All of us have a story to tell in life, and that story is often pretty epic (or, at least, epic to ourselves haha). We move, we fall in love, we move again, we change, and we evolve. If I had the patience, I would totally write a book (for no reason other than to document my life journal).
Our stories are often reflected in our homes – the houses we learned to walk in, the cities we grew up in, the places where our first adventures took place. Our homes are a big part of the stories we create. So naturally, it makes sense for the decor in your home to reflect or tell that story (or at least I like my decor to do that). It’s nice to get home, look around, and remember what time of your life each piece marked.
When I first came across Mapiful, I thought: “What a lovely modern print. It’s so instagrammable – I need to pick up a print like that”. But when I learnt more about their vision, I fell in love with it that much more.
Their outlook on the world and the stories we create within it are truly the inspiration behind their posters. They believe in stories behind decor (JUST LIKE ME!). Their maps are about remembering those memories and materializing them in a way that adds modern beauty to your home.
Just The Beginning...
The longitude and latitude of this map pinpoints a spot where my life really pivoted. Let’s take it back to 2011. I had just started university. I didn’t really like what I was studying but I had plans on it leading me to law school. I had 2 friends, no boyfriend, a horrible relationship with my parents, and an overall bitter outlook on life. I spiralled into the mentality that I didn’t need anyone and that everyone I did lean on would eventually disappoint me. Basically, I took #MissIndependent to the extreme.
To pay for school, I started working in the nightlife industry – promoting parties (ironic since I really hated everyone) – and that’s where things changed.
This map is of Toronto, but the pinpoint of it is of 456 Wellington Street West, formally known as C Lounge (you might currently know it as The Addison’s Residence). Yes. This is where my life pivoted.
Every Friday night I would throw the necessities in my purse, spritz my favourite perfume and head out the door to C Lounge (putting on my fake smile, ready to greet the crowd). But one Friday night, I met a guy who tried to dance with me. I refused, snickered, and walked away. He connected with me on Facebook and I didn’t reply until he noticed I spoke French and Google-translated his approach. It caught my attention. We became friends.
He told me he would knock down the brick wall I built up. I didn’t believe him. Truthfully, I thought he was gay, so my guard did start coming down. I trusted him with everything.
One night, he kissed me. I freaked out. He didn’t. We became more than friends.
It’s been 5 years since and the guy I snickered at became the person I’ve truly grown up with (if you haven’t caught on yet, it’s Dave 
). He’s taught me about life, about learning, and about love. We’ve gone through family separations, screaming matches, a dog (wassup Simba), and a shared home. It’s been quite the lengthy story together and I look back at every chapter, thankful that it exists.
From that one night at C Lounge, my life pivoted in a direction that led me to a lot more happiness.
So this Mapiful map means a lot more than just a beautiful modern poster that fits my monochrome Instagram feed (that’s just a bonus). It’s about my life and every time I look at it, I remember how far I’ve come, from that bitter young adult. It reminds me to continue the story, to add new chapters, and to accept new opportunities to grow.
Your story is probably just as special. It probably tells your life – your past, your present, or where you want to go. And that’s a beautiful thing to materialize. I hope you’ll tell your story through a Mapiful map and help support this team’s amazing vision to inspire the world. Best of all, it’s easy AF.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
- You decide what map you want (the hometown you rep, the place you grew up, or the city you dream to travel to)
- You customize the text you want your map to say underneath
- Choose its style, size, and orientation
- Gets delivered to your door!
Your home and your decor should speak to the person you are and the person you aspire to become. I hope you’ll tell your story and shout it from the rooftops… if anything, this map will be a great dinner-party conversation starter.
