About Me
I’m an artist and creative professional committed to helping artists thrive in the creative economy.
Early Years:
My journey started with a lifelong love of art and the creative process. At five years old, I remember drawing on the walls of my bedroom, in my closet, and anywhere else I could hide them without getting caught. I would spend my afternoons with a pencil or marker in hand, lost in my own world of imagination. I went to after school art classes at The Art Center of Western Colorado, and quickly discovered my love for ceramics. Beginning in middle school, I decided I wanted to become an artist, and I pursued that dream relentlessly. By high school, I was spending countless hours honing my skills, exploring new techniques, and entering art competitions, where I earned recognition and awards. The first time I saw my work hanging in a gallery and made my first sale was unforgettable—it marked the moment that, in my mind, I had become a real artist.
Professional Journey:
At 18, I launched my professional career by creating a personal brand website, which led to my first job as a design assistant at a local interior design firm. A year later, I expanded my skills by founding a virtual assistant agency, where I worked closely with coaches and consultants in the startup world. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—managing gallery operations, leading creative projects, and consulting on business strategy. These experiences have equipped me with a versatile skill set, including client relations, project management, and the fundamentals of running a business.
Rethinking My Education:
While pursuing a BA in Fine Art, a professor’s offhand remark made me reconsider my path and purpose. During a critique, they said that when evaluating the quality of our work, we should think objectively about whether our work deserved to be at a fine arts gallery, or if it deserved to be at a farmer’s market. When I heard that, I thought of all the stunning artwork that I had seen at farmer’s markets and craft markets and the everyday people that brought it into their homes. I thought to myself, “what’s wrong with selling artwork at a farmer’s market? Isn’t it just as valuable if it goes to the homes of everyday people, who will cherish and enjoy it just as much as a fine art collector would?” That pivotal conversation opened my eyes to the invaluable role of local artisans and makers—those whose humble, beautiful work forms the foundation of every thriving arts community.
A moment of revelation shifted my focus from striving to be “good enough” for a gallery wall to something far more meaningful: the desire to build a world where the arts are elevated, and creative work is recognized, valued, and nurtured as an essential part of our society.
Purpose-driven career:
I redirected my studies toward a BA in Studio Art, gaining hands-on experience in nearly every artistic and design medium. I worked with my professors to design internship experiences that were instrumental in bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world application. I also added a minor in Business Administration with a focus on entrepreneurship, ultimately graduating summa cum laude from Colorado Mesa University.
From design thinking—a methodology focused on user-centered solutions and iterative feedback—to conducting market research and crafting growth strategies for startups, I curated my education to meet the needs of the new creative economy.
Looking Forward:
My future lies in creative industries, arts and culture organizations, or educational institutions where I can continue my work at the intersection of art and business. I believe that art is more than just expression—it’s a powerful driver of economic and social transformation. I’m committed to empowering artists to see themselves as entrepreneurs whose creative work is valued not just culturally but commercially and to creating communities where creativity thrives and shapes our collective future.
I believe that art is more than just expression—it’s a powerful driver of economic and social transformation.