Pumpkin Patch – Magic at Work

Pumpkin Patch founder, Alyx Albuquerque says, “I was diagnosed with Autism at a very young age. Reading and writing were irksome. Be it speech or nonverbal communication, there were gaps that I could never bridge. But then, something unexpected came my way. It was digital art! It completed me in a manner that words never could. It felt nothing less than magic.

At 14, I even took up my first-ever illustration course. I’d spend hours on my iPad surfing through MS paint and Photoshop. And, at 21 I decided to start Pumpkin Patch – my own design studio! It took me a lot of courage to start my own brand. But now when I look back, starting off was the easiest part of this thrilling journey.

Being on the Autism spectrum, I wasn’t allowed to have a bank account of my own. Registration and building my dream team wasn’t a cakewalk either.

However, I didn’t give up. To me, it was never about how different I was. But, about the difference that I wanted to bring. 

And finally, after a year of planning, building, designing and legal formalities our hard work started to pay off. We got our first couple of orders! The positive client feedback was a cherry on top. Soon, we even collaborated with young artists that are on the Autism spectrum like I am.

Everything was sailing smoothly and then COVID happened. We had to shut down the studio for 4 months. All the client diaries, designing, and creating had come to a halt. However, once the unlock was announced we were back with a bang. Gifts are not an essential commodity, especially in times like these and we get it. But our enthusiasm remains sky-high.

Pumpkin patch started in my bedroom. Back then I had no business plan, all I knew was that I wanted to create magic at work. Certainly, times are tough for us right now. But hey, even Cinderella found her chariot to the ball. And as long as the magic in our work is alive, I’m sure my pumpkin patch will also ride me to my destination one day.”