MY STORY
I knew I wanted to be a dancer at a young age, so I set my mind to it and pursued a ballet career. At 18, I moved from my hometown of Clemmons, NC, to San Francisco to train with San Francisco Ballet. At that point, my childhood dream started to become a reality. I lived and performed all over the U.S., working with companies such as San Francisco Ballet, The Washington Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, and Alabama Ballet. In March 2020, as I was warming up for a performance of Romeo and Juliet, the show—and the country—shut down. During the months of lockdown, I reflected deeply and decided it was time to hang up my shoes and dive into marketing.
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My transition into the new industry felt natural, as I’d been working part-time as the Marketing Coordinator for Dread River Distilling Co., helping to build the business from the ground up. While I loved shaping the story of the distillery, I was eager to expand my experience. My first dream in life was ballet, but my second was to live in New York. I packed my bags, moved to the city, and fully committed to this new chapter.
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​​Now, with nearly five years in agency life, I’ve found that my ballet background has shaped me in profound ways. The discipline, creativity, and resilience I honed as a dancer continue to influence how I approach challenges, collaborate with others, and build impactful campaigns. While my stage today may look different, my passion for storytelling and creating meaningful connections remains the same.
BALLET WAS MORE THAN JUST AN ARTISTIC EXPRESSION, IT GAVE ME A LOVE FOR...
Dance taught me there’s no such thing as a “stupid” idea. The only mistake you can make is not trying. There’s no single right way to express an idea, but there’s always one that resonates more deeply with others. Find that one.
The heart of ballet is engagement. Without connection, the message can be misinterpreted or lost. Whether it’s on stage or in marketing, people want to trust the storyteller and feel invested in the story. Connection builds trust.
CULTIVATING
Not everyone seeks or has access to new experiences. I see that as an opportunity to explore as much as I can and share my journey in a way that encourages others to embark on their own. Inspiration fuels growth.