From the time I was little, I was always making something. I’d spend hours building forts, drawing, crafting, and even finding ways to sell what I made. I set up tables at church craft fairs, added my creations into garage sales, and entered my artwork in the county fair — often coming home with ribbons in first, second, or third place. Even my cookies won a blue ribbon. Creativity has always been part of me, not just something I do.
In fifth grade, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said “architect.” At the time, I loved designing houses in The Sims computer game, and my dad noticed my eye for design. He encouraged me to explore architecture, and by high school we were already researching schools. I went on to study at Iowa State University, where I earned my Bachelor of Architecture in 2013.
But the truth is — I knew early on that traditional architecture wasn’t the right fit for me. I loved the conceptual side of design, sketching, and building models, but when it came to rigid studio critiques and detailed building plans, my creativity shut down. Still, I pushed through the program, not yet knowing what else I could do.
Five years later, I finally landed at an architecture firm. The work stretched me, and while I learned a lot, what I loved most was the people and the sense of growth. Still, I often found my mind wandering — dreaming about patterns I wanted to draw, projects I wanted to try, and classes I wanted to take. I couldn’t help but see design possibilities everywhere.
In 2022, I stumbled onto surface pattern design. I created a few pieces that I still love today, but with a full-time job and two little ones, I couldn’t see how to move forward with it. Then, during maternity leave with my third baby in 2024, everything shifted. I discovered Bonnie Christine’s course, and eventually Immersion — a gift that opened the door to a whole new chapter. For the first time, I had the tools, the answers, and the clarity I needed.
Now, I’ve built Flourish Nest Studio: a place where my creativity, storytelling, and love of design come together. Here, I can create patterns that honor my heritage, reflect my story, and inspire products that live in the everyday moments of others. With my first collection released, an LLC established, and so many ideas waiting to bloom, this is only the beginning.
I’m thrilled to finally have a studio where I can flourish — and I can’t wait to see where this creative journey leads.