Chalit0puzzle
What's your name?
Salome Ramirez Henao
Where are you based?
New Jersey, USA
Tell us about what your ordinary day looks like.
My ordinary day is usually a mix of work, little routines that keep me balanced, and finding small moments to relax. I like staying active, listening to music, journaling, and at the end of the day, sitting down with a puzzle feels like pressing pause on everything else. It’s one of the calmest parts of my day.
How did you get into the world of puzzling?
When I was little, I was always drawn to challenges, and many times I didn’t really have anyone to play with at home. That’s when I started building puzzles. As I got older, there were moments when I would hear family arguments around me, and to escape the noise, I would go into my puzzle world. It became my safe space because there, I knew no one would bother me or distract me. It was just me, focused and at peace with myself.
What makes you keep puzzling & how often do you puzzle?
Puzzling helps me disconnect from stress and reconnect with myself. I love the feeling of concentration mixed with calmness. It’s almost meditative for me. I puzzle a few times a week, and sometimes if I really love a puzzle, I can spend hours on it without noticing time passing.
What is your favorite type of puzzle?
My favorite puzzles are usually the ones with more than 1,000 pieces because I enjoy bigger challenges. In terms of artwork, I honestly love almost every kind: artistic puzzles, single-color puzzles, landscapes, abstract figures, and detailed illustrations. But if someone gives me a puzzle as a gift, it honestly doesn’t matter what type it is. I always take it very personally because to me, it shows that someone thought about me, and that makes it special.
During puzzling sessions, do you listen to anything or puzzle in silence?
Yes, I usually listen to music while I puzzle. I love listening to the kind of music my mom enjoys, like Spanish rock, ballads, and romantic songs. It makes me feel calm and always reminds me of her. When I’m not listening to music, I’ll sometimes put on a series or a movie in the background, but most of the time, it’s the music that keeps me company while I puzzle.
If you were to describe what puzzling means to you, what would it be?
Puzzling feels like therapy mixed with a challenge. It teaches patience, attention to detail, and reminds me that little pieces eventually come together, even when everything first looks confusing.
Tell us about your other interests & joys.
I really enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I also love skating, doing outdoor activities, and making crafts or creative things with my hands. Honestly, I just enjoy keeping myself active and finding meaningful ways to spend my time.
Do you have anything you want to share?
I think puzzling is such a beautiful hobby because it brings both peace and excitement at the same time. Every finished puzzle feels like a tiny victory. I also love how the puzzling community is full of people who genuinely enjoy creativity, patience, and simple joys.
