DODI - the labeL

Love it when Plan A evolves into something deeper! Since 2014, I’ve worked across industries, navigating the complexities of existence. But my real journey began in 2011, when I started exploring the philosophy of design.. not just what we create, but why. Over time, I found myself drawn beyond commerce, towards something more human. Because design is more than just a pretty face.. it shapes how we live, think, and connect with the world around us. 2020 was a turning point. It allowed me to re-evaluate everything.. my career, my purpose, and what makes me feel truly alive. Through research and practice, I found my place in healthcare, education, and psychotherapy - where creativity isn’t just a product but a means of connection, healing, and transformation. Now, standing at the intersection of these worlds - through my therapeutic arts work at NHS Charing Cross Hospital, teaching at my old home, the University for the Creative Arts, and my Art Psychotherapy training at the University of Roehampton - I see how these paths intersect. Each of these roles is more than a title.. they are pieces of a journey that has shaped me. Proof that meaning isn’t found.. it’s created. Life is a masterpiece.. choose how to create it 🖌 #ArtPsychotherapy #TherapeuticArts #CreativeHealing #DesignPhilosophy #HealthcareInnovation #EducationMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Psychology #CreativityInHealthcare #LifelongLearning

Where and on what did you wake up today? Why do you dress yourself the way you do? What shapes the world around us? We live in a designed universe. From the homes we wake in to the clothes we wear, to the vehicles that take us to our destinations, every tangible element of life has been thoughtfully crafted with purpose. As we navigate the material world, we perform roles, inhabit personas, and find meaning in what we surround ourselves with. This connection between the human body and designed ‘things’ gives life its purpose and order. Without design, there is no reality. Art, fashion, and objects define who we are, reflecting our experiences, values, and the universe itself. Just as human beings are designed - our bodies, our movements, and our thoughts - the world is also created by us to shape how we live. This is the essence of DODI - the labeL where fashion meets philosophy, where art becomes therapy, and where self-realisation becomes a designed experience. Today, we embark on the next chapter. As I start my Master's in Art Psychotherapy at the University of Roehampton, through DODI we will deepen our mission of merging art, design, and therapy to transform the human experience. From our research into creative psychotherapy to our exploration of environmental health impacts, the journey has always been about using creativity to heal, reinvent, and empower. Thank you to everyone who has supported my challenges and vision from 2006 to 2024, and to those who will continue to walk this path with me. widad [dodi]

At DODI, we believe in the transformative power of art and design education, not just in developing technical skills but in nurturing self-expression, confidence, and creativity. Our journey in education, spanning from youth programs to university-level mentorship, is a testament to our commitment to fostering an environment where students can discover and develop their unique creative voices. Whether working with young students or guiding aspiring designers at the university level, our focus has always been on empowering individuals to explore their potential and express their creativity with confidence. We are proud to be part of a legacy of mentorship and support that helps shape the future of art and design. https://lnkd.in/eG-kiR4u #ArtEducation #CreativeConfidence #StudentSupport #Mentorship #DesignEducation #SelfAwareness

We are deeply moved by the resilience of patients in the Acute Stroke Unit at Charing Cross Hospital. Our work there is led by personal experience, and has reinforced our belief in the power of art, design, and fashion as vital tools in the healing process. Crafting each art session in the unit thoughtfully, we meet the unique needs of stroke patients. We offer them a way to express their emotions, find motivation, and take significant steps toward both physical and emotional recovery. The creativity and strength displayed by these patients remind us daily of the profound connection between art and healing. We are honoured to contribute to their journey, and their stories continue to inspire our commitment to integrating creative therapy into patient care. https://lnkd.in/eG-kiR4u #StrokeRecovery #ArtTherapy #PatientCare #CharingCrossHospital #NHS #Resilience #HealingThroughArt

We are constantly inspired by the resilience and strength of patients in the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) at Charing Cross Hospital. In this high-pressure environment, where pain and uncertainty often prevail, we have witnessed the profound impact of art as a therapeutic tool. Art activities in the AMU provide a meaningful outlet for patients to manage pain, express emotions, and regain a sense of control. This approach aligns with our mission to integrate art, fashion, and design into holistic patient care, ensuring that every moment contributes to the healing process. We believe that the adaptability of therapeutic art in such challenging settings is a testament to its power in fostering recovery and emotional well-being. https://lnkd.in/eG-kiR4u #AcuteCare #ArtTherapy #NHS #PatientCare #CharingCrossHospital #HealingThroughArt

I had the privilege of attending the Advancing Dementia Innovation event, hosted by the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme and Alzheimer's Society. This gathering highlighted the profound intersection between innovation and care, particularly in dementia, reminding me of the NHS’s vision of not just treating patients, but transforming their lives through creative solutions. Since early 2023, my own work has centred around therapeutic arts across various wards at Charing Cross Hospital. There, I have witnessed how creativity - whether through art, fashion, or design - can act as a bridge between physical recovery and emotional healing. These moments of patient connection, where a simple act of creation can alleviate pain or restore a sense of control, have reaffirmed for me that art is not a luxury in healthcare but a necessity. Attending the event felt like a philosophical alignment between my journey and the NHS’s larger mission. Healthcare innovation isn’t merely about fostering new products or technologies; it’s about reshaping the ethos of care itself. The stories shared at the event were a testament to the belief that true innovation is born from empathy and a deep understanding of human experience, not just from the mechanics of invention. My time working within environments that have not always embraced diverse perspectives, has taught me that resilience often comes from within - the quiet courage to persist in spaces that challenge you. This is why the work I do, particularly with patients recovering from cancer, major surgery, and stroke, resonates so deeply. It reflects the larger truth that healthcare innovation must encompass the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. I am honoured to continue this journey, committed to the NHS’s mission of advancing patient care through innovation, and inspired by the shared belief that, together, we can craft new narratives in healthcare that are as innovative as they are compassionate. 𝘸𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘥 #HealthcareInnovation #TherapeuticArts #DementiaCare #ArtInHealthcare #NHS #EmotionalHealing #PatientCare #CreativeTherapy #Inclusivity https://lnkd.in/eG-kiR4u

At DODI, we are continually inspired by the transformative power of art in healthcare. In the Special Surgery wards at Charing Cross Hospital, we have seen first-hand how creative engagement can ease the anxiety and emotional strain that often accompany surgery. Art in these settings is not just a pastime - it is a therapeutic tool that helps patients regain a sense of control and calm during challenging times. From painting to engaging with colours, these creative moments offer comfort and contribute to a holistic approach to healing. This work reaffirms our commitment to integrating art, fashion, and design into patient care, supporting recovery not just physically but emotionally as well. https://lnkd.in/eG-kiR4u #SurgeryRecovery #ArtTherapy #PatientCare #NHS #HealingThroughArt #CharingCrossHospital

At DODI - the labeL we believe in the transformative power of art, fashion, and psychology, especially in challenging circumstances. Our ongoing work at Charing Cross Hospital, particularly in the 6 North Oncology ward, has shown us just how vital creativity can be in supporting patients through their cancer journeys. Cancer is a battle fought on many fronts - physical, emotional, and psychological. Through thoughtful and fashion-oriented creative activities, such as nail painting, personalised compliments, and curated music sessions, we have witnessed the remarkable impact these gestures can have on patients’ self-esteem and emotional well-being. These activities offer more than just a distraction; they provide patients with a sense of control and a way to reconnect with their identity, even during the most difficult times. At the heart of our work is the belief that fashion has the power to heal, empower, and transform. We are committed to continuing our efforts to integrate creativity into patient care, fostering environments where individuals can find solace, express themselves, and rebuild their confidence. #CancerCare #ArtTherapy #Fashion #Oncology #NHS #PatientEmpowerment #HealingThroughArt #CharingCrossHospital https://lnkd.in/eG-kiR4u

Since May 2023, we have been collaborating with NHS Imperial Health Charity at Charing Cross Hospital, focusing on integrating art, fashion, and design into the healing process. Our work spans various wards, where we have had the privilege of supporting patients recovering from life-threatening conditions through creative activities and therapeutic interventions. The positive feedback has been encouraging, motivating us to explore even deeper the transformative power of art in healthcare. As we continue this journey, we are reminded of the profound connection between creativity and healing - a relationship that goes beyond mere expression, touching the very essence of what it means to be human. Through this lens, we strive to uncover new dimensions of well-being, where art becomes a catalyst for transformation and a pathway to deeper self-awareness and resilience. #Healthcare #Education #ArtTherapy #NHS #PatientCare #Wellbeing #CharingCrossHospital https://lnkd.in/eG-kiR4u

Through witnessing the beauty of darkness, at DODI we are on a mission to empower individuals to stand their ground and challenge ideologies. As well as helping individuals be true to no one but themselves first – through the labeL and the lifestylE we design to elevate 3 foundational traits. Click the link below to watch the video and discover what makes our approach unique: https://lnkd.in/e2ZSeJAU