Raised in Cokato, MN, I lived on a family farm and got my first job at only fourteen years of age. For several long weeks during the summer months, I worked on a rouging crew for a local seed company. Upon graduating from high school, I moved to my first "big city" 4 hours north in Duluth with a dream of becoming a massage therapist.

In 2012, I completed a diploma program to become a Licensed Massage Therapist following 780 hours of clinical training. My original career goal was focused on owning and operating my own practice as I was passionate about helping people relax and feel their best.

From 2012 to 2014, I pursued an associate's degree in Business Administration at Lake Superior College. I sought this to complement my massage training and to acquire valuable skills that would be applicable across various career paths. In the spring of 2014, I was honored to receive the college's Business Administration Student of the Year Award.

While I was busy earning my business degree, I worked both as an independent contractor massage therapist and pharmacy technician. I spent many late nights at a busy 24-hour pharmacy which allowed me to train on the job and prepare for the national certification exam.

Although I loved working as a massage therapist, after a few years I began to think about different paths. I had always intended to get a bachelor's degree one day, so while I was deciding what major to pursue, I worked for Minnesota Power as a customer service representative. Through this role, I discovered the world of electrical utilities and uncovered an interest in renewable energy.

Eventually, my journey led me from Duluth to the Twin Cities where I took a job (somewhat randomly at the time) working for a local, independent jeweler. As I began taking photographs, designing in-store signage, and promoting content on social media, suddenly I was struck with the realization that a career in design was my next ambition.

In the fall of 2016, I was accepted into the University of Minnesota's College of Design which opened the door to an entirely new world of possibilities. I was totally out of my element at first but felt right at home on the St. Paul campus being reminded of my earlier FFA and agriculture days. I committed myself to learning the technical tools to execute the concepts of my class projects and stayed the course.

While studying Graphic Design, I worked part-time at Scheherazade Jewelers in the prestigious Galleria Mall of Edina. Alongside an incredibly talented team of sales professionals, I learned about the jewelry industry and building a social media presence.

Three and a half years, an internship with a Fortune 500 company, a year-long thesis research project, and a lot of hard work later—I graduated with distinction from the University of Minnesota. I had officially became a professional designer, ready and eager to enter the creative field.

Fast forward to today where I often call upon the skills and knowledge of my previous roles to solve problems. My journey was far from conventional but I am so grateful for all that it's given me along the way. The lessons, the friendships, a thirst for knowledge, and a commitment to remaining ever curious—this is truly only the beginning.