I'm Boya, a social designer who came into the world of design as a second career—one shaped just as much by raising kids as by learning design itself. When I returned to school as a full-time student and mom during the pandemic, I was thrown into the deep end of multitasking. I learned quickly how to make the most of every moment—balancing coursework, family, and the ever-changing world around us. What started as a challenge became a revelation: I discovered a deep passion for bringing creative thinking to the next generation.

As a mom of two children raised in Montessori education, I’ve seen firsthand how kids naturally explore the world through their senses. I believe that hands-on, playful learning is essential.

The idea for my work was sparked by a simple yet powerful moment: Designing the coolest playground with my then four-year-old. We walked through every step of the design process together—empathizing, brainstorming, and even prototyping with Legos. I was captivated by how his mind approached each problem with curiosity and wonder.

That moment stayed with me and evolved into a bigger vision—what is now Zebra - Lab, a space dedicated to nurturing creativity, empathy, and design thinking in kids. It’s where my worlds of parenting, design, and education come together.