Whether I’m designing a space, styling an outfit, creating a dish or dabbling in dating, my go-to motto (and soon-to-be neon sign) is "everything is an experiment." It takes the pressure off of trying to be perfect – since experiments are inherently messy and often go awry – and keeps things fun and interesting.
everything
IS AN EXPERIMENT
MY MOTTO
speaking of FUN...
I’ve been a spin instructor since 2015 –– which is how I discovered my love for teaching, motivating and inspiring others –– and since we move to the beat of the music, it’s basically fulfilled my childhood dream of being a dancer (albeit on a bike).
at HOME
Those who know me (or follow along on IG) know that my apartment is an ever-evolving space, where I try new DIY concepts and techniques, style up a storm and design until I’m delirious – then do it all again – but you might not know the reason why...
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I thrive on change and challenging myself creatively
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I LOVE the creative process, even when the end result looks nothing like I'd planned (which is more often than you'd think, but usually for the better)
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I genuinely want to inspire and empower others –– particularly women –– to create, fix and build things on their own, regardless of whether they're a homeowner or a renter like me
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And I just really enjoy sharing design ideas (including what worked and what didn't), which I'll be documenting on my new blog, through easy-to-follow HOW-TOs and clever DIYs for your home, apartment or Airbnb
wanna see what i have in store?
I'm an
ARTIST
After a nearly 17-year hiatus, I got back into creating art a few years ago and have had fun exploring that side of me again. I tend to gravitate toward florals and abstracts (drawings, paintings and pastels), but have a sketchbook FULL of ideas that I’m excited to make and share here...
I’m a regular at TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Nordstrom Rack, thrift stores and flea markets (because I love a good bargain and rare finds!)
I may spend most of my time in workout clothes and a messy bun, but when the mood strikes, I'll rock the sh*t out of a dress, funky heels, bohemian waves and a sassy smokey eye.
I'm a fitness buff
WHO PLAYS DRESS-UP
click on an image to enlarge it
I’m a spontaneous, I-don’t-realize-I’m-doing-it, winker, so people either think I’m reeeeal friendly or a little crazy. (both are true, to be honest. Ha!)
It wasn’t until my early thirties that I realized how imperative down time is for me AND that it’s okay to take it. As outgoing and social as I tend to be, I am also someone who needs peace and quiet in order to ground myself and reset. Honoring that has made a world of difference for my energy, mental health and overall wellbeing, and ensures that I can show up for others as the truest, most joyful version of myself.
I laugh at myself constantly and cry for no reason at all – not usually at the same time, but I wouldn’t put it past me! – and while I'm stubborn and strong-willed, I'm also easily affected by how people treat me and others. (#empathproblems)
silly +
SENSITIVE
MY APPROACH TO DESIGN
design is a feeling
NOT A TREND
Whether you’re a renter, a homeowner or an Airbnb host, I believe that your space should speak to who you are and how you want to feel, not to what’s currently trending on Instagram or Pinterest. Don’t get me wrong: I love both those platforms for inspiration and ideas –– and rely on them for all the projects I work on –– but when it comes to intentional design (be it for my apartment, an Airbnb or a retail shop), I always start by asking myself or my clients this question: “how do you want to feel when you (or your guests/customers) walk into the space?”
Getting clear on that question will help inform the decisions you make during the design process. After all, you may like the look of a particular style, trend or design element (color, pattern, furniture, etc.), but if it doesn’t align with the feeling you want for the space you're designing, then it might not be the right fit for you and/or that particular project.
Remember: Trends will come and go, but a feeling can last a lifetime (or at least a few years).
Want more tips and tricks for intuitively designing your space?!
10 more
FUN FACTS
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I played soccer and was a Division I college athlete
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I lived in London
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I’m left-handed (and left-footed)
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I’m allergic to gluten (thanks to Celiac Disease)
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I have EIGHT tattoos!
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My favorite movie is Dirty Dancing and I may or may not still have a crush on Johnny Castle (because "nobody puts Baby in the corner")
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I'm a bookworm
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I’m basically the QUEEN of random and totally obscure movie/TV quotes and song references. There’s even one on this website –– have you seen it?! (Hint: it’s on the Home page)
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My drink of choice is Sauvignon Blanc (or Sauvy B, as I like to call it)
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This will probably come as no surprise, but Carrie Bradshaw (from Sex in the City) is my fashion spirit animal. The shoes, the outfits, the hair –– I love it all!
SPEAKING OF HAIR
I'm going gray
+ LOVING IT
After nearly 20 years of coloring my hair, I ditched the dye in November 2019. It was mostly to save money, but also to see what my natural shade – grays and all – actually is, and I’m happy to report: the grays are here to stay!
When it comes to work, I have a propensity for pursuing multiple passions simultaneously (read: I’ve never had just one “job”) and I love learning new skills – both might explain my robust resume...
my
career
PATH
From hospitality, public relations, advertising sales and copywriting, to event design and production, wedding styling, Airbnb design, prop and wardrobe styling, corporate development, marketing, branding and content creation — predominately spanning across lifestyle, travel and tourism — it’s all culminated to what I do now: interior styling and design for brand shoots, vacation rentals, retail and residential spaces.
MY JOURNEY TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP
how it all
STARTED
I’m an eternal optimist, who’s also convinced that every ache and pain must be cancer, but then, I’ve had cancer, so can you blame me?
At the end of 2016 / beginning of 2017, I had stage 1 melanoma –– an aggressive and deadly form of skin cancer. Thankfully, we caught it early and got it all before it had the chance to grow and spread, but it was certainly an eye-opening experience. That pivotal moment in my life is actually what sparked my journey to entrepreneurship and ultimately what landed you here!
Nothing like a brush with the big C to make you realize how much more there is you want to do before you die and that there’s quite literally never going to be a “perfect time” to start...
I knew then that I was meant to do more with my life and career –– it’s just taken a few years, several detours and A LOT of experiments, self-reflection, unblocking and trust to figure out what was next. I’m so glad I didn’t give up and that I continue to push through my fears, because I am very excited about what I'll be creating in this space and the positive and joyful impact I know it will have on others.
I hope you'll stick around to see what I have in store!
OH! DID YOU THINK I WAS DONE?
encore!
PERSONALITY TESTS + MORE...
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BIRTH / SUN SIGN: Virgo
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HUMAN DESIGN: Manifesting Generator with Emotional Authority
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ENNEAGRAM: Type 3 (“The Achiever”) AND Type 7 (“The Enthusiast”) – it was a tie!
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MYERS-BRIGGS: ENFP-A (“The Campaigner”)
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THE FASCINATE TEST:
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Primary Advantage: Innovation
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Secondary Advantage: Passion
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Archetype: THE ROCKSTAR
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