My artistic path began early—drawing on walls, textbook covers, and notebooks, inspired by commercial artists like Derek Riggs. After earning my Fine Art degree and later a Master’s degree, I built a successful career in graphic design. I worked for several organizations over the years including Harrah’s Entertainment and Discover Financial. I also founded my own design agency in Las Vegas.

The 2008 recession destroyed everything I had built, forcing a complete rebuild. What followed were many years of hard work to reinvent myself professionally and personally that put my brain into a complete survival mode—operating a home inspection business with strenuous 14-18 hour days while simultaneously being submerged in the intensity of pilot training. When I add the other pressures of life, my brain was collapsing from the relentless demands coming from all directions. During this time, my creativity and joy — a huge part of who I am — was nearly obliterated. I wasn’t operating on fumes, my tank was bone dry and I lost who I was. That is when the house of cards finally fell.

But like a forest fire that clears ground for new growth, a seed began to sprout from the destruction. I moved to the beautiful state of Tennessee and accepted a job at FedEx World Headquarters in aviation operations. That changed everything! This isn’t just a new chapter in life, it’s an exciting new book! Surrounded by pilots, jet aircraft, and the world I’d been fascinated by since childhood, that seedling of creativity is growing into a beautiful tree blooming with new life. At first, I felt flickers of my old self returning, and I then fanned the flames. Soon, my old true self returned with passion and excitement.