MY STORY

Since childhood, I has always had a love for art and the ocean. Both loves have followed me through my schooling, and kept my attention even while gaining a degree in Molecular Genetics at Drexel University. Once out of college, I knew I needed to indulge that side of myself and put aside pursuing a corporate career to begin traveling. It was  during a season long, modest stay in St. John, sleeping in a tree house and living off the land, where my direction changed. Living so simply stripped myself of the “noise”, bringing me back to what I always wanted to be … a creator. An artist. Winter after winter i continued to traveled around the world, to many islands, Europe and season long says in Puerto Rico, all of which helped fuel this fire.

Not long after, I started my own clothing company, OKOTO, named after my custom board shaping business. Through the brand, I was able to showcase my hand art using apparel as the medium. A respected brand in the industry, OKOTO is now growing into a production company of sorts, so that other artists may also exhibit their talents as well. I works in all mediums starting with acrylic and oils. Loving the idea of mixed media and working with wood, I started to experiment with block printing, and it seems to have really grabbed my creative attention.  I am stoked to see where all this takes me.

Every morning…
I can’t wait for my coffee.

In the office…
I tackle a few of the million to-do post-its on the wall, design, do product research, email and watch the occasional stupid video.

Out of the office…
I’m either outside doing anything active, painting, at the gym or hanging with my girls.

Most inspired by…
motivated, successful and driven people.

Favorite barefoot activity…
anything in the water, walking around the house, playing with Brea in the yard.

I love…
my two pretty girls and my ancient dust mite infested feather pillow.

Always craving…
sushi and coffee, just not together…. though it has been done before.

Stoked for…
my next vacation.

Can never have enough…
sushi…..seriously.

I have…
… red hair….. straight up and down RED. It wants to be blonde when I spend tons of time in the sun… very blonde…but when it’s red it very RED.

Random fact…
I have a degree in molecular genetics from Drexel University.

Coolest place I’ve lived…
in a tree house in St. John working on an eco-sustainable resort. Pretty awesome.

My kryptonite…
sour patch kids.

Best thing about being an artist…
is being able to say that a lifelong passion of mine has turned into something people can identify their lives with. it’s a radical feeling.