Aftyn Shah is the self-taught artist behind the prints and papercuttings. Although always a compulsive doodler through high school and novice painter in college, she ultimately went into government work and then strategy consulting in Washington, DC. It wasn’t until she moved with her husband and son to St. Louis, MO for a year that she decided to chart a more creative path. Rise + Wander started as a personal reminder to get up and get out, but the hope is to create beautiful and whimsical images that inspire others to do the same.
She's fueled by homemade lattés and Thai food, and spends much of her time away from Rise + Wander exploring local parks with her son and husband. She pretty much wants to be Leslie Knope when she grows up.
Rise + Wander is definitely a family effort, with lots of support and help behind the scenes.