I’m a casual, kick-back-in-my-boot-cut-jeans kinda girl, so a formal bio isn’t always my cup of {Good Earth
} tea. But there’s one over here, because I’m also a life-long people pleaser. Yeah, working on that.
I always knew I wanted to work in communications, leveraging the power of media for innovation and inspiration. My career has included co-hosting a national morning show for families {at the now-defunct Radio Aahs}, launching one of the first entertainment web sites for kids, creating public relations campaigns for major U.S. brands, and co-founding and running a media promotions company for General Mills that’s still going strong. I received a very nice paycheck, racked up tons of frequent flier miles, and received sparkly awards. But none of those things made me feel fulfilled or inspired. I found joy on the side creating art and crafts for friends and family. But starting in 2003, a mental health crisis forced me to re-prioritize, re-discover myself and rearrange my life. I started this blog in 2006 as part of my journey to healing and left corporate life behind in 2007 to start Choosing Beauty, Inc. I threw all those corporate awards in the garbage, handed over my file drawers full of spreadsheets and set out upon my own yellow brick road.
That decision not only changed my professional life, but also my life as a mama. I love being around so much more for my two boys, who make my heart melt every day. They are wild and crazy and sweet and snuggly and I know they’re here to teach me more than I’ll ever teach them. I’m also married to a caring, creative guy’s guy who makes me laugh a lot. Brad says we’re “back roads kind of people,” meaning that we tend to take the road less traveled, enjoying the scenery with the windows rolled down and the radio turned up, even if the rest of the world thinks we’re wasting time. We’ve learned to find joy in the detours. I love that!
So, here I am…and I’m so happy to be here. This blog has been my companion {as have many of you} through many key points in my journey – as I spread my wings, launched my art career, coped with loss, celebrated victories, shared disappointments and dreamed big. Today, I write {for me, for you and for companies who need a creative boost}, I create inspirational art, I give rousing pep talks, I highlight goodness, I promote gratitude, I encourage other women to follow their dreams and trust their intuition. I’m so glad to have you right alongside me, noticing all the magic and miracles in our midst.
