In 1988, I was in second grade and I drew a picture of myself as an art teacher. That was my goal throughout my entire childhood. I dreamt of being an art teacher. I took SO many art classes. Somewhere along the way though, I lost confidence. I didn’t believe I was capable. I wasn’t good enough. I quit school, gave up my dream and moved on because I definitely was NOT an artist.

In 2008, with no formal degree, in need of extra income and my third baby on the way, I took my hobby of photography and started my first business. For 16 years I grew my photography business, Fresh Art Photography, into something I was incredibly proud of, but still would never have called myself an artist. Even when I opened my dream studio in The Grove neighborhood of St. Louis, MO. Even when I had a waiting list for the mini sessions I hosted with backdrops dreamed up and created by me. Even when I captured moments for hundreds of families they will cherish forever. Even then, I was not a real artist. Never an artist.

When we moved to the small town of Port Washington, WI in 2024, I was devastated to close my beloved studio and start a new chapter along the shore of Lake Michigan. During one of the loneliest times of my life I started crafting. I walked the beach, collected rocks and painted them with tiny pink hearts. I collected driftwood and made frames. I collected more driftwood and I made trees. I got out my sewing machine and made curtains. Then I made a sensory quilt for the special education classroom where I work as a paraprofessional. I took my Grandma’s old dresser scarves and made buntings. I found cute bags and sweatshirts and like-new dish towels at the local thrift store and I sewed things to them. I became obsessed with this one… I thrifted and sewed and realized I was making up my own version of “raw-edge appliqué.” I sewed nonstop and everyone I loved got handmade gifts but an artist? Absolutely not.

Then, in the winter of 2026, I decided to apply for the Port Washington Winter Market to sell some of the sewing projects I’d been making. I was accepted and so I quickly created a new brand I called The Thrifted Stitch. I did three markets that winter, barely sold anything, but realized that the more I was creating, the more creative I felt. And when people walking past me at the markets told me they loved my work I laughed it off and said, “If only I was a real artist…”

One older woman who heard me say that, paused, turned around and said, “You are a folk artist!” And you know what? She was right. I piddle with different supplies. I teach myself. I go into projects knowing they’ll never be perfect. I play and dream and sketch and try and at the end of the day I make art. Folk art feels like the best way to describe my imperfect way of creating but I am getting more and more comfortable with the “artist” part of it all. I AM an artist. A messy, thoughtful and self-taught ARTIST.

So welcome to this tiny little slice of the internet I’ve created just for me and my whims. Currently, I am still doing professional photography in both St. Louis, MO and in/around the Port Washington, WI area. I am also setting up my Thrifted Stitch booth at farmer’s markets about once a month. I hope to sell items online. I am still a full time para educator at Lincoln Elementary School in Port. I’m also a mom to three of the most incredible kids ever, married to my high school sweetheart for over 20 years, am surrounded by people I love endlessly and who love me right back. Thanks for stopping by!