Pharma was my profession. Crafting is my obsession.
Hi, I’m Laura, the creative mind (and glitter lover) behind PharMA- a colorful DIY craft blog where everyday life gets a handmade makeover.
For 19+ years, I built a multifaceted career in the pharmaceutical industry. I worked across digital innovation strategy, digital health venture, design operations, rare disease, chief of staff leadership, marketing, and sales.
I’ve worn more hats than I can count. From diving deep into complex projects, to launching digital health incubators, from scaling teams as a Chief of Staff to building digital strategies. I learned how to see the big picture, solve problems across silos, and move fast in a slow industry. I will always be proud of my work and the impact it had on others.
Plot Twist
But here’s the thing…while I was brilliant at optimizing other people’s visions, I realized I wasn’t making space for my own. After two decades of spreadsheets, decks, stakeholder management, and “just one more meeting,” life threw me a layoff that felt less like a setback and more like a redirect.
For years, I danced between two worlds: by day, I was deep in the pharmaceutical industry (think spreadsheets, compliance, and the occasional existential crisis about a leadership slide deck). And by night, I was a full-time crafter, maker, and single mom of two amazing kids who keep me inspired and constantly depleting my craft supply stash!
So I’m doing something radical. I decided to apply everything I learned in pharma to PharMA. Strategy, operations, design thinking, data-driven decision making into building something that is unapologetically mine. PharMA is the creative business I’ve been dreaming about since 2010.
Turns out, the best prescription I could write for myself wasn’t in pharmaceuticals. It was glitter, glue guns, and permission to be fully creative.
The Origin Story
I launched PharMA way back in 2010 as a little playground for the creative side of my brain. A sort of rebellion against the corporate world happening in my spare time. Picture me in my skinny jeans and statement necklace era, clicking away and teaching myself how to build a blog from scratch while juggling my “real job.” (Shoutout to MySpace for turning an entire generation into accidental coders!)
For years PharMA lived a double life. A passion project by night, a side hustle that grew quietly while I climbed the pharma ladder by day. My DIY tutorials went viral. My creative voice found an audience. But I never fully committed to it. I lost momentum because I was too busy being essential to someone else’s mission.
Not anymore.
The name PharMA is my mash-up of two worlds: Pharma + Mama. A nod to the dance between career, creativity, family, and identity. For years, it was a side project. Now, it’s my main event. I’m bringing everything I learned in 19 years of strategic thinking, operations, and innovation to make it thrive!
Emoji Cookies Garland Curtain Rod Hack DIY Stained Glass R2D2 Diaper Cake Hedgehog Pencil Holder Flip Flop Cookie Pops DIY Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Costumes American Flag No Bake Cake Origami Money Palm Tree How to Make a Crayon Wreath Easy Micro S’mores Breast Cancer Awareness Printable DIY Toddler Hula Skirt Record Favors Cheese Mouse DIY Pregnant Skeleton Costume Ground Hog Cookies S’Mores in a Jar Mentos Candy Pencils Money Christmas Tree Diaper Babies Snowman Poop Printable Swaddled Baby Chocolate Favors Cookie Monster
Fun fact:
I was a Theatre Arts major and once voted “Most Likely to Be Martha Stewart”—a title I wear proudly, glue gun and all. And another fun fact I’ve had swirling in my head for years is that Martha didn’t start her empire building until her mid forties. Apparently I’m right on time!
Popular DIY Projects & Craft Ideas You’ll Love
Here you’ll find easy DIY tutorials, fun craft ideas, creative printables, party inspiration, and seasonal projects all guaranteed to make your life at least 42% more whimsical.
Over the years, my DIY projects like Diaper Babies, S’Mores in a Jar, Olivia Crayon Wreath,Pregnant Skeleton Costume, and my Hedgehog Donut Holes have been shared hundreds of thousands of times and featured in various online and print publications.
Elf Wars is my sister and I spreading holiday cheer and mischief through our Elf on the Shelf antics!
Designer Doses on Etsy & Zazzle
While the blog is all about free inspiration and DIY tutorials, I’ve also launched Designer Doses on Etsy and Zazzle! My growing shop of customizable digital designs, printables, DIY templates, and funny pharma-inspired swag.
Designer Doses is where I get to blend my love of design and my obsession with making people smile. The perfect gift and DIYs for anyone who loves a dose of fun! The shop is growing constantly, so follow along to see what’s new! You can also find more on my Shop Page.
Beyond the Blog: My Children’s Books
When I’m not crafting, you can often find me writing or doodling. I’m also the author and illustrator of the children’s book series called The Secret Life of Beans. Where lima beans have big adventures! These tiny beans have huge personalities too! Letting me sprinkle playful creativity into stories that make kids (and adults!) giggle, imagine, and fall in love with the little things.
My Creative Philosophy
I believe that creativity isn’t a luxury…it’s essential medicine for the soul! So if you’re juggling a career, raising kids, navigating unexpected life changes, or just trying to survive Tuesday, there’s always room for a little handmade magic in your life.
My mission? To prove that you don’t need fancy supplies, Pinterest-level skills, or hours of free time to make something beautiful. You just need permission, a little glitter, and the willingness to try. (I learned that the hard way…and I’m still learning.)
Whether you’re here for DIY projects, crafts, party ideas, printables, or just a little creative inspiration… Welcome to PharMA, I’m so glad you’re here!
Your Dose of DIY!
Warning: side effects may include glitter, joy, and an irresistible urge to create something right now!
Want to work with me? Reach out– I’d love to hear from you!
