What is your day job?
I am the Lead Graphic Designer at World Trade Press, a small publishing company in Traverse City. Here, I create layout designs, custom maps, and E-books. I also run a sustainable tourism startup called OurVenture. Here, I use designs (in the form of stickers and soon passport booklets) to capture local landmarks and guide visitors on authentic day trips around this beautiful area.
How long have you lived in the Grand Traverse area?
I have lived in Traverse City for 23 and a half years… almost my whole life. My parents moved here when I was two and a half, so I have really grown up in the area and feel like a true local, although I wasn’t born here.
What is your favorite aspect of living/working in the Traverse City area?
I love the abundance of hiking trails here! Living here makes it really easy to incorporate nature and outside time into everyday life. I’m a nature girl at heart, and it’s fantastic how easy it is to go for a quick hike on a weeknight.
What do you do for fun?
I LOVE to bake and share my tasty creations with friends. I have been known to pack elaborate picnics for even the simplest weekend outing. (Sometimes I go a little too far with the decor!) Outside with food, friends, and family is always where it’s at for me, and Traverse City is such a great space for all of this to transpire.
How do you get involved in the community?
Weekend events! I love watching community bulletin boards like those at our Oryana Co-op to see what events are happening in the community. Concert series, such as those held every summer by the Pavilions on Lawns of Building 50, are a great way to feel connected to the Traverse City community. I also love attending local theatrical performances at our community theater, The Old Town Playhouse! The people here really go the extra mile to ensure their shows are of top quality and that the audience has a wonderful time. They even have a bar for mixed drinks before the show! It’s such a great way to experience a night out in the community!
What is your favorite local business (restaurant, shop, service,etc.) and why?
I love the thrift shop(s) operated by the Women’s Resource Center; they hold a dear place in my heart. Supporting local women while shopping sustainably is my favorite way to spend a Saturday morning.
What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
I worked on a short film shoot for a History Channel trailer in 2020. It was for the series Beyond Oak Island. During the shoot, I was asked to assist in various ways, one of which was serving as a “door guard.” I am actually a very small person, so the idea of me being a guard is quite hilarious!
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I am single. Being a young professional takes a lot of my time, and dating sometimes takes a backseat. I think it’s important to be honest about different life stages and the time commitment required during each.
What is something you learned in the last week?
Justice and fair treatment mean a lot to me. I am not afraid to stand up for myself or others in the workplace. Voicing your concerns can be intimidating, but remaining silent is even worse. I think Shakespeare summarized my week very well when he wrote, “to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.”
How can other TCYP members support you (personally or professionally)?
Check out my business OurVenture – Adventure, Exploration, and History for Families! I am so excited to connect with other business that are eager to find creative ways to promote sustainable tourism through art in Northern Michigan. If you’re interested in a sticker design for your establishment, carrying the products, or would like to be involved in any other way, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am so proud of what I am building in this business.
