HOW I GOT HERE (The Short Story)

My big aha! moment came while I was in a self development workshop <at age 24> figuring out what to do with my life. The term “Luminary Fashion – the fashion of personal truth” came to me. This was back in 2002. I wasn’t exactly sure where it would lead, but I believed deeply in the notion. So deeply that I had 1000 postcards printed in two colors with the tagline – cha-ching!

I had been working as a massage therapist and doula. I had also been making and selling my bespoke jewelry line to friends and boutiques across the country for over 10 years (what can I say, I’m an entrepreneur at heart and had parents who supported me in my art!).

I became very involved in the local designer scene and fashion shows in Portland. I even invested in taking my jewelry collection to New York Fashion Week.

Sure I had mentions in magazines and jewels on celebrities, but my greatest fulfillment came when my design resonated with the intended wearer. You know the feeling when you say “Wow, this is SO me!”? That’s what I shot for with each project.

Getting to know each individual or store before designing pieces for them was a true pleasure but I couldn’t seem to make enough money off one-of-a-kind pieces and became more and more excited to share other designers’ work.

I loved helping my massage clients celebrate their figures but I wanted to do something more creative and I’d heard about personal styling.

Being around bodies as a massage therapist had taught me that everyone has imperfections and we all just want to feel good and be confident.

Since clothes are our second skin, I thought bringing my warmth, knowledge of the human anatomy, and background in art/design to my friends and fans could be valuable to them.

First I practiced. I practiced closet organization and styling for two years on the weekends in my friends’ closets.

I studied fashion and explored what was available locally and online. I traveled for inspiration.

Meanwhile I had earned a job at a renowned animation studio in Portland. I was making contacts all over the world and continuing to design and sell jewelry on the side while I learned about film.

Eventually, once I came to the realization that fashion could absolutely be about much more than models, magazines and mass production, I trusted in my true calling.

I set up shop in 2010. Built by referrals, my client base is now international, circumnavigating the globe from Dubai to Los Angeles, Seattle to New York.

I style vibrant individuals who shine within their industries, passionately advancing themselves both personally and professionally.

I’ve got writers, artists, business owners, executives, jet-setters, down-sizers, healers and hipsters as clients – their styles, budgets and bodies as unique as the individuals they are.

My goal is to save them time, money, and stress over the long haul by imparting the bliss of an interchangeable wardrobe, the value of special pieces, and the art in dressing.

When I’m off duty, find me dancing my heart out, shooting hoops (I played basketball in college), surfing the cold waves of the Oregon Coast, or enjoying good food and wine with my family and friends.

Thank you for visiting my website!