WHO IS DOPUNINE CHASER:
My name is Alysha and I have combined-type ADHD (Hyperactive Inattentive). Lottery winner!! I was diagnosed at 31-years-old and this is my space to share my story.
I was raised in Canada in a small town by my parents and have 3 incredibly talented siblings. Our home was chaotic, loud, and full of so much LOVE. During childhood, only my older brother was suspected of having ADHD. I can tell you that all 6 of us have it (some undiagnosed), but we are only finding out now into our 30s and 60s.
I know ADHD has a negative connotation, especially with the older generation. But I promise you, I can show you how amazing ADHD can be when you learn to work WITH your brain.
A diagnosis doesn't mean medication. A diagnosis means answers to why you are the way you are. Society wasn't built for the ADHD brain, but we are the innovators, creators, entrepreneurs. We are changing the world behind the scenes and you didn't even realize it!
I am unmedicated. I have nothing against medication. The timing just wasn't right for me when I was diagnosed. I chose to educate myself as much as I could and I am still learning new strategies and methods to support my brain with what it needs.
MY EDUCATION:
I attended post secondary for 6 years studying child development, psychology, mental health, and learning disabilities (or differences as I prefer - ADHD was included and I don't like the negative tone) to become a teacher. I ended up continuing my education to become a Registered Early Childhood Educator, which I have been in the field working for 10 years now with children aged birth to 5. I've been a mom to a beautiful, curious, red-haired little boy for 2 years. Through my work and inspiration to raise my children to the best of my ability, I have done a self-study on ADHD, anxiety, CBT, behaviour management, supporting emotional development, and breaking generational trauma for 4 years.
THE STORY BEHIND THE BRAND NAME:
Dopunine.chaser began as an idea on December 24th, 2025 when my sister sent me a photo of an ADHD-related shirt and said we both need this. And I said I can make us a shirt (We finally got sublimation supplies).
We giggled at first, but before we knew it we had tossed 7 ideas for unique ADHD designs. I need to write these down, I told her. Why don't we make shirts to sell?! I can make keychains, stickers, magnets, water bottles! Go for it!
We need a name, I said. My sister said it'll come to us. She was right. The next morning, I awoke excited. "The Dopamine Chasers" I presented to her. Good, but missing something.
My sister sent me a design for a shirt with a pun and my brain went "Go for it" and "Gopher It" (her design) and then "Dope A Mean" and "Doe PUN mean" and then "Dopunine"!
Its a combination of the word dopamine and pun because we love puns.
ADHD is chemically caused by low dopamine in the brain. We are known to seek dopamine to raise our levels, whether that is through online shopping, gambling, risky behaviour, gaming, drug use, exercise, food, organizing, etc.
For myself, my business is my happy place. When I get a request for a new recipe and the formula works so I get positive feedback or I'm able to provide insight based on research I've read and it answers their question, I get a hit of dopamine. It feels good to help others.
When I have an idea for a new product or blog and I get to bring it to life, I get dopamine. Some people say I never relax, and in a way they are right, but I feel at peace when I am working on my business.
I am chasing the dopamine. And thus, dopunine.chaser was born!
GOALS OF THIS SPACE:
I want to raise awareness about ADHD (especially in women) and advocate for the neuro-spicy through my free-style writing. It's raw, it's mostly unedited, it's what I felt in the moment. And I want you to feel it too.
ADHD has its challenges, but I am learning to work WITH my brain and allowing it to show me how powerful it truly is.
I also want to change the stigma surrounding admitting you have ADHD (is it ever strong!!) and build a community of fellow neurodivergent individuals.
INSPIRATION BEHIND LOGO/FIRST MERCH DESIGN:
It's a single line drawing (obsessed with those) of a brain and light bulb in one.
Single line meaning every line is connected from the beginning to the end of the illustration. It represents how my thoughts are ALL connected and never, ever stop (I have internalized hyperactivity and thought streaming - that's a big topic to cover but I will!).
The brain represents my ADHD and everything that encompasses which you will learn about through my posts.
The light bulb represents my big ideas and my goals for this page to raise awareness and advocate for neuro-spicy people by educating others (turning on a light/helping them understand).
I'm going to blow your mind (get it, because lights can blow/explode) with what I can teach you and create through this page.
Anyhow, the entire illustration is a metaphor representing how I am finally accepting my brain as is and letting it show me just how brilliant it is through my writing and ideas for strategies/digital products/merch designs all with an end goal to help others with ADHD navigate life with a little less heaviness. Be the light at the end of a sometimes very dark tunnel.
TOPICS EXPLORED:
1. Sharing My Personal Journey - Diagnosis, Post-Partum, Life Before Diagnosis, Daily Life Stories.
2. Random Facts, Quotes, Tips & Tricks about ADHD.
3. Symptoms, Struggles, Talents.
4. Strategies for assisting with daily life - HERE!
5. Breaking Generational Trauma From Undiagnosed ADHD - How We Speak To Children Matters.
6. Common Misconceptions About ADHD - Based On Research & My Own Lived Experiences.
7. Sharing the stories/thoughts behind PUNNY designs. Okay.. they won't all be punny. But there will be a story behind every illustration. These designs will then be turned into MERCH!
8. Probably something else I am currently forgetting.
