For me, it all began with a pencil and paper. For as long as I can remember, I was always drawing — often to my teachers’ chagrin. My homework was usually covered in silly doodles, and when I got home, I’d lay on my bed, tuning out the noise of a big, chaotic family, listening to my Walkman, and disappearing into my own world of sketches and imagination. Eventually, guitar took over my life and drawing faded into the background — but every so often, I return to it. There’s something deeply expressive about pencil or pen and paper that still feels like home. - What was your first artistic outlet? - Do you still practice it, or did it evolve into something new?

Making delicious, healthy food is an important part of my life! When I say “healthy,” I don’t necessarily mean low-fat or low-carb — I’m talking about real food made with quality ingredients. The way I cook is the same way I create art or music: it turns out best when I just go for it. As soon as I start measuring and overthinking, I lose a little bit of the magic. Baking, of course, is a bit different — there are real formulas behind good bread and cake — but even then, I love starting with a proven recipe and developing my own flavors and textures. There was a time when I was very sick, and doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong. They diagnosed symptoms, but never the root cause of my weight loss and stomach pain. Eventually, we learned that I had to change my diet completely. For a while, I had to live without some of my favorite staples — peanut butter, wheat, soy, and even all oils. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me a lot. I had to carefully read every food label, and it’s shocking what’s hidden in so many pre-made foods. Thankfully, my body healed, and I can eat almost anything again. But that experience taught me something priceless: A healthy body feels better — and when your body feels good, your creativity flows. - What’s your go-to comfort meal or creative kitchen experiment? - Do you find cooking or baking to be therapeutic or meditative?

(ok… not really 😄) I love to make some extra income by sharing my love of all things artistic — but honestly, it’s never been about the money for me. No judgment if it is important for you (it probably should be!) There are plenty of people out there who can teach you how to make art profitable. I’m just not that person! What I do have is a wealth of incredible life experiences — from performing at music festivals and iconic venues (including a wakeboarding park as shown) to showing (and winning awards) at prestigious art exhibitions. Still, I’ve never built a lucrative career from my art. My jewelry professor once told me it’s because my tastes are too diverse. That’s okay — they taught me invaluable skills and lessons… but I don’t buy that one 😉 What drives you to create? What part of the creative process is the most fulfilling for you?

Defining musical genres can help us find a mood — but do these labels actually limit us? I’ve never backed down from trying different musical styles or combining unusual instruments. Has that limited my appeal to a broad audience? Almost definitely. But honestly… I can’t do it any other way. I love too many sounds and have too many moods. Whether it’s reggae, folk, pop, hard rock, or jazz — I want to hear it and play it. Right now, I’m juggling four solo projects (each with its own name and style), plus playing guitar in a fantastic Austin-based band with some of my closest friends. 🎧 Your turn: How would you describe your musical tastes? Do you have a favorite genre — or do you float between many like I do? (There are no wrong answers here.)

I feel like I’m working the same creative muscle whether I’m writing music, designing jewelry, cooking up a new recipe, or filming a video. If you have a vision and a strong creative drive, the skills can always be learned. So many people have great skill but little vision — or incredible vision but not the skills (yet). Personally, I’d always choose the latter, because skills can be learned and practiced… but vision is magical. 🎨 Your turn: What’s your number one creative outlet? For me, it’s almost impossible to choose — but I can’t go more than a day without picking up my guitar. Music has helped my mental health more than anything else I’ve ever done. I have had incredible experiences connecting with people through the power of music.