DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT – NIGHTINGALE – MARA NIGHTINGALE
I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Mara Nightingale most known for her work building Mist Valley not only as a sim but a vibrant community. Mara “Nightingale transcends virtual designs to create a transformative journey in visual communication. Each project [she] does showcases intricate designs and dynamic storytelling, resulting in captivating experiences.” If one glances at her portfolio, one will find an abundance of hidden treasures all based on her exceedingly creative skills.
Question: What made you want to start creating/decorating/landscaping in SL?
Mara: Creativity has always been at the heart of who I am. While watching Year Million on Disney+, I discovered Second Life, which sparked something in this idea of limitless possibility. I became captivated when I realized that SL provided a platform where imagination could take concrete form. The freedom to design entire worlds, landscapes, and immersive spaces was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. The more I build, the more inspired I become. Whether I’m crafting cozy interiors, lush gardens, or full seasonal transformations, creating in SL feels like breathing magic into pixels—and I can’t get enough of it.
Question: What inspired the name Nightingale?
Mara: I’ve always loved The Good Witch series, especially the character Cassie Nightingale. Her grace, warmth, and quiet wisdom deeply resonated with me. So, when the surname “Nightingale” became available in Second Life, I couldn’t resist. It felt like the perfect fit—not just as a name but as a symbol of the presence I wanted to bring into my creations: thoughtful, enchanting, and filled with heart. Over time, Nightingale has come to represent my brand, aesthetic, and the spirit of what I create.
Question: What’s one thing you have created/done that makes you smile every time you see it?
Mara: Without a doubt, it’s Mist Valley. It’s more than just a region—a shared dream brought to life with my best friend, Casey, from Laminak. Collaborating with her is pure magic; we balance each other creatively and bring out the best in one another. Mist Valley is our sanctuary in Second Life, where we’ve poured our hearts. Every time I log in and see the landscape we’ve shaped, the stories unfolding, and the peaceful energy of the space, I can’t help but smile. It’s home.
Question: Do you have a creative process? For example: silence, music blasting, quiet music, coffee, tea, something else?
Mara: Absolutely. Music is essential to my creative flow—it sets the tone and immerses me in the world I’m building. I tailor my playlist to the projects: when I created a 1920s speakeasy, I had jazz and swing tunes playing the whole time. It helped me fully step into the mood of the space. And no creative session is complete without a warm cup of tea by my side. That combination—music, tea, and imagination—gets the energy flowing every time.
Question: You list a lot of creative skills on your website. What was the first item you made for Nightingale, and why did you choose it? What was the very first time you landscaped/decorated a sim, and what was it?
Mara: The first item we created for Nightingale was the Mist Valley Tea Tins. They were initially designed for Mystara, the cozy tea shop at the heart of Mist Valley. Each tin was carefully crafted to reflect the charm and character of the region, with seasonal blends and whimsical labels that told a story of their own. It was the first collaboration between Casey and me—we poured so much love into every detail, from the design to the naming of the blends. Those little tins represent the essence of Mist Valley: warm, thoughtful, and made with intention.
My first region project was Lunaria, a magical fantasy realm. Lunaria drew inspiration from the European Late Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and a blend of mythology, fantasy, and alternate history. It was a world where magic coexisted with natural law, harmony with nature shaped every build, and rich narratives wove together diverse beings and settings. Creating Lunaria was where I truly found my voice as a world-builder, and I’ve been creating ever since.
Question: What’s your favorite thing about the creative process?
Mara: For me, the greatest joy of creating is sharing it with the Second Life community. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about watching others explore, connect with, and find inspiration in the spaces and items I’ve crafted. Knowing that something I imagined can bring a sense of wonder, comfort, or joy to someone else—that’s what keeps me creating. It’s not just about the building itself; it’s about the experience it offers others.
Question: Conversely, what is the worst thing?
Mara: The hardest part is not having enough time to bring all our ideas to life. So many projects are bubbling in our minds—stories to tell, spaces to build, experiences to craft—and never enough hours in the day to do them all justice. It’s a constant dance between inspiration and imitation, but I remind myself that the ideas will wait patiently until their time comes.
Question: Anything else you’d like to share?
Mara: Since discovering Second Life, my world has grown in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. It’s not just about building regions or crafting objects—it’s about the connections I’ve made. I’ve met incredible people and formed friendships I truly cherish. Mist Valley is a collaborative labor of love, and I’m grateful to work alongside a team of dear friends who make the experience even more meaningful. Special thanks to my best friends, Casey Tripsa, Rain Nightingale (rain.lyvette), Wayanoru Megadon, and RunaTheQuiet—each brings something unique and magical to the valley. I’m so lucky to share this journey with them.
Favorite Season? Spring
Sweet or Savory? Savory
Cats or Dogs? Cats, but I love all fur babies!
Favorite Holiday? Samhain
Beach Day or Mountain Getaway? Mountain Getaway
Books or Movies? Books, always books!
Pizza or Tacos? Tacos
Netflix Binge or Outdoor Adventure? Outdoor Adventure
Gold or Silver? Silver
Pineapple on pizza? Sometimes, yes!
Thank you, Mara, for taking time for this interview. It has certainly been a pleasure getting to know more about you and your SecondLife passions.
Make sure you follow Nightingale on all of their social media platforms. Stay up to date with all of their events, new release and more with their social media and on all the Love to Decorate platforms as well.