How do you explain your profession to people outside of the industry? What do you find most exciting and/or rewarding about this work?
As a designer, apart from having to be creative and envision a beautiful space, there is a lot of learning, planning and managing that goes hand-in-hand with environmental designs. When first presented with a space, there’s always a unique set of needs and wants from the clients. I get to dive in and solve problems. What I conceive will ultimately influence the way customers enjoy, experience and shop in these environments that I had the privilege of designing. I get to see first-hand the impact these stores have on the way people feel, now that they are able to not just learn, but shop in safe, legal and uplifting environments.
What milestone or accomplishment have you made in your career that you are most proud of?
It is with pride that I can be a minority and female business owner who has been able to thrive and pioneer her way through a predominately male-dominated industry.
What is one notable achievement (personal or professional) that you've made over the past year?
It’s been a momentous year as I’ve been working tirelessly on a retail cannabis display line that I anticipate to launch in the fall of 2022. My goal for this product line is to further destigmatize the notion of going to a place to pick up drugs, but instead welcoming stores to be seen as medicinal and recreational wellness stores. Due to supply chain issues and fluctuating material costs, it has been quite challenging. Even so, it’s going to be an accomplishment knowing these display fixtures will help elevate the look and feel of how cannabis products can be visually merchandised and organized going forward.
What is a piece of media that has inspired you professionally?
“Good to Great” by James C. Collins is an older book with timeless concepts. It’s always inspiring to come back and reference stories and examples of great leaders who transformed companies from good to great with a team of people who share the same vision.
Please share one fun or surprising fact about yourself:
I was cast as an extra on the Disney movie, “Gotta Kick it Up!” in 2002.
