Welcome to Custom AF Life— Let’s Get Messy

Hey there, I’m Anna—artist, builder, problem solver, chaos cruise director, and the mastermind behind Custom AF Life. If you’ve landed here, you’ve probably seen @coffeewithanna or @customafdesigns on social media. Welcome to my little corner of the internet where we make, create, and figure things out as we go.

Who Am I?

If I had to sum it up? A walking creative tornado with a coffee addiction and a brain that refuses to sit still. Raised in a big family-small business kinda way, trained and educated in the corporate world, schooling in design and growth. Always drawn to creating, I’ve worn more hats than I can count. I’m a licensed hairstylist, a former bar owner, a medical advocate, a project manager, a woodworker, a carver, an art therapy practitioner, and a coach. If there’s a skill to learn or a problem to solve, I’m in.

Oh, and I’m also an autistic and ADHD, (AuDHD) which means my brain operates on pure curiosity, a need to create, and a constant state of “Ooo, what if I tried this?” And not always in a fun way for everyone.

Studies show that by diagnosis alone my special type of brain is taking in 4 times more information (thanks ADHD) at any given moment AND produces 40% more new thoughts over a neurotypical brain while at rest (cool cool cool AUTISM). That became too much to keep up with at 44!!! And I thought it was normal my whole life! No wonder I’m exhausted and my body works against me! Here’s to healing the body, mind and soul though creativity.

I’m married to my equally creative, Nero-typical, non-feral (god help him), patient husband, Shane, and together we tackle every project that comes our way—whether it’s life, woodworking, bathrooms, designing, sicknesses, restoring, DIY-ing, or completely reinventing ourselves or a space. We’re a team. To have and to hold, and not be an idiot. We’ve got a blended family, an always-growing list of things we want to build, and a belief that creativity is a way of life. I’m glad he said “I do” and I said “Me too”:)

What’s This Blog About?

Custom AF Life is about designing life on our own terms. It’s about creativity in all its forms—Rolling with the punches, DIY projects, home design, art, and everything in between. But it’s also about the messy middle—the trial and error, the figuring-it-out, the process of navigating life with multiple passions, about a million projects happening at once, and everything topped with the fun sprinkle surprise of a janky immune system at play that likes to throw blindsides to keep us on our toes. Everyday is the craziest game of “Yes, And” improve I’ve ever played and I’m excited to start documenting all the creativity we come up with here. Welcome!

Here’s what you can expect to find:

✔ DIY Projects & How-Tos – Everything from woodworking to art to custom designs.

✔ Creative Problem-Solving – Because life is just one big design challenge.

✔ Mental Health & Growth – Navigating creativity, neurodiversity, and finding balance.

✔ Behind-the-Scenes Chaos – Because not every project goes as planned.

Why “Custom AF” Life?

The “AF” is a double entendres. Although known by most by my maiden name of Haley, my married name is Fielder. Custom AF Designs on social media is where I started documenting my creativity. The AF standing for my initials as well as the OG implications. Either way, the “AF” is my vibe no matter what it stands for. Because life isn’t one-size-fits-all. Just like each new design, it’s meant to be custom—built, shaped, and reworked until it fits exactly right. And let’s be real, it’s also a little chaotic (hence where the OG meaning of the “AF” applies greatly).

So if you’re here for inspiration, some creative motivation, or just to see what happens when a feral raccoon, with way too many ideas start a blog, you’re in the right place.

Let’s Make Something Amazing

This is a safe creative space for all who love to create, build, and embrace life in all its messy, imperfect, completely custom ways. So grab a coffee (or a paintbrush), and let’s get to work.

Drop a comment and let me know what brought you here—I’d love to hear from you!

Welcome to Custom AF Life. Let’s design something great.