My relationship with art began at a very young age. Those who know me now may find it hard to believe, but I was once a very shy child and found it difficult to speak up. Art acted as my voice during those years.

And though I was lucky to have parents who supported me as I explored various artistic mediums--basket weaving, throwing pottery, ceramics, sewing, beading, macrame--they were also very practical, and convinced me to go to school and major in something that would pay the bills.

Within in 3.5 years, I graduated with a degree in Communications (Advertising) from Marquette University. But not without taking a few classes at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, as part of a crossover program between the two schools.

It was also during this time, craving some sort of artistic expression, that I began painting my TOMS shoes with a bright, colorful feather pattern. They started getting noticed in my classes, but I was too unsure to make a move. It wasn't until I went home one weekend that my mom convinced me to open an Etsy shop, under the premise that if I didn't sell the shoes, she would pay for all the set-up costs. Well, call it "mother's intuition," but I sold a pair before I could collect on that agreement.

My shop continues to serve as both my voice and the way I try to view the world: quirky, bright and in vivid color.