About

Getting to the nitty gritty…

I have a wonderful Mother and Father who are currently residing in the Chicago area. They have supported me wholeheartedly and endlessly throughout the years. It’s because of my Mom I’m so passionate about my health and wellness and I get the competitive adventure bug from my Dad. Both of them have been rockstar role models all the while having fun and keeping me, their wild child, in line. They have fostered my love for Jesus, helping others, and striving for personal growth. Additionally, I have a Sister and Brother-in-law that live in Atlanta (where I currently live too)! Sister is a true gem, patient, loving, gentle, and steadfast. On top of Sister, I get to call her a best friend and thank gosh for her over the years. She’s been there when I needed her, been there when I didn’t know I needed her, and continues to show up for me even when I don’t deserve it. Her husband, my Brother(in-law), is the most perfect addition to our family. He loves my sister so well, cares for the whole family, and is a servant through and through. I’m lucky to know him and have him close by as well. Finally, I have a sweet pup named Rue, both the craziest and most loving pup you’ll ever meet. She will test your patience, but will also snuggle up next to you right when you need some loving. She keeps me active, she keeps me going, and she has kept me going through some of my darkest and hardest days.

As many have also experienced, the past two years have been rough for a lot of different reasons, most of which have been out of our control. Pair that with battling some pretty serious mental health issues prior to 2020, and needless to say the past handful of years haven’t been the easiest or happiest years of my life. But, I’m sure as heck thankful for all the growth and wisdom they have brought me. Most importantly, these years have taught me that everything is temporary - my pain has a purpose and there can’t be a comeback without a setback. Now, everyone’s story is different and everyone’s experience is different. That last statement is true for me and maybe you connect with it, maybe you don’t, or maybe you can find some inspiration to move forward. Either way, I’m here to share my experience to help others feel seen and understood, so that they too can find the strength to pick their chin up.

Speaking of chin up, that is one of my favorite catchphrases, if you will, while teaching Pure Barre! With over six years of experience in the fitness and health industry working for Pure Barre as an instructor and learning from my holistic doctor and nutritionist, I’m extremely passionate about sharing what I have gained over the years. If you’re in the Atlanta area, send me a message to come and take a class on me! As always, speak with a healthcare professional about nutrition. All I can do is share what I’ve learned, what works for me, and some guidelines on basic health and wellness practices (which I’m more than happy to do)!

Additionally, art and design are a huge part of my life. Mostly self-taught, art has been a hobby of mine since I can remember. My Grandmother was always teaching me something new. Anything from painting to sewing, floral arranging to practicing my cursive that would later turn into my niche for hand lettering. I grew up with a camera attached to my side on every vacation, every sleepover, and for really any occasion I felt needed to be documented (so pretty much everything to a 10-year-old). I also have been journaling and writing “dear diary” since before I could spell (which really isn’t a good indication of age because I still can’t spell without auto-correct). I’m thankful for all these practices as they have been a refuge to center me daily, but also have been a huge blessing to share with others. I’m just now turning the page from this part of my life that was once a hobby into a way of living, but that’s what makes life fun right? Find something you enjoy, you’re good at, and figure out a way to make a living on it. I’ll get back to this and fill in the part of the story where this happens. Until then, wish me luck!

That’s all for now :) I do enjoy plenty of other things, but we will get there over time. I hope you find encouragement, reasons to grow, and the willingness to try new things!

M