Where it all began
My love for fashion began long before I ever picked up a needle and thread. Growing up, my Nana made every one of my Halloween costumes from scratch. I never had a store-bought costume, and because of that, she gave me the freedom to dream big and create whatever I could imagine. Those early experiences sparked not only my creativity but also a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship behind handmade clothing.
In 2015, when I was 13 years old, I asked my Nana to teach me how to sew. From that moment on, I fell in love with the art of sewing and garment making. Not long after, I discovered the cosplay community and began creating my own costumes. I had little idea how to read patterns or tackle the intricate details of my favorite characters, but I was eager to learn through trial and error. Around that same time, I also started sketching designs for fun, reimagining characters like Pokémon into human-inspired fashion concepts. Those sketches became one of the first ways I explored fashion design beyond costumes.
My journey through college was anything but easy. I struggled with my mental health during my first experience in school, and like many others, my family faced unexpected hardships during the pandemic. We lost our childhood home in a house fire, and with everything happening around me, I began to lose my passion for fashion. Eventually, I decided to take a year away from school to travel, reflect, and rediscover what truly inspired me.
When I was ready to continue my education, I made the life-changing decision to move across the country to Los Angeles to attend the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM). The experience challenged me creatively and professionally, allowing me to grow as both a designer and an individual.
After graduating from FIDM, I returned home to Minnesota with a renewed sense of purpose. Today, I am pursuing my dream of building my own business in the fashion industry, combining the creativity that first began with my Nana's handmade Halloween costumes with the skills and experience I've developed throughout my journey.
"Are we human because we gaze at the stars, or do we gaze at them because we are human?"
― Neil Gaiman, Stardust
About my Work
During my time at FIDM in Los Angeles, I had the opportunity to gain incredible hands-on experience within the fashion and costume industries. One of my close friends invited me to serve as the costume designer for the independent short film Alexander: The Untold Story, written and directed by Good2Great Productions. In this role, I researched, designed, and created historically inspired Roman costumes while also working on set to ensure every garment was camera-ready and to make any necessary repairs or adjustments throughout filming.
I also had the privilege of apprenticing under Lauren St. Laurent, formerly known as Castle Corsetry. During my apprenticeship, I contributed to a variety of exciting projects, including costumes for a Disney and Marvel costume exhibit, custom gloves for Beyoncé, and several other unique commissions. These experiences strengthened my technical skills, attention to detail, and appreciation for the level of craftsmanship required in high-end costume design.
After returning to Minnesota, I launched my own business and began working alongside 29 Stitches Fabrics and Crafts in St. Cloud, where I continue to create custom garments and connect with the local sewing community. I have also had the honor of showcasing my work with FashionMSP through their show, The Experiment, allowing me to share my designs with a wider audience and collaborate with other talented creatives.
I am excited to see where this journey takes me as I continue to learn, grow, and evolve as a designer. Every experience—from sewing Halloween costumes with my Nana to working on professional productions and building my own business—has shaped the designer I am today, and I look forward to creating work that inspires others while continuing to push my creativity forward.