Hello! I’m Renae Hansen — a designer, artist and creative mentor based on the Gold Coast, Queensland. I’m also a mum of three, a chronic journal-writer and someone who has always been fascinated by people, creativity and the stories we tell ourselves.

Creativity has been a constant in my life, although my relationship with it hasn’t always been straightforward. At school, I loved fashion design, dance, music and songwriting, but I was also told I “couldn’t draw” and that pursuing art wasn’t a realistic career. Somewhere along the way, I lost a little confidence in my creative abilities and followed a different path, studying psychology, psychotherapy and counselling.

I went on to work as a counsellor, providing individual and couples counselling, before moving into student welfare and disability support. I’ve always loved working with people — listening to their stories, helping them navigate challenges and encouraging them to recognise their own strengths and possibilities.

After the end of my marriage, I gradually found my way back to creativity. I taught myself to draw, sew and design again, and discovered how much I had missed having that creative outlet. What began as a way to reconnect with myself eventually grew into Esher Rae, my own fashion label, which I’m currently bringing to life. Fashion has always been about so much more than clothes for me. I love the entire process: developing ideas, illustrating designs, creating motifs, experimenting with fabrics and embroidery, and bringing all the little details together to create something uniquely my own.

Writing has always been another way I make sense of the world. I journal about my life, my relationships, my experiences and the things I’m trying to understand. It’s how I process, reflect and work things out. Sometimes those thoughts remain on the page; sometimes they find their way into songs.

These days, my creative life also extends into the work I do with others. I’m a Creative Mentor at Heart2Art Workshops, where I facilitate individual sessions and group workshops for adults with disability. I love sharing what I’ve learnt, exchanging ideas and creating welcoming spaces where people feel encouraged to experiment, express themselves and discover what they’re capable of.

I suppose there’s a common thread running through all of these things: a curiosity about people, a love of self-expression and a desire to keep learning, creating and sharing along the way.

Creativity has always been central to who I am. In high school, I found expression through dance, guitar, songwriting, and fashion design. But like many artists, I was told I “couldn’t draw” and that pursuing art wasn’t a real career. I lacked confidence, and so I followed a path into Psychology and Counselling — work I found deeply meaningful, but creatively unfulfilling.

After the end of my marriage, I turned back to creativity — not just as a passion, but as a lifeline. I taught myself to draw, sew, and design again, using my art to process and heal. Through that journey, I began unlearning the beliefs that once held me back. I realised creativity isn’t about perfection — it’s about expression, connection, and the courage to be seen.

Today, I design clothing that reflects emotion, story and meaning — wearable art that is playful, feminine, and thoughtfully crafted to fit petite bodies. I’m inspired by colour psychology, symbology, philosophy, and the quiet magic of everyday life. My work includes original art, hand-drawn textile designs, illustrated prints, and garments made to feel both personal and powerful. I also create and release original music, weaving my own life experiences into song.

As a creative mentor at Heart2Art, I facilitate workshops and 1:1 sessions for people living with disabilities, supporting their creative exploration through art, fashion, and music. This role allows me to combine my therapeutic background with my creative practice in a way that’s truly soul-filling — witnessing others transform pain into beauty continues to inspire my own work every day.