From Survival Mode to Creative Revival: The Truth Behind Our 3-Year Hiatus

I’m beyond excited to finally reflect on the launch of my latest collection, Aloha Avenue. This collection feels deeply personal—it marks a new chapter for Gemma Lee after a three-year gap, but it’s more than that. It’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the journey I’ve been on since facing a life-changing concussion in 2021.

When the concussion hit, everything changed. The world became a lot smaller as I struggled with tasks that once seemed simple. I couldn’t look at screens, I couldn’t focus, and I found myself in survival mode, just trying to make it through the day. My passion for creating, designing, and building Gemma Lee had to be put on hold while I focused on healing.

But in that stillness, I learned valuable lessons—patience, self-care, and the importance of taking life one small step at a time. It wasn’t an easy road, but I was constantly reminded of the power of community. Your support, whether you’ve been here since the early days or recently joined the journey, kept me going and fueled my determination to return when I was ready.

When the time finally came to design again, I knew I wanted this collection to be something special. I found my inspiration in the vibrant, playful energy of Waikiki Beach, where Aloha Avenue was born. The colorful umbrellas, carefree surfers, and the overall joyful atmosphere helped me reconnect with my creativity in a way I hadn’t felt in years. Every piece in this collection reflects that sense of freedom and fun, and I poured all the love I had into making them.

Now that Aloha Avenue is out in the world, I can truly say this collection represents so much more than just a return to designing—it’s a celebration of overcoming challenges and embracing the waves of change.

Thank you for standing by me during the most difficult time of my life. Your unwavering support means everything to me, and I’m so excited to continue this journey with you.

Gemma Lee x