“In one year here, I’ve found more community than I did in ten.”
This week on North of Normal, Amanda sits down with Alena Lane of Alena Lane Design—a graphic designer, illustrator, and accidental local celebrity who’s traded the anonymity of the Seacoast for the deep-rooted connection of life in Bethlehem.
Alena shares what it’s been like to build a creative business in the North Country, how Dungeons & Dragons led to unexpected friendships, and why kindness and clear communication are at the core of her work.
In this episode, we talk about:
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Small-town recognition and the power of being seen
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Designing with both purpose and play
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What search and rescue teams can teach us about trust
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Choosing adventure over anxiety when life gets unpredictable
Whether you’re a fellow creative or just someone trying to feel a little more at home where you are, this conversation is a gentle reminder that community often shows up when you least expect it.
