Art has a way of reshaping how we see the world — sometimes slowly, sometimes all at once. For me, that shift began with someone I’ve known his entire life: Sebastian Kolde.

Sebastian grew up creating with a kind of natural curiosity that felt both fearless and deeply intuitive. By the time he was 17, he was already sculpting, painting, and composing music with a maturity far beyond his age. That same year, he joined my company as an intern — and watching him explore materials, experiment freely, and move between mediums with ease reminded me of something essential: creativity expands when you let yourself begin.

His presence during that time played a defining role in the early formation of Moné Design Studio. Sebastian’s approach to making — open, iterative, and rooted in genuine curiosity — pushed me to explore my own questions about sustainability, material responsibility, and the relationship between design and the living world. He helped me see that sustainable design isn’t just about reducing impact; it’s about designing with intention, honoring materials, and creating objects that support the ecosystems they come from.

Today, at 22, Sebastian is both an artist and a medical student — someone who continues to hold art and science together with care and purpose. His ability to nurture creativity while pursuing a path of healing mirrors the values that guide Moné: curiosity, responsibility, and a commitment to making things that matter.

His journey reminds me that sustainability and creativity share the same foundation — paying attention, experimenting boldly, and choosing to build a better way forward.

As Moné continues to grow, I remain deeply grateful to Sebastian — for the inspiration he offered as a young artist, for the spark he brought into my studio, and for showing me that meaningful design begins with a single intentional step.

Warmly, Mickey Blake Founder & Artist, Moné Design Studio