I'm Ayanah, a visual storyteller and creative catalyst for change based in the East Coast.
I create art to facilitate a profound comprehension of our interconnectedness with one another and the Earth that sustains us, cultivating a profound awareness of our inherent interdependence.
I grew up in North Yarmouth, Maine. My first 18 years were spent with dirty finger nails gardening with my grandma, feet in the ocean no matter the temperature, and covered in paint creating art in my “at home studio" (a roped-off section of our basement my mother built for me as a Christmas gift complete with a personalized sign, splattered paint floors, and all of the art materials I could dream of). Growing up around large pine trees, spending hours per week hanging with 80 year olds, and using the ocean as my escape and inspiration— my art practice began to take form.
I moved from Maine to Boston, where I received a B.A. in Graphic Design and Media Studies. In my second year, I took a science class (part of their Global & Public Health discipline) called Emerging Infectious Diseases. This spurred a more profound study and began cementing another love steeped in global stewardship and healthy, accessible food systems.
After graduating, I ventured into the dynamic realm of food as an on-site photographer and media strategist at a food co-working space. My next chapter took me back to Maine, where I worked as an art director and marketing consultant for a private school. Following two enriching years, I took a bold step into full-time freelance work— curious how to grow my creative practice while finding a space and career path that could exemplify my deeper passions.
In September 2020, I moved back to Massachusetts seeking a full-time position that would allow me to not only create beautiful art but build something that matters. I serendipitously found One Mighty Mill— a bagel and bread start-up on a mission to rebuild healthy local food systems by building stone mills across the United States.
As Head of Marketing and Art at One Mighty Mill, I'm more than a visual storyteller; I'm a catalyst for change. Every project and campaign delves far beneath the surface of aesthetics, aiming to evoke emotions, inspire action, and cultivate a profound appreciation for the intricate tapestry of life that flourishes within local and equitable food systems. Over three years, my achievements include spearheading a disruptive packaging redesign, establishing a successful internal creative studio, and nurturing a thriving digital community. My innovative, deeply human-centric approach continues to drive One Mighty Mill's ongoing success in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.