be just as exciting and fulfilling as finally reaching it.

And who knows, perhaps others will find some of what I share here useful in some way. If telling my story inspires others to follow their own dreams, then I am happy to do so. Because everyone deserves to be happy. Everyone deserves to choose their own path.

We must not get so caught up in the whirlwind of modern society and others’ expectations that we become disconnected from what matters most to us.

We all need to embrace life and make the most of it while we can.