For Yusra Khan, a small silk scarf painted during an art class in her early years was more than just a craft project—it was the spark that ignited her lifelong passion for design. Today, as the creative force behind Instagram’s @thatdesertdiary, a digital marketing educator in Riyadh, and a soon-to-be Master’s graduate in digital marketing, she’s turning that youthful spark into a powerful blaze of inspiration.
The Artistic Seed: Silk Painting That Sparked It All
Yusra’s childhood memory of painting a silk scarf in school remains vivid. “The feel of the brush gliding over silk… it felt like magic,” she recalls. That moment unveiled a world of creativity and design, laying the foundation for everything that followed. With every swirl of color, she realized how art could express ideas—but more importantly, feelings. That realization would eventually shape her career path.
The Diary Habit: Cultivating Clarity and Creativity
From early on, Yusra started with the handle themkcanvas, thinking of it as a canvas where she could post whatever she liked. Later on, as her following grew, she realized the name wasn’t easy for some people to remember. So she changed it to that desert diary—if not a canvas, then a diary seemed fitting. She added “desert” to it as a reflection of her roots, having been born and raised in Saudi Arabia.
Launching @thatdesertdiary: Where Design Meets Daily Life
Encouragement from friends and family—who recognized her talent for crafting engaging captions—gave Yusra the confidence to begin posting on Instagram. She chose the handle @thatdesertdiary, a nod to her time in Riyadh’s desert landscape and her desire to document daily stories. Her creative and intimate style resonated quickly. Her posts aren’t just visually striking; they speak directly to people—sharing ideas, tips, and reflections that connect on a human level.
Big Wins: Real Impact That Matters
Yusra celebrates many achievements, but the ones that mean the most aren’t awards—they’re messages from followers and students. Parents have told her how her posts helped ease their daily challenges. Students say her marketing classes are their favorite, and they truly grasp what she’s teaching. While she’s received formal recognition in both content creation and teaching, it’s this personal impact that fuels her passion.
Building from the Ground Up: Teaching in Riyadh
After moving to Riyadh, Yusra began teaching university-level marketing while simultaneously growing her Instagram platform. She notes that teaching itself came naturally—students were eager and receptive. However, content creation posed different challenges. Building an organic following required patience and strategy. Maintaining regular posting schedules and balancing this workload with her studies has been a particularly persistent struggle.
Academic Pursuits: Master’s in Digital Marketing
Yusra recently completed all her coursework for a Master’s in Digital Marketing and is now focused entirely on her thesis. This academic milestone is strategically aligned with her real-world work—teaching marketing students and collaborating with brands to create content. Her thesis aims social media influencers shape consumer behavior in relatable, authentic ways. — area she’s already passionate about.
Expanding Her Vision: From Brands to Parenting Communities
Now, Yusra isn’t stopping at Instagram. She’s branching out into educational resources for parents—developing guides, tools, and communities to help families navigate everyday life. Her long-term vision: foster a supportive environment that connects her audiences, enhances her teaching, and creates a ripple effect of positive impact.
Lesson Learned: The Power of Adaptability
If there’s one lesson Yusra emphasizes, it’s adaptability. She’s seen the digital landscape shift—from long-form captions to engaging Reels—and embraced the change. This flexibility has kept her work fresh and relevant. In her classroom, she’s designing digital-first assignments that challenge students to create, analyze, and think critically—skills AI can’t easily replicate.
Leaving a Legacy: Inspiring Through Creativity and Connection
Yusra’s mission is clear: leave a lasting legacy of innovation and authenticity. She wants to inspire brands to form genuine connections with their audiences, and for her students to use critical thinking and creative expression in everything they do. Ultimately, she hopes her work encourages people to tap into their potential and drive change in digital marketing and beyond.
Advice to Her Younger Self
- Embrace growth opportunities, even when they stretch you.
- Take risks—they often open unexpected doors.
- Build real connections and never hesitate to seek mentorship.
- Prioritize consistency—it’s essential for content success.
- Trust your instincts and be patient—progress is a journey.
What’s Next for Yusra?
- Master’s thesis completion—with insights tailored to digital marketing education.
- Expanded content platform, including parenting resources beyond Instagram.
- New educational formats—online courses, workshops, and digital assignments.
- Continued brand collaborations, emphasizing meaningful and design-led storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Yusra Khan’s journey—from a silk painting in a school art class to becoming a dynamic educator and Instagram storyteller—is a testament to following one’s passions, embracing change, and building connections. Her story reflects the evolving digital world, where creativity meets strategy, and personal impact is the true benchmark of success. Through design, writing, education, and community building, Yusra continues to carve a unique path—proving that pursuing your spark can make a meaningful difference. Do follow her on Instagram.
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