About Me

I didn’t set out to start my own shop, but in 2020, while freelancing and collaborating with others, I realized I could make a meaningful impact building websites, crafting social media strategies, establishing systems for smoother operations, and most importantly acting as a trusted advisor to business leaders.

Because I ask for each founder’s story, it’s only fair that I share mine here. I was born in southern Missouri as the youngest in a family that led with a love of community, unconventional wisdom, and a strong work ethic. My parents separated when I was very young, leaving my mother to make ends meet in a variety of roles—from special education teacher to janitor, factory worker to farmer, and more—to provide for us. Despite the challenges, I never recognized how difficult life was because surviving was a team effort.

At age 10, we moved to suburban Chicago to care for my grandparents, and I gained access to a better education and more opportunities. In high school, I dreamed of becoming an artist but pivoted to business for fear of the financial uncertainty every artist faces. Community college introduced me to business classes like Economics and Accounting, and I excelled academically, even earning a Bronze Medal for Informational Speaking at Phi Rho Pi, the National Junior and Community College Forensic Association and Honor Society in 2007.

With a full scholarship, I transferred to Washington University in St. Louis, where I majored in International Studies. During my time there, I studied abroad in France, spoke at a leadership conference in South Korea, and participated in countless campus activities. After graduating in 2009 in the midst a global recession, I taught English in South Korea and worked in leadership programs in D.C. and New York City.

I loved living like a tumbleweed, but felt like a I needed to learn more so I returned to WashU for a master’s degree in International Affairs. I also did a summer semester abroad in International Development at the University of Oslo. While a graduate student, I worked full time at WashU in Alumni and Development cold calling alumni and parents to ask if they would meet with a development director traveling to their city.

It was a numbers game that became rote at a certain point so I took a sabbatical in search of meaning and in hopes of a clear sign of what should come next. I returned to Norway to connect with distant relatives, toured museums across Europe, and studied painting in the south of France.

Alas, all good things come to an end and I explored roles in advertising, sports, and insurance—each blending marketing, sales, communications, and operations. After the company I was at was acquired and my position made redundant, I transitioned to freelancing, which allowed me to use my diverse problem-solving skills to help clients in their starting up journey.

Today, I’m focused on projects with clients that are highly motivated, invested (time & money), and growth oriented. I’m always open to collaborations that make a difference and build community.

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