About Me
My interest in media and the arts began early, producing 60-100 videos and five edited films set in nature and my grandmother's basement. These projects spanned various purposes, including entertainment for friends and family, educational presentations for school and church, puppet shows, and even a video advertisement for New Era Christian Public Schools. My high school years were filled with diverse experiences where I actively participated in DECA, FFA, track, colorguard, chorus, 4-H, Mad House, 1st Priority, Unity Christian Music Festival, Forensics, and various sports, including rollerblading, snowboarding and softball. My passion for the arts extended to nature photography, event photography, videography, and art all complemented by my skills in digital editing.
My dedication and talent earned me numerous accolades, including state and local awards in Business and Services Marketing through DECA, 1st place in the White Lake Forensics Duo competition, and top placements in track and field events. I also received Best of Show and "A" awards for my artwork at the Oceana County Fairgrounds as well as 5th place showing a two- year old heifer. In school I achieved 5th place in state, for marching band with the colorguard at the Pontiac Silverdome.
Outside of school, I excelled in various fields, I received the Honor Carrier award for my work with the Muskegon Chronicle, contributed to the design and creation of haunted house props, participated in softball and volleyball tournaments, and even crafted racing cars for Awana competitions. I also catered a wedding for Pioneer Trails Camp and was trained as a sous chef in French culinary cuisine. In my free time, I played violin for almost twenty years and counting.
After graduating high school in 2001, I pursued my passion for film and media by enrolling at Muskegon Community College, where I studied Communications. While completing my studies, I gained hands-on experience working for Michael’s Restaurant, Pioneer Trails Camp, and The Coastline Delicatessen. I ran a 24-channel PA system and PowerPoint presentation system for Ferry Memorial Reformed Church for six years.
In 2003, I earned my Associate of Arts in Communications from Muskegon Community College; further cementing my expertise in media and storytelling.
In 2004, I took on a new challenge and joined the U.S. Army, embarking on an adventurous and transformative journey. I underwent Basic Training in South Carolina and AIT training in Georgia before heading overseas to Europe. I spent three years stationed in Germany and one year in Iraq, where I served as a 31U Signal Support System Specialist before being retrained as a 25U Automator in the specialized Video Communications and Graphic Design division.
During my military service, my creative and technical skills flourished as I designed banners, coins, cards, videos, and PowerPoint presentations. I played a crucial role in setting up and managing PA systems, light tap systems, tape decks, CD players, and overhead projectors for many prestigious events such as the St. Barbara's Day Balls, Retirement Ceremonies, and the Casing of the Colors ceremonies.
As a BOSS Representative, I encouraged single soldiers to participate in travel opportunities, fostering a sense of adventure and community. My experiences and insights while in Iraq inspired me to create a blog titled "Imagination Grows Wild", where I shared my journeys with the world but as a fairy tale. My love for travel expanded throughout my military service, taking me to 16 different countries and 32 U.S. states. These diverse experiences deeply influenced my artistic, photographic, and design perspectives since many pictures were needed to send home to my family and relatives. After retiring from the Army in 2008, I moved to Arizona, where I began working for Phoenix Rubber Stamp Company as a Graphic Designer, System Administrator, and head of the Sublimation Department. There I also honed my skills in vinyl work for way-finding signage and product photography. Pursuing further education, I attended Arizona State University, studying Visual Communications, Photography, and Sustainability.
Through the Military's Vocb-rehab program I found work working for the Phoenix VA Health Care System, as a Visual Information Specialist in Medical Media, while also working as a photographer and writer for the Public Affairs Office by capturing images for the Desert Sun Periodical and the Hayden Hotline Spotlight and writing articles. Additionally, I was responsible for setting up and taking down PA systems and projectors for conference rooms, as well as crafting vinyl lettering for way-finding, murals, door signs, and parking lot signage.
In 2009, I authored a 440-page book entitled "Imagination from the Heart of an Aspiring Artist" a biography about life experiences, art, music, poetry, and my travels. In school, my talent and dedication placed me among the top 44 designers at Arizona State University in 2010 in a pool of about 400 students applying for the Graphic Design program.
In 2012, I transitioned my education to the University of Phoenix due to the cost of education to complete my training. It was during that time that I got elected as a precinct committeeman for Precinct 17, Hollis District, where I helped start up a movement to help make positive changes in the community. I helped create a 44 ft billboard, some magazine pieces for "Defend your Independence" radio show by Ernie Hancock, and inspired a community to create over a 1,000 signs to get good representatives elected. I worked with the Graffiti Busters and neighborhood watch to help clean up the community and prevent crime, and helped design a float for the 4th of July parade. Due to the many needs for my design services, I started up my own company as Chief Designer of White Flower Designs. I also co-founded Nava-Hopi Frybread Company.
Ben Joe, who is originally from Arizona and Utah, brought his own artistic and practical skills to their collaboration. With a background in plumbing, construction, pointillism, jewelry making, engraving, wood burning, and participating in Pow Wows, he complemented my creative endeavors. Our shared passion for creativity and craftsmanship extended to setting up booths for Jackfest and other festivals where we showcased our art.
After briefly pausing operations, I successfully reopened White Flower Designs in 2023, specializing in art, blacklight art, digital design, and photography.
Alongside my professional work, I have dedicated over thirteen years to training my Queensland Blue Healer, Daisy, with Ben Joe joining her efforts in the last five years.