I’m someone who really just loves living in the moment. I don’t have time to look back and tend to look for the lessons in life and move forward. Life has taught me to be resilient and resourceful…and that there is no amount of money that could buy the joy and contentment I have now.
Raised in the Midwest and transplanted to Maryland, I graduated from Southern University of Illinois with a degree in Accounting. It was a career working for the “World’s largest retailer” that prompted my need to create a restful retreat away from the high pressure demands of Corporate Finance. Home became both a safe place and source of creative inspiration. For over 25 years, I learned to build, make or subcontract what was I needed and love sharing that inspiration with others. I took a break from all that when I moved to Bel Air.
I absolutely loved being home for my daughters during that season of life. I started painting and helping design spaces for my friends for free to fill my time. Ten years later, I found myself starting over…I had to sell my home and get a job. I decided to get certified for Staging and Design rather than go back to school or a cubicle. All my friends and family supported my dream and believed in me more than myself. Through their encouragement, I slowly started to build my business…in fact, my very first job was the old Bel Air Bakery….now “Newberry Cafe” on Bond Street.
I’ve made some amazing friendships over time that have led to business referrals and partners. I’ve never had to advertise. My portfolio of Kitchen and Bath Renovations, Remodels and Room Designs continues to grow…. plus we have now added Custom Window Treatments to our business. I work with my husband.
I currently serve as the Fashion show chairperson for CPWN or Chesapeake Professional Women’s Network. And when we aren’t working on a project, you can find us busy transforming our own “fixer upper” an 1898 barn home… since 2016.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband Dave joined my 2 daughters…both Bel Air HS grads, 21 at University of Tennessee and 25 a Towson Graduate. We have added 3 fur babies. And I’m a bonus mom and grandmother too.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I call myself a “recovering Accountant” because that was my career prior to Interior Design. I love that I own my own business and choose what I want to do…it feeds my creativity and passion.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
We love Boxhill Pizzeria, the LOCAL and most recently, Lib’s Grill.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve been here since 2016
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
To Kill a Mockingbird, Overboard and just started Yellowstone.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be gentle and kind with others. Smile more and tip generously. Watch these small acts of kindness come back to you.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
WENDMILL DESIGNS LLC
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I’d love to have Joanna Gaines in my home for lunch.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love our downtown shops and the owners.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I would love to have a little house on the water.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have lived in England, Puerto Rico and 7 states from California to Maine. But my heart is here in Bel Air.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Boxhill Crabcakes!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband…he thought I was already designer when I met him.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe, cozy and comfortable…like a hug
