In the western suburbs of Naarm (Melbourne), a backyard in West Footscray quietly flourishes with memory. Here, Maysie Lecciones grows, forages, preserves and cooks – not as hobbies, but as rituals that keep her close to her Filipino roots. What first felt like discovery slowly revealed itself as something deeply familiar: echoes of what she had always known. Food, as she has come to understand, carries her ancestry.

Born in the Philippines and migrating to Australia in 2016, Maysie carries her heritage with intention. As part of The Entree.Pinays collective, she brings her talents to a shared mission – showcasing and celebrating Filipino cuisine, culture and community in Australia.

A multidisciplinary creative, Maysie works as a photographer and visual designer across branding, illustration, print and digital design, creating thoughtful work for purpose-led brands. Most recently, her illustrations feature in Breakfast with Nanay, a tender children’s book exploring Filipino breakfasts and the quiet love shared between anak (child) and their Nanay (mother).

Maysie is most energised by work grounded in identity, food and care for the planet. She approaches each project with quiet conviction, holding equal pride in everything she creates and valuing alignment over scale. Her practice is less about output and more about responsibility – to culture and to place.