I always knew I wanted to be an Artist.
I moved to NYC in 1987 to study Fine Arts at F.I.T. I studied drawing, painting & sculpture.
Realizing rather quickly that I did not in fact want to be a struggling artist, I switched majors to Decorative Arts Restoration. I learned wood-working, gilding, & how to create various decorative finishes.
I was fortunate enough to land a paid internship with Kevin Cross Restoration down in SOHO in 1990. I learned patience & attention to detail… but the creativity factor was lacking.
In 1997 I became a member of the United Scenic Artists Union providing me the great opportunity of working on several feature film sets, one of which was Meet Joe Black. This opportunity allowed me to make use my decorative painting skills, work with my hands & play a part in making a set come to life.
Although it was a great experience, it was far from fashionable & I wanted it all...
To be creative, work with my hands, but not necessarily be covered in paint all the time.
In 1998 A good friend, who was a photographer at J crew, asked if I would be interested in interviewing with her boss. He was looking for a creative, hands on person who wanted to learn the art of styling soft-goods & accessories. He was willing to train me on a trial basis & the rest was history. I was in. I was hooked. I finally found my niche!!! I fell in love with styling.
I freelanced with J Crew for a little over a year before being asked to become a permanent member of their team in 1999. I left J Crew in 2003 after the birth of my daughter, but have continued a wonderful relationship with them as a freelancer ever since.
I realize at this point, that all the other jobs I have been lucky enough to have tried my hand at, have all actually played a big part in grooming me to become the well rounded & successful stylist I am today.
My journey continues…