How did you become a designer/artist?

I grew up in a very creative and artistic family, and I always considered myself the worst artist of the group. It's funny how it turned out to be my career. You can say I really worked my way up the ladder in the business. I was working on my degree in accounting and waitressing, when I realized that it would be much more fun to create things for a living. I taught myself how to use computer graphics software, which led to designing print collateral for the restaurant I worked for, which led to a small local clientele. Soon after I was hired by a Web development firm and learned how to develop Web sites. Now I'm in school for marketing to tie it all together. It was sort of a natural progression.

Where areyou from originally?

I'm from Harleysville, PA. It's a tiny suburb of a suburb of Philadelphia. I grew up next door to a cornfield. The smell of cow manure is tattooed in my memory.

What are you doing now?

I've turned my focus toward the spa and hospitality industries. I design anything from logos to packaging to Web sites. I offer packages for design materials and handle much of the print production as well. This was the best decision I've ever made; I've had a great response to my designs and it's always fun. People in these industries usually really love what they do and it just makes life wonderful when you can enjoy your clients.

What are your plans for the future?

I have some pretty ambitious goals for the future, some of which include becoming the first hybrid Oprah/Martha Stewart (sans prison)/Bill Gates. Do you think I'm setting myself up for disaster? Realistically, I plan to expand into a complete branding firm.

What American artist inspires you most?

Martha Stewart. She's not technically an artist (is she?) but she's amazing with color and I love the way she can make something simple really stand out. I also love the work of Greene and Greene.

What unlocks your creativity?

I like to go out to a bookstore and look at interiors and architecture. I also get amazing inspiration from Vogue and Elle magazines.