​I've spent the last 2 decades working in animal welfare, handling customer service, analyzing data, helping shelters navigate the scary realities of disasters, and supporting the hardworking employees however possible.

 

I filled my creative bucket as a part-time, professional photographer, hosting parties for our pets, creating  and decorating our home for the holidays in unique themes (with plenty of sparkly, twinkly lights, of course).

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I started painting in early 2023 after my husband set up a date night for us to "paint & sip" at home, not knowing that sweet gesture would crack my heart like a glow stick, illuminating a path I never imagined pursuing!

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I kept painting after our date night, experimenting in acrylic and gouache, and learning as much as I could about the styles and subjects that inspired me. I  started dabbling in watercolors in the autumn of 2024, only as a way to continue painting while traveling. ​

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​My teammate, Cameron, asked if I could paint a portrait of her best friend's dog, Scampi, a former puppy mill Frenchie, as a memorial gift. The closest I had come to painting a pet portrait was a cute dog illustration while on a work trip, but of course I wanted to help.

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​​Scampi's mama is the director of an animal shelter in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene was horrendous in many ways. While the Asheville area was fighting to survive the hurricane, Scampi had a severe medical crisis while hunkered down at the shelter with her mama. There was no way to get her help, and no way to relieve her pain successfully. Her mama had to make the heartbreaking decision to help Scampi cross the Rainbow Bridge.

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Scampi opened another path to me

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I adore handwritten notes, pretty pens, whimsical note cards, creative and thoughtful gifts, and personal touches.

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