My journey began with an earthworm and a rebellious moment that would define everything.

 

Think: high school biology class, a petri dish, and an earthworm. There I was, staring down at this lifeless "thing," and something inside me screamed, "Nope, not today." I looked at my teacher and made an executive decision that an F was far more interesting than another moment with that creature. So... I walked out of class and straight into the art room. And just like that; paintbrushes, color, texture, and tone ignited a spark that would forever change my path.

I grew up in a small beach town surrounded by the warmth of my family and rainy afternoons that brought out the earthworms. Those slithering creatures were everywhere after a good storm and another reason art became my sanctuary. In these moments, something about Chicago's chilling snow days called my name, promising fewer earthworms and new possibilities. So I traded tropical breezes for the "Windy City" to discover who I could become. Februarys in Chicago may test me with its bitter cold, but I've never regretted the move and there's no earthworms around. When I make a decision, whether to walk out of biology class or braving subzero temperatures—I commit wholeheartedly.

My world revolves around connection, not just creation. My nieces and nephews have become my greatest teachers—schooling me daily on curiosity, laughter, and unbridled imagination. Through their eyes, I've learned that creativity isn't just a skill but a way of experiencing the world. They've taught me more about imagination than any design course ever could: that rules are merely suggestions, that possibilities are endless, and that joy is an essential element of the creative process. There's something magical about witnessing their potential unfold, reminding me to approach my own creative work with that same sense of wonder and possibility.

So here I am: that girl who chose art over earthworms, who believes bold ideas are born from curiosity, and who's always ready to turn the unexpected into something remarkable.

Let's chat! and create something that hasn't been imagined yet.