I have always had a passion for art since I can remember. Growing up, I recall always drawing: whether it be in school, at almost every family gathering, or any spare time I had; I always had a pad of paper and some form of writing utensil in hand. I always knew I wanted to be an art teacher (I even dressed as one on career day). However, somewhere along the way I heard the term “starving artist” and learned about “job security” and decided I needed a more sustainable path.

I graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in fall of 2019 with a marketing degree and no idea how I wanted to use it. I continued to work my retail and bartending job while I figured it out until the pandemic put everything to a hault. As the world stood still for a bit, I had ample time to pick back up my abandoned passion. I began drawing and painting to fill my time and calm my nerves. I would share it on my social media and began to get some requests. Before I knew it I was painting people’s pets, their homes, kids, etc. I felt like I was filling a deep desire that I had always had within me to create. From there, I began to make goals to start teaching paint and sip classes so that others could step into their creative being and the joys of painting. 

After teaching several paint and sip classes, there was still one venture that had been calling my name. I knew that Live Wedding Painting would be my next calling.

I am now a full time Painting Instructor, Live Wedding Painter, and Commission Artist. I get asked quite a bit if I ever get to paint from my own imagination or if I’m always painting for other people. The truth is very rarely do I paint something for myself, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. The clients I work with and the memories I have made are so special to me and it’s truly such a rewarding experience that you can’t replicate. Having the opportunity to share what I love is something I’m incredibly grateful for. Each painting I create or paint party I host, carries a story, a moment, and a connection that makes this journey so fulfilling.