Aila is someone I love deeply—vibrant, curious, smart, full of color and warmth. So it might surprise people that the design I named after her is not loud at all. It’s calm. Structured. Minimal.

The pattern was born from a single phone call that grounded me in the middle of stress and chaos. Her words brought such a sense of peace that I immediately began designing after we hung up. Each dot represents a wave of calm she gave me that day.

Conversation with Aila

BRIE: When I think of you, I think of color—energy, vibrance, that Brazilian sass! Funny, because the pattern I named after you is totally not that. It came from a phone call we had when I was spiraling. You said things that made me feel grounded again. Designing this pattern helped me process the calm you brought me in that moment. Serenity!

AILA: It’s actually really funny that you think I bring serenity to your life.

BRIE (laughing): YOU DO!

AILA: Are we talking about the same person?

BRIE: Yes, girl—YOU! You’re fire. Vivacious. You live loud, you're colorful—you literally ooze color. But you’re also one of the most grounding, encouraging people in my life. I mean… oh my god… I’m gonna cry… (Trying to hold back tears, but failing.) You’ve been such a constant cheerleader for me—and I’m just so, so grateful.

AILA: Aww… I love you so much.

What Aila Sees in the Pattern

BRIE: So when you look at the pattern, what do you see?

AILA: Structure. Funny, because I don’t think of myself as a “structured” person. But I also see calm and zen with the dots. I love it in the navy—it reminds me of something you could see in a Japanese garden. Very serene with simplicity.

What Inspires Aila

BRIE: You’re clearly the inspiration behind this design, but what inspires you?

AILA: People, conversations, and aesthetics. Beauty in everything—the extraordinary or the mundane. A flower, a skyscraper, even peeling vegetables in the kitchen—I see colors, patterns, and textures in everything.

On Perspective, Travel, and Humanity

BRIE: Do you have a quote that’s stuck with you?

AILA: “To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life.” — The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

BRIE: Do you have a personal philosophy you live by?

AILA: Traveling and living in different parts of the world taught me empathy and an open mind. I try to see things from different viewpoints and put myself in others’ shoes. Everyone is going through something—this is also the core message of my brand, Under Pressure.

BRIE: When did you start your brand?

AILA: After moving back to the U.S. from Asia in 2020, I wanted to create something meaningful. COVID made me reflect more deeply—how to create beyond appearances, something that resonates on a deeper level and fuels passion.

On Creativity and Self-Doubt

BRIE: As a creative, do you ever experience impostor syndrome?

AILA: Not impostor syndrome, but self-doubt. Am I enough? Is it enough? But then I realize my drive is unique. I work hard and take pride in my creations—I’m my own toughest critic.

Dream Collaborations

BRIE: Anyone you dream of collaborating with?

AILA: So many! Giovanna Engelbert, Michelle Obama, Sarah Jessica Parker… anyone working toward a cause greater than themselves. I love being inspired by people, their stories, struggles, and joys.

Life, Unexpected

BRIE: Is your life what you imagined 5 or 10 years ago?

AILA (laughing): Hell no! I’ve lived five lives already. I’m in Florida with two babies and a postpartum belly. Life is layered—sometimes unpredictable—but every experience shapes your journey.

BRIE: I remember how we met—total strangers in NYC, and within minutes we were in a photo booth acting like lifelong friends.

AILA: Zach still doesn’t believe that! But it happened. Pure NYC magic.

How Aila Sees Herself

BRIE: How would you describe yourself?

AILA: I’m firm-minded and curious. I explore, examine, and form my own conclusions. I don’t just accept things at face value—I want to understand them fully.

BRIE: That’s what I love about you. You don’t just hear people—you seek to understand them.

Final Words

BRIE: My dear Aila, your way of seeing the world, your warmth, curiosity, and friendship are so inspiring. Thank you for letting me interview you—it was fun, and I love you beyond.

AILA: I love you too, anytime, girl! If all interviews were this loving and fun, I’d do one every day.