My first memory from my childhood is of feeling in colors. Now, that might not make a ton of sense to you, and honestly it evades me some to this day. I remember intense frustration at my lack of vocabulary adequate to describe the emotions I was experiencing, and to bridge this gap, I would share what color I was feeling. Yellow was excited energy and bursting with joy, baby blues were reserved for drearier days.
Today, I like to think while my vocabulary has expanded (I am an avid writer and daily Wordle competitor), but the way that I express myself and help my clients to express themselves, has not so drastically changed.
Thrifting, Wes Anderson films, books with crinkly pages, the mountains, hiking, camping, Mary Oliver, exploring, fostering dogs that need a little extra lovin', photography, writing poetry in scrawling cursive, coffee (far too much coffee), wild meadows on summer mornings, my ukulele that can't seem to stay in tune, vintage garage sale records puttering on the player.
AUTHENTICITY
Human connection
LEADING WITH HEART
HonestY
Emotional APPEAL
ORGANIC REACH
I have had so many incredible opportunities to collaborate with incredible people, brands, and companies. My first design job was with Swahili Coast, a social enterprise that partners with worker-owned cooperatives in East Africa to help empower women. I am forever grateful to the founders of this incredible company, as they allowed me to grow and explore my passions in a place of purpose. I then took my packed-to-bursting Subaru across the country to Salt Lake City, where I designed for Backcountry through their bustling holiday season. I started my own little studio, Salt & Sunrise, and went on to work as a Senior Graphic Designer with EBY by Sofia Vergara - an underwear company that helps women worldwide start businesses through microfinance loans, and to design lucrative email campaigns for the award-winning Los Angeles-based agency, Structured.
I didn't exactly have a straight and narrow linear career path. My early days were overwhelmingly dedicated to my love for helping others. I wanted to make a difference in the world and leaned in hard. I studied Peace & Justice Studies at Tufts University, volunteered as often as I could find the time, and took my first jobs in the nonprofit realm.
It was here that I discovered something powerful: to shape the world for the better, you can start with your eyes on the mountaintop, but eventually you've got to choose your trail to get there -
I quickly discovered that design is my path, and I haven't looked back since.
I have always had a huge heart for people. I believe in kindness and service, and have always been someone who loves to listen and empathize. Our experiences help shape who we are, and how we choose to interact with those experiences reveals our hearts. That's a pretty special thing and it lights me up.