From an early age, I was drawn to both creativity and consciousness—long before those were buzzwords. My mom, a talented seamstress & crafter, taught me to sew and create with my hands. I made my own clothes, chose my fabrics, and dreamed of models walking the runway while standing in small-town fabric shops in Minnesota. My dad was a Professor & Environmentalist, who recycled before anyone else did—back when it was seen as 'hippie & granola,' and not the norm.

I was in my mid-20s, thrilled to be immersed in the fashion epicenter of New York City. Working hard and building a name for myself, and climbing the ladder. But behind the scenes, I was overwhelmed, burned out, and silently wondering if I'd survive in a role I was so passionate about at the expense of my health. Moreover, I felt I had nowhere to turn: no mentors, no guidance, and no community. Bosses & colleagues were more like competitors than team members Devil Wears Pra