I spent over 20 years at the Skagit Valley Food Co-op, where I forged great friendships and gained valuable insights into running a community-owned business, as well as expertise in product management, merchandising, and marketing.
As a creative individual, I have always enjoyed project work and sought opportunities for learning and growth. In 2009, I earned a degree in Visual Art from Skagit Valley College while also taking an animation class at the Vancouver Institute of Media Arts.
I applied this practice to launch my own side business, Blue Orchid Fine Art, selling paintings at art fairs throughout the Pacific Northwest. I take great joy in knowing that my art hangs in homes and restaurants, and I hope it brings pleasure to those who see it.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I returned to school, earning a B.S. in Business Administration and Marketing from Western Governor’s University (WGU)
As graduation approached, I began applying to graduate schools, with my first choice being the Communication Leadership program at the University of Washington (Commlead). This program combines the study of digital media and emerging technology with community building and creating positive social impact.
I applied for early decision and was accepted!
At Commlead, I learned to produce short-form videos, write for various media, create graphics, conduct research, and developed many other skills important in my field.
I also engaged in project work, including writing stories for the Seattle-area nonprofit Youth Experiential Training Institute (Y.E.T.I.) and the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (O.S.P.I.).
Many courses at Commlead required working with a client, and I chose a nonprofit close to my heart: Skagit Trail Builders (STB).
Founded by my husband Jim, STB’s mission is to design, build, and advocate for multi-use community trails in Skagit County Parks. Jim had been operating the organization for years and had established a blog and promotional materials, but these assets needed updating.
I utilized many of my courses to make a meaningful difference for STB. I redesigned the website to enhance information accessibility, added a volunteer sign-up form, integrated a Google map, and wrote SEO-optimized blogs that provided valuable information to current and potential volunteers.
I developed a marketing strategy that included an e-newsletter and social media posts, which resulted in a 24% increase in volunteer attendance in 2023! Each course presented a new opportunity to support STB, including producing storytelling videos, writing and publishing a long-form paper about the trail project, and creating a policy for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
I graduated in 2024 and subsequently joined C+C, a social impact marketing agency. They work with clients dedicated to fostering happier, healthier, fairer, and more sustainable communities, aligning perfectly with my personal values.
Working as a contractor at the agency laid the groundwork for an idea that had been buzzing in my mind: operating my own project shop.
Living in a close-knit community and helping run a local nonprofit, I recognize the need for professional marketing services to help organizations grow. Most small business owners understand they need a website and social media presence but lack the time or skill set to do it themselves. Few have the resources to hire an agency.
This is how I can help my community thrive while making a living at the same time.
It’s also project work, which I love!
I’ve experienced many chapters in my life and career. I’m genuinely excited about this one because it brings together two things I’m passionate about: creation and community.