Here’s what I want you to know about me. I grew up on a farm and have farmer values.
Working hard.
Helping neighbors.
Loving simplicity.
Pushing boundaries.
Creativity rules.
I have always been drawn to creativity and, maybe, a little bit of rebellion. I joined the boys’ golf team as a teenager after finding out there wasn’t a girls’ team. I shaved my head in college just to see if I’d be treated differently.
I knew early on that I wanted to make my living based on creativity – in business, design, and marketing. I mastered my craft in various graphic design and marketing roles, while freelancing on the side. My experience in design and marketing went especially deep in a variety of industries including banking, publishing and legal, where I provided in-house creative and graphic design services.
These experiences gave me a hands-on understanding of strategic marketing and creative problem-solving. Working in-house at these companies gave me an inside view of the day-to-day challenges faced by business leaders and equipped me with the ability to strategize and design solutions for 29 Design Studio clients today.
Back to those farm values.
Farm people are doers and risk takers. You have to be if you want to survive changing weather and market conditions. We are also notoriously independent. So it wasn’t too hard for me to realize that I wanted to invest my time in building my dream, not someone else’s.
So with the support of my family, I took the leap and started 29 Design Studio. It has been simply amazing. I have been able to live by my values and build client relationships that are fun and fruitful. I have been able to help my clients with purpose-driven, beautiful solutions to their challenges.
It just doesn’t get much better than that. Except being surrounded by my kids and husband as seen here.
Spreading the love.
Here’s another truth about me. It is vitally important for me to share my blessings with others in need. I do that by contributing to non-profit organizations that focus on entrepreneurship, women’s issues, and community youth.
I’m on the Board of Directors for the PMD Foundation which helps those with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease. I run the annual appeal at Our Children’s Place Child Care Centers. I participate in Junior Achievement of Central Upstate NY in K-12 classrooms, teaching today’s youth skills they can use for the future. And I am a member of Great Dames, a social venture providing opportunities for smart and accomplished women.
Grow and flourish.
Nothing makes a farmer’s heart sing more than watching his or her crops grow. That’s the experience I have had as the founder of 29 Design Studio. I have helped our clients flourish. I have cultivated a team of passionate and smart people who care deeply about our work. And my family continues to put a smile on face even when the days are long.
This founder is having a great deal of fun and satisfaction in her life. I’d love to share it with you.