My family's roots in the Southeastern United States, along with all the tales passed down about relatives are what inspired me to appreciate a good story and pursue a Language Arts Major. I attended my first author's conference at nine years old with a handwritten book of poetry in tow. When I was eleven, I auditioned for community theater and became a paid actress. By thirteen, I reported on recycling for a televised news segment. At fourteen I took up dance with no previous formal training. By the time I graduated high school I had won national awards, toured internationally with Goodwill, and dancing became my second profession.
In college I met my first manual film camera and landed an assistant's position at a studio upon graduating. Within a month I was given the studio camera and taking over clients. Freelance marketing and brand development soon followed. I even began working with an independent contractor redesigning and remodeling homes. In the worst of the housing crash I sold my property on a corner lot, without a realtor, at Christmas, nearly doubling my purchasing price.
It was this skill set that encouraged an owner of an upscale salon and spa to seek me out and ask me to run his business,... and his residence, his ranch, his rental properties, and his New York apartment. I never knew what my day was going to be like. After two diverse years (including inventory, payroll, accounting, and web design) I found a passion for event planning and fundraising.
When I moved to Birmingham, I knew I needed to take a position that had purpose. I was at the Aveda Institute for ten years, starting in Guest Care and Retail Team Lead then working in Admissions as a Financial Aid Manager, Leadership Team Member, and Social Media Creator. By partnering with staff, students, and the community I was able to raise money for Breast Cancer Research, Gulf Restoration Network, Lower Mississippi River Keepers, and the Cahaba River.
Then came a return to my home turf in North Alabama, shortly followed by a collective crazy year for everyone. During lockdown I co-authored grants funding Alabama artists. I am lucky to lead a new Wheelhouse Salon location in Huntsville where I launched an in-house, guest-collaborated magazine devoted to fashion, beauty, trends, inspiration, and art. I've created a visiting artist program to highlight local artists that has been adopted at our Birmingham and Austin locations. I continue to work in commercial photography, photo and fashion styling, and makeup as well as continue my own art practice.