Today we’d like to introduce you to Adriana Torres.
Hi Adriana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey with TIEDBYADRI really started back when I was in graduate school studying clinical psychology at UCF. Balancing the emotional weight of clinical work and intense studies left me craving a tactile, hands-on outlet, and one of my professors actually helped me realize that creating could be a vital way to balance out the heavy work I do. What began as making simple beaded jewelry to unwind quickly evolved into an obsession with exploring different mediums.
Over time, I fell in love with the intersection of art and technology, teaching myself how to use laser cutters to etch custom acrylic and wood pieces, and more recently, bringing multi-color 3D-printed designs and hand-pressed goods into the mix. Today, TIEDBYADRI is an eclectic blend of all those experiments, featuring everything from laser-cut accessories and vibrant stickers to playful 3D-printed jewelry, fidgets, and custom stationery.
More than anything, growing this brand has been deeply tied to the Orlando creative community. From setting up at local markets and hanging out with fellow makers to hosting community creator meetups, finding my people and sharing these pieces with others has been the most rewarding part of the whole evolution.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a completely smooth road, but the bumps along the way are where most of the growth happens. One of the biggest initial struggles was just learning to trust the process and give myself permission to experiment. When you are working with different mediums, there is a steep technical learning curve. I spent plenty of late nights troubleshooting printer settings, figuring out material quirks, or trying to streamline production so I could keep up with demand without burning out.
Balancing time is another constant juggling act. Working in mental health counseling requires a lot of emotional and mental energy, and carving out the space to be creative, prep for local markets, and manage an e-commerce shop takes strict boundaries and intentional time management. There is also the internal pressure every small business owner feels of constantly second-guessing whether an idea will resonate with people.
Ultimately, every failed test print, chaotic market setup with Florida weather, or logistical hiccup taught me resilience. Finding a rhythm between my professional life and my creative outlet has been a journey of trial and error, but every challenge has made the community connection and the wins that much more meaningful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in designing and handcrafting custom jewelry and accessories, utilizing wood, acrylic, and more recently, PLA for 3D-printed items that I am still having fun learning all about.
What I am perhaps most known for, and what I am most proud of, is that my work is deeply community-focused. I love creating pieces that reflect who I am and what I stand for, whether that is bringing in elements of my Puerto Rican culture or designing pieces like my Abolish ICE items that speak to social justice and solidarity. For me, art has always been a way to connect with others and spark meaningful conversations.
What sets TIEDBYADRI apart is that unique intersection of technical curiosity, cultural roots, and heart. Because of my background in clinical psychology, I view creativity not just as a product-driven business, but as a grounding, human-centered outlet. I love diving headfirst into mastering new tools, but I infuse every single item with a personal, intentional touch. It is a true blend of technical exploration and community-rooted artistry.
What makes you happy?
To be honest, what makes me happiest is having the space to just completely decompress, let my brain rot for a bit, and then dive into crafting.
Being neurodivergent, my days can take a lot out of me, so carving out time to truly rest and recharge without any pressure is essential. Once I have had that time to reset, getting lost in the tactile flow of creating something with my hands brings me so much joy and peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tiedbyadri.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiedbyadri
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/TIED-BY-ADRI/61579680507923/
