Age: 35

Pronouns: She/Her

Primary Gig: Art Director and Owner of Segal Creative, LLC.

On the Side: Graphic Design and Illustration

How long have you lived in Indianapolis? 25 Years

Describe yourself in 100 words or less: I am the owner of Segal Creative, LLC where I work as a freelance Illustrator, Designer, and Art Director. More importantly, though, I am a mother and wife. I live with my two beautiful children, Alana and Robert, and my soulmate, Hershel. I draw my creativity and happiness from my family. I studied Visual Communication at the Herron School of Art and Design and I have enjoyed creating art, every day, professionally for nearly 15 years. I live in a little yellow house with my precious human family and our two furry children, Oliver and Poppy.

How do you give back? One of the things my husband and I try to teach our children is to “Always be Kind.” No matter what, kindness is one of those things that is always appropriate, appreciated, and necessary to leave the world a little better than we found it. I try and share with neighbors and members of our community. When I bake challah, I always try to make extra for the other families in our area to pick up and enjoy on Shabbat. A few families have shared with me that my Challah was the first Challah their children have tasted! My husband and I also recently installed a Free Library and Art Exchange outside of our home for neighbors to share their love of reading and crafts. That Free Library is also in a whiskey barrel that is growing free tomatoes and herbs for my neighbors. I am also working on crocheting sleeping mats for members of our homeless community made entirely out of recycled plastic grocery bags. I also create designs and illustrations for charitable causes, including our own Jewish community and for other groups like the Monroe County Humane Association. I was also recently elected Vice President of the Greater Mount Vernon Community Kiwanis Club.

Celebrity Doppleganger: Katee Sackhoff

Who is a Jew who inspires you? Mel Brooks

How do you envision the Indianapolis Jewish community in the next 10 years? I would love to see a more unified Jewish Community in Indianapolis — one where that feeling of family extends despite differences in denomination or observance. My family and I are part of a growing community of Jews who live in the northeast neighborhoods of McCordsville, Fishers, and Lawrence. When I bake, I try to share with folks on this side of town, who are not far, but also not terribly close to our traditional synagogues and community organizations. I would love to see our children have easier access to places where they can learn, play and create Jewish experiences for themselves. In short, I would love for us to all be the family that I know we are, regardless of location.

What is one thing you look forward to as we come out of this Pandemic? I am looking forward to going on more adventures with my family. The world is such a beautiful place! We all need to experience as much diversity, culture, and fun as we can. It’s what makes us more tolerant and inclusive people. I also hope that we can all come out of this pandemic with a newfound respect for the fragility and beauty of human life. Hopefully, we’ve gained some compassion and use it as we step back out into the world.

What is your proudest accomplishment in the past 10 years? My proudest personal accomplishment will always be my children. They are truly the biggest joy in my life. However, if we’re talking about my proudest professional accomplishments, it would have to be my growing collection of children’s books that sit on a particular shelf in my living room. There are over 20 children’s books that I have designed over the years for Apples and Honey, a client and Jewish publisher in New Jersey. It makes my heart so happy to know that I have had the honor of working on books that parents and teachers share with their children. A few books I’ve designed have been distributed by the PJ Library (including "Adam's Animals," "Apples, Apples all Year Round," "Judy Led the Way," "Light," "Little Red Rosie," "We are Jewish Faces," and several others.) I also recently had the honor of designing a Hebrew textbook for English-speaking children. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that the creative work I do touches so many lives for the better.

Any advice for younger professionals? The world is so much smaller than it seems. You never know who knows who, or how the relationships you might make today can shape your future tomorrow. So much of my business has been built upon word of mouth. Also, honesty is always the best policy. It might be uncomfortable, or a little painful even, but it is so much simpler than a lie, no matter how small.

Anything else we should know about you? My mother, Christine, has been my biggest inspiration and most steadfast support through the years. I could not have accomplished what I have so far without her unwavering encouragement. I love you, Mom! I am so thankful for this opportunity. If you or someone you know is looking for an illustrator or designer, please reach out. I would love to help bring your ideas to life!