HI! I was born and raised in the New Berlin/Brookfield area, where my older brother and I both attended Woodlawn Lutheran Grade school, and then Wisconsin Lutheran High School where I was able to explore many areas of interest, while growing my Christian faith. I played volleyball, basketball and softball, as well as sang and accompanied the A cappella choir. I played piano starting at about 4 years old and once in college, I played volleyball and studied Business and took as many electives in Ceramics as I could.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My parents are happily retired and living in the panhandle of Florida. My dad was a Captain in the Marine Corps turned CEO of a large company. Mom was a Psych Nurse…so my friends can see that I get my goofy, kind, fun personality and determined work ethic from them. My son Mason and I moved to the Village of Mukwonago after my divorce in 2018 and couldn’t be happier. We love being able to walk & ride bikes everywhere! My son, Mason is a Freshman at the high school He is in Football and Track and plays in the Legion Summer Baseball League. I love having all his buddies over…there’s never a dull moment!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
After graduating college I worked in Banking, and then moved to Marketing/PR for restaurants and professional service firms. It was kinda of a joke in college, my dad told me he’d pay for college if I continued to be on the Dean’s list AND if I did not get a Ceramics degree! HA! Well, I will say, I am still thankful to this day that I listened to him. The years of schooling and real world experience not only prepared me for how to run a business, but told me what I really wanted to do with my life. I started creating functional pottery in my basement (mom and dad got me a wheel for graduation 😉 and selling at shows in the area on the weekends. I did this for 7 years…working in Corporate America while building my pottery clientele on the weekends. When I was able to make a sustainable income, I took the leap! And I’ve never looked back. The biggest thing that I have held on to even after 20 years….is how much I value and appreciate every dollar.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Hmmm…good question! First, we need MORE! But Fork in the Road is hands down my favorite. I love sharing the Shrimp Chorizo Nachos at Antigua Real with a friend. The fish tacos at Lulabell’s Dockside, along with the view are to die for! I LOVE the farmer’s market where I can go and build a meal around what’s in season and what I’ve been able to grow in my little garden.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve owned and operated the Green Rabbit Clay Studio out of the old bait shop for 5 years this Fall but have lived in this area since my parents built their home in Vernon while I was still in highschool in the late 90’s.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
That’s a tricky one…there’s a lot of characters around here! 😉 The woman that comes to mind is Barbara Beier, a retired Muralist. She’s a customer of mine and it’s a privilege to know such a talented woman. You may know her from her huge Great Dane
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Honestly, the first thing that pops in my mind is my parents house in Florida…because i never have enough time with them. I have a million places I want to go…places I want to experience…but taking a walk on the beach talking to my mom is heaven on earth. Watching some car show with my dad and talking baseball is everything.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Step Brother’s, Bird Cage, anything ridiculous and funny! I love Ozark, and my favorite show ever is the Profit on CNBC. Marcus Lemonis is my idol. 😉
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I’m not really one to give advise….but I always tell my son to do two things…ask yourself what someone’s intent was and how would something make you feel if….Then I always feel you know how to act or react in situations. Look beyond yourself. Be Aware.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’ve always dreamed of seeing a show at the Red Rocks in CO….and I want to see the Almafi coast from a beautiful boat…then go taste and see everything it has to offer. I also want to visit Austria where my favorite painter is from (Gustav Klimt)
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Easy! The Black Keys 😉 Or anything bluesy rock… Music is a big deal for me…I’ve always really been into music and it’s a big part of my life. I’ve traveled all over the country to see some incredible live music.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I have to say Won-A-Go Biking….Andy has been setting us up since I can remember and it’s just such a great little shop.
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 would want to have a table to veterans and my dad for lunch and just listen. Let them speak and be heard. Simply thank them.. Fork in the Road’s back patio on a gorgeous Fall day.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I’ve never lived anywhere where you really, truly FEEL that you are needed, noticed and appreciated so much in a community. I’ve had stores in other towns but have never had the “roots” or felt the kindness and comfort like I do here. It makes me happy to be able to raise my son here.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I think I’ll still be making pottery here and hopefully spending more time in Florida with my parents.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That I’m actually very introverted…I have a TON of energy and genuine excitement for things…but I need my down time because what I do is very draining physically and mentally.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
May….I get to start working in my yard, and see all my perenials start coming up…the sun on my skin again after the long winter is heaven. I’m honestly not a big holiday person…I will say that any holiday that I can spend with my family is wonderful and we always put Christ first.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Chocolate, Dogs, Sunshine, Baseball on a sunny day with a stadium hotdog (ketsup, relish, kraut)
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My small but mighty group of family and friends.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Lemon and Rosemary
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe, Mason, JOY
