HOW IT ALL BEGAN
MY STORY
When I was young girl, the smell of opening a fresh box of Crayola crayons on a Saturday morning still fills my heart with joy.
I would lie on the floor, the crayons dancing across the paper as I embarked on countless adventures with my doodles.
Sharing my cartoon creations became a cherished ritual, proudly displaying them on every refrigerator with space to spare.
Growing up in a small town, my career options seemed limited. Although becoming a secretary or working in an office seemed logical due to my ease with technology, I found the routine nature of those jobs unchallenging. Recognizing this, my teacher whisked me away to a little closet down the hall, where a small computer and desk sat with design software. She knew art was important to me and helped foster that side of me that I was itching to explore. I eagerly delved into the world of design, soaking up every bit of software knowledge I could find.
Soon enough, I was competing in design competitions, crafting logos, brochures, and flyers. This journey led me to the Business Professionals of America Nationals Competition in San Antonio, TX, where I competed in the Desktop Publishing & Networking Administrator categories. Additionally, I designed a pin that was selected by members at the state level to represent Ohio at the conference, which was then traded with other states. That’s when it hit me—I had discovered my calling: I was destined to be a graphic designer.
College wasn't in the cards for me, but that didn't dampen my spirits. I embraced the school of hard knocks, diving headfirst into various jobs while teaching myself. I devoured knowledge on composition, layout, and typography, honing my skills one pixel at a time.
Graphic Design was the perfect fusion of my inner computer nerd and boundless creative spirit.
Over the years, I worked as a designer at a local print shop, two newspapers, and as a marketing manager at a hotel. I dreamed of creating a studio space that allowed my creativity to flourish and work from home. So I made the leap.
Be so happy that when other people look at you they become happy too
FAST FORWARD
MY STORY
After 9/11, I moved to Downtown Cleveland to an old warehouse artist live/work loft space with my husband. On February 1, 2009—that’s when the adventure truly began and I left the corporate world to start something new. Opening my own freelance business was like hopping onto a wild roller coaster ride. I didn’t have much, just a copy of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to get started. I used an old computer I had purchased that could barely handle the software, but I made do one step at a time. I wore all the hats—from owner to accountant, designer to salesperson, delivery person, and everything in between. It took time, patience, and a whole lot of trial and error to figure out the secret recipe for success. There were days when work overwhelmed me, and others when I anxiously wondered if the next project would ever come.
Through it all, my little creative studio went through a few name changes until I finally settled on Happy Go Lucky. Why? Because when I'm my authentic self, I'm all about positivity, sunshine, and embracing the joy of life!
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of designing for clients ranging from startups to large corporations, and from small events to celebrity weddings. I've embraced every opportunity to be creative, share my talents, and live my passion. I am truly living my dream, and I firmly believe that you must love what you do in life—and I absolutely do.
I’m also a super proud mom and wife. We eventually moved to the suburbs, returning to my husband's hometown to be closer to family. I have the privilege of being an adoptive mom to three incredible teenagers: Christopher, Cheyenne, and Blake we adopted through foster care. My kids bring meaning to my life and push me to new heights I never knew were possible. And I can't forget our two dogs, Nalu and Penny, along with our guinea pig and hamsters.
.png)
STARBIES ORDER:
I'M NOT A COFFEE DRINKER, BUT I DO LOVE ICED CHAI OR THE STRAWBERRY ACAI REFRESHER
LAST SHOW I BINGED:
BRIDGERTON, ALL THREE SEASONS
GO TO SNACK DURING LATE NIGHT DESIGN SESSIONS:
A NON FANCY VERSION OF A CHARCUTERIE BOARD WITH CHEESES, FRUITS, VEGGIES, ETC.
A DISH THAT I MAKE AN EXCELLENT VERSION OF:
MY KIDS SAY BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP, THEY WOULD EAT IT EVERY DAY IF I LET THEM, LOL.
Cooking isn't my strong suit though, my mantra:
Dinner's ready when the smoke alarm goes off
SELF CARE GO TO:
SOUND BATHS & MEDITATION
ARTISTS ON MY PLAYLIST
RIGHT NOW:
FLEET FOXES, NF, LORD HURON, MADELINE GALLOWAY, THE STRUMBELLAS, MUMFORD & SONS, BILLIE EILISH, BENJAMIN LEFTWICH, VANCE JOY, THE LUMINEERS, FLEETWOOD MAC
FUN FACTS
_edited.png)
