My youth was spent watching sci-fi tv and movies and exploring the woods behind our home.

Later on, I earned a fine art degree in painting and printmaking while taking computer science classes. After graduating, I joined an art gallery and exhibited my work, but administrative jobs paid the bills in the early days.

Using my admin and creative skills, I partnered on two start-up retail business projects: our patented tech jewelry and fashion accessories that we sold online and in our boutique.

I began teaching myself graphic (and web) design and learned legalese to write patent claims.

We enjoyed traveling far and wide to quality control our goods, attend trade shows, submit new designs, and meet investors. It was our version of Shark Tank.

Tysons Corner Center (a large retail property) visited our boutique and recruited me to be their Visual Merchandiser (VM).

Sure, why not?

The role grew over time. I provided a variety of creative services for the property’s development, marketing, and operations teams, including graphic design and 3D renderings and mock-ups for large format printing (murals and window graphics), storefront window and product displays.

A strong force pulled me into the UXUI orbit and now I am collaborating on new missions to help save the planet.

Especially rewarding for me is the daily camaraderie of working alongside other creatives so teammates can supercharge one another to solve a problem.

The challenge of creating simple designs that are both beautiful and functional makes me leap out of bed each morning.

Hiking and visiting with trees reminds me to look up and keep perspective.

Land art inspires me to do things that seem impossible.

Silly jokes from Boy’s Life magazine really can tickle.

After a really challenging task, it feels delightful to press the Staples “easy” button (in my mind).