This is the part where I’m supposed to tell about how I started this business with a dollar and a dream. The marketing pros say I should use this prime piece of real estate to impress you with my serious business chops and line-up of credentials.
But...I’m kind of a rebel-hearted, rule-breaker when it comes to stuff like that.
So, I thought I’d keep things short, sweet, and mildly entertaining. Because boring is...boring.
So here are some random facts, peppered with depth, and a handful of humblebrags (for good measure)...
An irrepressible entrepreneur, I cut my teeth from the age of 7 with lemonade stands, creating a traveling petting “zoo”, and selling tickets to a creepy haunted house in our basement. True story.
Service is part of my DNA, and intuition has ALWAYS been my guide.
In 2019, my partner and I opened a wine bar in Brooklyn that’s been acclaimed since opening night. I’ve spent hundreds of hours knee-deep in perfecting real-time customer experience. And the hard work paid off. In May 2021 we received an award from the Michelin Guide. 🍽
I’m a 2/4 Projector. HSP. INFP. A snake with a Taurus Sun, Virgo Moon, and Pisces Rising. A true homebody. I love scent, skincare products, my rescue dog Yuri, 90’s grunge/alt-rock, and I find deep pleasure (and ancestral connection) in a perfect bowl of matcha. Also, I’m 100% here for conversations about unhooking from systems that oppress, and how we can build something better, together.
I grew up the eldest of three, in a Japanese + American + Mormon household (yes, you read that right) in a remarkably homogeneous community in the Midwest. That wasn’t an easy place to be who I was, and I never fully felt like I belonged. However, it developed a deep empathy in my soul which has become one of my greatest strengths.
In high school, I was a rampant theater geek. Kinda like GLEE. Minus the singing + slushies.
I never wanted a ‘normal’ job. So I graduated with honors from the American Film Institute. One of the top film schools in the world. (humblebrag)
By my 31st birthday, I had helped launch three different companies — a production company, a film & video think tank, and an event design studio.
For a brief spell, I worked as a talent agent’s assistant in Hollywood. Think: Anne Hathaway in Devil Wear’s Prada. I’ve seen the light & dark side of fame, power & access. And like the kids used to say on Facebook — it’s complicated.
I’ve studied digital marketing, service design, life and business coaching, leadership, customer experience, yoga, assorted healing modalities, spirituality, mindfulness, personal development, natural perfumery, filmmaking, and writing (so far). I’m a lifelong learner, and weave elements of everything I study into helping small business owners run their business on heart NOT hustle (and to stand out from the crowd).
A Manifesto
First things first…
“Business as usual” is overrated, and coloring outside the lines is where the magic happens.
Justice is deeply important to me. You won't find me shying away from the truths of systemic inequality, racism, ableism, transphobia, gender discrimination, classism, or any other societal issue. I’m here to be part of the solution. I hope you are too.
Slow business is better than quick fixes. Take the time to do things right the first time and people will absolutely adore you (and pay you) for it!
Stewardship = the new leadership. And success in the future looks more holistic by embracing uncertainty, leaning into vulnerability, and creating an equitable playground ripe for innovation.
Caring for your team + clients exceptionally will do more to grow your business than the perfect ad strategy and funnel ever could.
Businesses that embrace an anti-capitalist way of serving are poised to win. Period. Everything we’ve been taught about business has been through the lens of capitalism, which is harmful, exploitative, and doesn’t work for everyone. And no capitalism + commerce aren’t the same thing. You CAN be in business and still be anti-capitalist, I promise.
The old adage,” you only get one shot to make a first impression” is, for better or worse, kinda true. Make it count.
Meaningful service and connection are far more important than making more money. However, the pursuit of meaningful service and connection usually leads to making more money. Facts.
Exceptional experiences elevate the world. Create them when you can. Savor them when you get the chance.
