The Story Behind the Name

As a first-generation Canadian, I grew up between two worlds. At home, I was Badia, named after my grandmother, rooted in my family’s heritage. Outside, I became Betty, an English name chosen to help me fit in.

At the time, it was practical.

Looking back, it marked the beginning of separating parts of my identity.

I was raised in a family that deeply valued hard work, practicality, and achievement. While those lessons shaped me in meaningful ways, there wasn’t much room for creativity or expressing big emotions. Over time I learned to tuck those parts of myself away because it felt like the path to success.

Years later, I discovered that the very parts I’d hidden were my greatest strengths. My creativity, sensitivity, and imagination are at the heart of everything I do now. I realized, it was never about subconsciously choosing one identity over the other. It was consciously embracing all of who I am: a complex, multi-faceted human.

This is how the House of Badia was born.

‘House’ represents the homes my artwork becomes part of.

‘Badia’ is an homage to my grandmother, my heritage, and the name that has always been mine.

House of Badia is more than a business name and a place to buy art. It’s a celebration of identity, belonging, and the courage to embrace every part of ourselves.