Meet Our Artists
The Hands Behind Every Gift.
Every item at Blissful Seeds was made by one of our artists — adults with autism and developmental disabilities who have turned their creative talent into a real career. These are not hobbyists. They are professional makers, business owners, and the heart of everything we do.
Nick Imthurn
Nick was born with a rather rare genetic disorder called Williams Syndrome. He was diagnosed at 3 months of age. Williams syndrome is caused by a microdeletion of genetic material on the 7th chromosome. It results in a constellation of developmental delays that include learning disabilities, low muscle tone, heart anomalies and struggles with visual-spatial tasks such as writing and drawing. On the plus side people with Williams Syndrome often have sunny, friendly personalities and a love of music. Nick displays many of the above characteristics. Â
After graduating high school Nick worked at a Preschool for several years. Part of the time he was a volunteer and he was also paid for several hours a week of work. Nick did not love working with little ones but he enjoyed the other teachers and aides and was well known at this school. Nick loves making and spending money so he rarely complained about this work. Once COVID started spreading, the Preschool closed down. When it did reopen they limited the number of aides in the classroom. Nick was unable to return to this job. He really struggled with finding employment that was the right fit for him. He was bored and somewhat lonely for over a year. In January of 2022 Villa de Vida started a program for meaningful work and volunteer work 3 days a week. One of the work sites they secured was at Blissful Seeds. Nick enjoyed the program and loved what he was learning at Blissful Seeds. At the end of the 3 month program he was hired to do the resin work for Blissful Seeds. Â
There are so many ways Nick's job at Blissful Seeds has changed and improved his life. Getting a job offer from Rita was something he is very proud of. He loves that he can do his job independently. He is thrilled when people compliment his work. Nick is more confident since starting his employment at Blissful Seeds. He feels competent and enjoys talking about the work he does. He loves getting paychecks and is currently saving for a deep sea fishing trip. This job has provided structure and purpose to his life and ended the isolation he had been experiencing.  He hopes to be producing resin crafts for Blissful Seeds for many years to come.
Laura Imthurn (mom)
Amanda
Raising a child with Down syndrome is a journey full of unique challenges, unexpected joys, and major life lessons. My daughter, Amanda, has been my greatest teacher. She has shown me the true meaning of unconditional love, hard work, and acceptance.
When Amanda was born, she brought a special light into our lives. Hearing her diagnosis brought a mix of emotions, including fear and uncertainty about the future. But above all, I felt an overwhelming love and a deep determination to give her the best life possible.
Amanda has a unique way of seeing the world. She finds joy in the simplest moments and spreads love wherever she goes. Watching her grow and overcome obstacles with grace has been incredibly rewarding. She reaches milestones in her own time, and we celebrate every single achievement with pride.
After moving from New Jersey to Tennessee, our family finally settled in San Diego. Here, Amanda found a wonderful sense of purpose with the Blissful Seeds team.
She has learned so many skills, which gave her a great creative outlet. Seeing people appreciate and buy her handmade items has given a huge boost to her self-esteem. She has truly found a supportive environment that values her unique talents.
Raising Amanda has had its ups and downs, but I wouldn't change a single moment. She is my greatest blessing, and I am endlessly proud to be her parent.
Sincerely,
Joann
Amanda's Mom
Michael
Meet Michael Nasrallah, a young boy with autism who sees the world in colors. Despite the challenges he faces, his keen eye for detail and his creativity, Michael creates colorful paintings that catch people's attention.
Michael has a special talent for acrylic pouring, tilting and layering paint into swirling abstract pieces full of movement. His artwork reflects his inner world, and he translates it onto canvas with passion and skill. His art is now displayed at Blissful Seeds store and website.
Beyond his art, Michael inspires everyone around him with his enthusiasm and positive attitude. He approaches every day with curiosity and wonder.
With a supportive network of family and friends by his side, Michael continues to navigate the world with courage and resilience, proving that autism is just one aspect of his identity and not a limitation. Through his colorful lens, Michael Nasrallah reminds us all to see the beauty in the world and embrace life's diversity with open minds and open hearts.
Rustin
Meet Rustin!
A joyful bundle of energy homegrown in Poway.
He brings his curiosity and talents to Blissful Seeds, as he has had a knack for colors, shapes, and patterns since he was a little kid. Rustin now lives by himself in Villa de Vida in Poway. He cooks for himself and makes his creative recipes.
Before joining Blissful Seeds, Rustin worked at Diego Public Library in Rancho Bernardo for years. He also worked at the Poway-Midland Railroad as a platform support. Rustin is currently attending Miramar College. He has a certificate in Office Administrative Assistant.
His favorite activity is swimming. Rustin also enjoys playing softball and basketball in the community.
Rustin is proud of his artwork, making gourmet soaps and candles at Blissful Seeds. He is very appreciative of the incredible opportunity he has as a part of Blissful Seeds. He touches every piece of his artful creations with joy and love!
Zaid
Zaid is an inspiring young adult with autism who joined Blissful Seeds during the COVID-19 pandemic. He wanted to get involved and try new things, so he learned how to make soap with the help of his mom. Every time his mom dropped off his handmade soaps at the Blissful Seeds workshop, Zaid was incredibly excited to be part of the community.
When schools reopened and Zaid's schedule filled up, his mom looked for new ways to keep him creative and engaged. She introduced him to various art kits, which is how he discovered Diamond Art Painting. Right away, Zaid showed a natural talent for it, working with a lot of patience and precision.
When Zaid finished his first piece, he wanted to try selling it. The team at Blissful Seeds immediately supported his goal and put his artwork on display in the store. Customers loved his designs and appreciated all the hard work and love he put into them.
Today, Zaid brings new artwork to Blissful Seeds almost every week. He is incredibly proud of his creations, and his hard work inspires everyone around him.
Owen
Owen Roy is a talented artist from San Diego, California. Growing up, he faced a lot of pressure in school while also dealing with autism and dyslexia. Even though it was tough, Owen was determined to find his own way in life, even if it meant skipping the traditional college path.
His family encouraged him to give college a try, but Owen felt overwhelmed and unhappy. He decided to leave school after just one month. Soon after, his life coach introduced him to an organization called Blissful Seeds. At first, Owen was nervous and didn't have much confidence in his art skills. However, the community welcomed him warmly, and he quickly discovered a love for creativity.
After trying out different types of art, Owen found his true calling: shell art and mosaic. Today, he turns natural materials into beautiful, useful art pieces for people's homes. For Owen, each mosaic represents his growth, hard work, and the joy of sharing beauty with others.
Owen’s art is more than just decoration. It is proof that you can overcome challenges, discover who you are, and find happiness in unexpected places. His journey inspires others by showing how art can heal us an