We didn’t have a lot of money growing up but beautiful photos were always a part of our lives passed from my grandfather who studied with Ansel Adams. Just look at me in my room in 1994 at 11 years old! From the landscape postcards, the signed headshots from my favorite soap stars (lol), the polaroids, the scrapbooks on the shelves, the framed memories I cherished, the camera in my hand — not much has changed except my distaste for clutter ;).

I started studying photography in high school and never stopped. I spent my early life taking photos all over the world and of my dearest people. It became my “business” in 2016 when I was unexpectedly laid off from my longtime job running After School Programs.

I now know it is ancestral because as soon as I focused on it - the tools, resources & clients came with ease. It felt like something “clicked” (hehe) and I was in my path; it’s felt like that ever since. I never knew this work could inspire, challenge, flow, and teach me so much about our humanity. Yes, even in pandemic times; when I spent 2020 camping and documenting the country through my lens.

My path never has been and never will be linear - photography is “full time” just like my other project, Hustle & Play; which is a life purpose as well. I help folks live playfully and I’ve been nurturing that since 2013. It’s taken new life since 2020 as the world changed. Both businesses serve similar and very separate parts of how I seek to serve myself & my community.

When I say “full time” I put it in quotes because I don’t work like that — my businesses go in seasons and so do I; in the slower months I take extended time off and connect with nature, loved ones, and rest. At home I am always rollerblading, playing soccer, and setting the record for most Dave Matthews Band shows ever attended. My goldendoodle Koda is usually by my side.