MY STORY
Growing up, my dream was to open a gourmet mustard store. It would be located in San Francisco. I had never been to California, but my 13 year old self just knew that the San Francisco market needed such a store. I would offer cooking lessons, food pairings, and travel the world to find the best condiments. Dreams, ideas, and your story are powerful. Years later, my heart is full knowing that I work in an industry that takes an idea, a dream or passion and turns it into a reality—something that you can touch, hold, and love.
With 15+ years of experience in the home and gift industry, I have had the honor of working with two of the industry’s most innovative companies, 1800+ of our country’s best specialty retailers, 4 trade centers, and countless media, influencers, and brands.
I was as green as they come when someone wonderful took a chance on me and hired me as a Territory Manager (eventually becoming the Mid-Atlantic Division Manager) for Two’s Company. From developing a consultant style of selling, a quality vs quantity approach, and the importance of simply showing up (on time, of course), Two’s was the strong foundation I needed and a springboard to my work with catstudio.
Working at catstudio was an amazing experience. Carmel and Terrell (the “cats” of catstudio) lead with creativity and heart. Like most companies, you wear a lot of hats which I happily embraced the exposure into all facets of the business and was encouraged to spread my wings. I formed a dedicated sales team to share the catstudio story, built the licensed Collegiate and Military Collection from scratch opening a whole new revenue channel, and cultivated a ‘think like a brand’ mindset with sales initiatives and strategic partnerships. This growth happened while continuing to elevate the brand and embracing their vision of spreading joy and love into the world.
Looking back (thank you world for retrospect), maybe my mustard shop was foreshadowing the work I would do in supporting and empowering the dreams of others and in turn my own. As Lionel would say, “I’ve got this feeling down deep in my soul that I just can’t lose. Guess I’m on my way.”
Home is Richmond, Virginia where I live with my husband, two young children, and Slothy (my daughter’s stuffed animal Sloth who is pretty much my 3rd child—original name huh?). Life consists of Legos, Peppa Pig, soccer and watching these two little people grow, learn, and experience the world.
