“Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them.”
- Marc Jacobs
Passionate. Inspired. Well-rounded. As a designer, I’ve been described as all of these. I do not just have a “passion for fashion,” as the saying goes. I have a passion for helping women discover their beauty, inside and out. I have a passion for seeing my customer live her life with confidence, independence and vitality. My customer trusts that I will create something that will make her feel phenomenal. That is my passion, and that is fashion, to me.
My mother is my biggest fan. From as far back as I can remember, she believed I could do anything. And she told me all the time. She believed I could be a successful designer long before I did. I remember the moment I finally believed though. Central Michigan University. 2008. I always knew I was creative, but didn’t know I could create until my senior collection was walking down the runway at our fashion show. Model after model, look after look. Each had my handwriting, every last stitch. The collection was sophisticated and sassy, much like the designer. There was purpose in every detail. Hand pleated. Hand draped. Created. Inspired by women who are beautiful, confident and powerful. Inspired by women like my mother.
There have been other inspirations, too. I will never forget Paris. A life-altering experience. It was there that I learned to truly appreciate the culture and history of fashion. It was there that I discovered my love for draping and details and designing with purpose. I will never forget New York, either. Interning at Coach in their corporate office was a dream come true. It opened my eyes to what my future could be and how incredibly hard I would have to work to make it in fashion. I would not be where I am today without Paris and New York.
Sometimes I still can’t believe I’ve been working in fashion for over 10 years. But I also can’t imagine doing anything else. I worked for Chico’s FAS for 9 years and have had several positions in my years at Chico’s, moving from product development to design and touching multiple product categories - woven tops, skirts, suiting, pants, denim, and jackets. My customer was a constant source of inspiration. The Chico’s woman is boldy chic & eclectic. She lives life to the fullest and wants to feel fabulous, all while looking beautiful in her own skin.
Where I am now. It was time for me to take a leap and start writing my next chapter. I decided I was moving to the San Francisco area to pursue new opportunities. I was blessed enough to land a contracting job at Old Navy as a Fabric Manager over Women’s Knits. This experience was a pivotal point in my career as all designs start with the fabrication. During my time at Old Navy, I had time to interview and find my dream job. Or maybe my dream job found me… I am now working as a Designer/Product Development/Production for Exclusive Brands- Dresses at Stitch Fix. This is a trifecta of an opportunity and I am beyond inspired by this brand. I am honored to design for her.
Passionate. Inspired. Well-rounded. That’s me. And whatever the future holds, it will continue to be.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and for your interest in my work.