Christy Roushey shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Christy, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Oh, this is such a good question. Listening to music—and singing along—always makes time fly. Whether it’s keeping me company while doing chores or setting the tone for a project, music sustains me.
Growing up, singing was my primary creative outlet. As an alto, I always gravitated toward finding the harmony, adding a bit of flair. Now, with illustration as my main medium, music still helps me find my rhythm. I choose instrumentals for writing, neo-soul, pop, or indie folk while working at my computer, and musical theater, pop, or R&B for deep flow states. Singing along to the music surrounding me helps me lose track of time—and find myself again.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey there! I’m Christy Roushey, the illustrator and designer behind The House of Roushey. I’m a mom of two (12 and 15), married to my college sweetheart, and the clear favorite of our pup, Lola. I am a self-taught artist with a focus in floral illustration, modern calligraphy and surface pattern design. My background is in mechanical engineering, which often surprises people, but that training gave me an eye for detail that now shows up in my artwork and an affinity for structure that I leverage in my business processes.
These days, I create nature-inspired illustrations, stationery, and gifts that bring a sense of calm and connection into everyday life. My creative process starts with hand-drawn elements — sketching botanicals, adding fine line detail, and then refined digitally into artwork designed to be cherished.
What makes my work unique is that I infuse a layer of symbolism and meaning through floriography or the language of flowers. I am drawn to the idea that there is more than meets the eye. I love taking something as simple as a flower and uncovering the meaning behind it, then turning that into art people can use, gift, or keep close.
Right now, I’m expanding my collections, including a new Lotus Blossom line and a set of ritual kits, and I’m also reaching out to shops and companies to explore collaborations and licensing opportunities. For me, it’s not just about creating pretty things—it’s about crafting pieces that feel like little anchors of joy in the middle of a busy day, encouraging connection with one another and supporting our personal journey of growth.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that being different was a burden. Growing up in predominantly white spaces, I thought I needed to fit into the boxes created for me in order to be accepted. I remember going to the library for a project and searching for the section on Black History. There was only one bookcase—four or five shelves of books that were either too young for me, ones I had already read, or beyond my reading level. I felt invisible.
Watching TV seemed to reinforce this belief. The leading lady never looked like me; the popular girl with the boyfriend never looked like me, but the sidekick, the loyal best friend, did. Later, when I was accepted into college for engineering, some people told me it was only because of affirmative action, as if I hadn’t worked hard or earned it. The worst part is that, for a time, I believed them. I doubted my value, my skills, and my place in the world.
Over the years, I’ve learned that my unique characteristics—my creativity, perspective, and identity as a woman of color—have become my greatest strengths. These qualities allow me to connect deeply with others, approach challenges with empathy, and create work that is meaningful and authentic.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that it’s okay not to fit neatly into the boxes created for you. It’s okay to be different. Your unique qualities, character, and beauty are your greatest strengths. I know there will be spaces where you’re the only female or the only woman of color. Some people may try to diminish your brilliance, suggesting you didn’t earn your place, but you are strong, resilient, and capable. What feels like being an outcast is actually what allows you to connect deeply and meaningfully with others. You are creative, empathetic, and a champion for those around you. Believe in yourself with the same vigor you encourage in others—you deserve that encouragement too.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that diversity, equity, and inclusion matter deeply to me. Growing up in predominantly white spaces, I often felt unseen and had to navigate places where I was the only female or the only woman of color. Those experiences made me deeply aware of the importance of representation and belonging, and they continue to shape my work.
We are living in a time when being different is under attack. Diversity is not valued by all, equity is sometimes seen as taking rather than providing access, and inclusion is often dismissed as unnecessary. I believe that art can be a powerful means of bridging this gap. It can lend a voice, foster connection, and show the beauty beyond sameness.
When life feels exhausting, art provides a respite from the storm. This is why I am so passionate about creating pockets of joy in our daily lives. Joy is fuel—it sustains us, helps us keep going, and reminds us of what truly matters. Through my designs and collaborations, I strive to create experiences where people feel recognized, celebrated, and uplifted.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I started my career doing what I was told to do. Engineering was practical, safe, and leveraged my strengths in math and science. But when I look back at what truly fueled my passion, it was always in the creative realm—singing, art, and making things.
Today, I believe I am doing what I was born to do. I’m leaning into my creative gifts while infusing the technical skills I’ve learned along the way. A dear friend, Molly Rivera of The Darling Rage, often says, “Everything is compost,” meaning our lived experiences are never wasted—they provide fertile ground for the next chapter.
I continue to work on unlearning the limiting beliefs from childhood. As Audre Lorde reminds us, “I am my own best work.” This idea guides me every day as I create art, build meaningful connections, and grow both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thehouseofroushey.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.house.of.roushey/
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/christyroushey/
Image Credits
Lindsay Stephany Lau
Nina Piccini
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