Meet Lisa Henderson

I loved creativity as a child and grew up in an average working class British household in the 1970s. We were not well off financially. My mum made our clothes, my dad grew our vegetables, and my sister and I helped with everything while developing our own love of art, fashion and cooking. As the eldest, when it came time to think about jobs and careers, art college was not an option. I was discouraged at school and college from pursuing anything outside the idea of a so called proper job. So that is what I did, and I spent more than twenty five years in business as a people director, trainer and coach. Although I continued to draw, paint and sew, they became hobbies that often faded in and out of my life as corporate work took over all my time.

Fast forward to 2024. A management restructuring made my health sector role redundant. I chose to see it as an opportunity. The pandemic had burnt me out, and although I had recovered, every part of me wanted a different life. With a small amount of severance pay to give me a few months of breathing room, I turned away from familiar, comfortable salaries and allowed myself to explore what a creative life might look like.

In January 2025, I came across Immersion for the second time. The first time I saw it, I was in full time work and could not imagine taking the course and giving it the time and attention it deserved. But now I was in a different place. I signed up excitedly. The timing felt perfect. Even though I was deep in imposter syndrome, I knew many others would be feeling the same way, and I wanted to be part of a community of creatives who loved art and colour as much as I do. I wanted to find out what this life could be, and the course felt like it was speaking directly to me.

Since taking the course, I will admit that I underestimated how long it takes to build a business, even a small one. I am showing up more often on social media, even though I know I could do more. But every morning I am excited to open Illustrator, pick up my paintbrushes and pens, and create new patterns. I wobble frequently. I have never been completely my own boss, motivator and accountant. But after working so hard for others all my life, I am bringing many of those corporate skills into my creative world. I now encourage myself, challenge myself and, most importantly, I am finally beginning to believe in myself without pressure or judgment. I still dislike some pieces of work, but I move on quickly and treat every clumsy attempt as a chance to learn. It may sound cheesy, but it is the truth.

I am amazed by Illustrator. With these skills and the Immersion structure of finding a story, gathering inspiration and researching deeply, I am never without a potential collection. I carry a notebook everywhere and jot down ideas on my phone. It can be wonderfully distracting.

I am building a portfolio and website before the end of the year while also building confidence by pitching to Pattern Plus briefs whenever they resonate. I have two completed collections and three in progress. I am finally finding a signature style that feels like it is developing from within, and it is incredibly satisfying. I have a list of companies and organisations I hope to work with, researched and ready. I am also getting small commissions for pet portraits, and I designed some gift wrap for my sister’s independent store in London.

The future and all of 2026 feels bright and full of possibility. Immersion gave me the perfect foundation and springboard to step onto this creative path, and I intend to fully embrace both it and my growing business.

Thank you to everyone in Immersion once again.