Episode 13 : Keeping the Faith with Sandra Nygård-Parthoens
In this episode of Creative Diaries, I speak with Sandra Nygård-Parthoens, a translator-turned-surface-pattern-designer whose creative journey reminds us that it’s never too late to begin again. Sandra shares her path from a structured, language-focused career to building a slower, more intentional creative life—one rooted in joy, persistence, and daily effort.
Sandra always felt a creative pull, even while working full-time as a translator. From screen printing to ceramics, she explored every evening class she could find—but never quite believed a creative career was possible. That changed when she discovered surface pattern design. Combining her love of color, form, and storytelling, she saw the potential to turn passion into profession—and took a leap, moving her family from Brussels to Finland in search of space, calm, and creative clarity.
This transition wasn’t instant or easy. Sandra continued freelancing as a translator while building her design business in the background. She embraced a slow growth mindset, resisting the pressure to succeed quickly and instead focusing on the deeper “why” behind her creative shift. Her story is a powerful reminder that building something meaningful doesn’t have to happen fast—and that small steps, taken consistently, can add up to lasting change.
We also talk about the emotional side of the pivot. Sandra reflects on how self-doubt, cultural expectations, and lack of confidence once held her back from taking creative risks. But over time—through motherhood, exposure to new environments, and the support of her creative husband—she started to trust her instincts. She began to see creativity not as a luxury, but as a necessity—something within her that had to be expressed.
Sandra’s approach is gentle, grounded, and full of quiet strength. Whether you’re considering a creative pivot, struggling with imposter syndrome, or trying to stay the course, her story is a reminder to start where you are, grow at your own pace, and keep the faith—even when progress feels slow.
🎧 Want to hear Sandra’s full journey? Listen to this episode of Creative Diaries and feel inspired to return to your creative path, no matter where you’re starting from.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
You don’t need to quit everything to start creating—begin with what’s possible and build from there.
Slow growth is still growth—consistent effort adds up, even if it’s just a little each day.
Creative transitions are emotional—acknowledge the fears, but focus on your “why.”
Self-confidence grows with action—don’t wait until you feel ready.
Your past work experience has value—skills like discipline and structure can support your creative path.
Creativity doesn’t need to pay to be worth it—the joy of creating is valuable in itself.
About Sandra Nygård-Parthoens
Sandra Nygård-Parthoens is a Finnish surface pattern designer and former EU translator living in the Finnish countryside. Her creative journey is shaped by years of exploration across disciplines—from screen printing to ceramics—and her deep love for color and tactile texture shines through in her work. Sandra's background in language and solo work brings focus and intention to her designs, while her personal story speaks to the quiet courage of creative reinvention.
By balancing freelance translation work with motherhood and a growing design business, Sandra is building a creative life on her own terms. She’s passionate about embracing imperfection, slowing down, and letting creativity evolve naturally—reminding others that it’s never too late to start something meaningful.
📌 Follow Sandra’s creative journey on Instagram at @littleforestatelier
📖 Learn more about her work at www.littleforestatelier.com
📖 Interested in learning more about Sandra’s Creative Journey? Click here to read more!