My passion for design…
My love for design started with my mom. As a single parent, she made time to finish her BFA and become a Chicago public school art teacher. On weekends, she’d take me to UIC to hang out in her studio while she drew, painted and built abstract sculptures. She’d hand me a sketchbook and a snack from the vending machine, and we’d create side by side. It was like a dream come true, and it made me realize that art could be more than just a hobby.
In my early twenties, I discovered it could be both a passion and a career. While working as a personal trainer at World Gym in Uptown, Chicago, I needed to market myself to attract new clients. I started designing my own sign-up sheets and promotional materials — and people noticed. Not only did they work, but clients kept asking who designed them. That encouragement reignited my curiosity about turning art into a profession. I went back to school and earned my BFA in Visual Communications at the Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago.
After graduation, I was determined to build a career in design. With patience, persistence and passion, I landed my first graphic design role. And I’ve never looked back. Over time, I worked my way up from junior designer to senior designer to creative leader. Today, what fuels me most is leading and inspiring creative teams, sparking ideas and bringing brand stories to life. My favorite moments are when collaboration truly clicks, whether it’s during an ideation session, a photo shoot or sharing life experiences. For me, creativity is about connection, and I fully embrace it in both my work and personal life.