Five Fun (and True) Facts About Me

Every artist has a backstory, and I thought it might be fun to share a few things you might not know about me. Some are quirky, some are personal, and all of them have shaped the creative, curious, and ocean-loving person I am today.

1. I spent 8 years in the Navy—and yes, I crawled through submarines.
Before I found my way back to art, I served in the Navy as a welder. It wasn’t your average 9-to-5—at one point, I was responsible for inspecting the insides of submarines, crawling through tight spaces to make sure everything was safe. Because I was small, I often got the job of squeezing into areas others couldn’t. It was intense, a little nerve-wracking, and kind of amazing. That experience taught me the value of precision, courage, and showing up even when the job is tough—lessons I carry with me into my creative life today.

2. Deep water terrifies me… but I’m obsessed with the ocean.
It’s an odd mix of fear and fascination. The thought of the deep ocean completely unnerves me—it's dark, vast, and full of mystery. And yet, I can’t stay away. There's something about the ocean that draws me in every time. It’s calming, inspiring, and reminds me of how beautiful it is to feel small in a big, wild world.

3. I live with PMDD, and it’s changed how I move through life.
PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) is more than just a difficult period—it's a cycle that affects my energy, mood, and mental clarity. It’s been a long road learning how to live with it, but in many ways, it's also been a gift. It’s taught me how to listen to my body, honor my boundaries, and create a life that feels gentle, grounded, and intuitive. That deeper self-awareness is something I now pour into my creative practice.

4. I have a pufferfish tattoo—and it puffs up when I bend my arm.
This one makes me laugh every time. Yes, I have a little pufferfish tattooed on my elbow, and when I bend my arm, it “inflates.” It’s the kind of joyful, silly detail that reminds me not to take life too seriously.

5. I used to pretend I was a mermaid as a kid.
When I was little, I’d wrap my legs in a blanket, flop around the floor, and fully believe I belonged in the sea. I guess you could say my love for water started early. Even now, that childlike wonder shows up in my art and the way I see the world—with a bit of magic, curiosity, and play.

Bonus Fact: I’m not a fan of parties or malls—but give me a quiet hike or a real one-on-one conversation, and I’m all in.
I’ve learned that I thrive in calm, intentional spaces. Nature is my reset button, and deep conversations light me up way more than loud crowds or flashing lights ever could.

Thanks for reading!
Sharing little pieces of who I am helps me connect more deeply with the people who follow my work—and maybe even encourage others to embrace their own quirks and stories. If any of these fun facts resonated with you, I’d love to hear about it. Drop me a message or comment and share a fun fact about you!