I grew up in a small South Texas town, the daughter of an art teacher and an entrepreneur, with a grandmother who painted china. Looking back, I can see how each of them influenced the life I would eventually build. But growing up, sports were my first love. It took a little longer for me to discover how much art would mean to me.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in journalism from Texas A&M University without knowing exactly where I wanted to go next. During my final semester, I took a graphic design course as an elective—and fell in love. Suddenly, I had a direction. After graduation, I moved to Houston to attend a two-year art school program, learning the tools and building the skills to begin a career in graphic design. I loved every second of it and graduated in 2004 as my class’s portfolio winner.
From 2004 to 2019, my career took me through corporate design, advertising, real estate, and marketing. I designed catalogs for a sports supply company, created marketing materials for golf and country clubs, developed sales tools for real estate, and held marketing and account management roles with homebuilders, developers, and an advertising agency. Each experience taught me something valuable, but I noticed a pattern: I kept being pulled toward management, and I kept missing the hands-on creative work I loved.
Along the way, my life grew in the most meaningful ways. I married in 2012 and became a mom to two boys, Austin and Tristan. Life became fuller, sweeter, and harder all at once. After taking a break from work following the birth of my first son, I returned to a full-time career while still finding my footing as a mom and wife.
Like so many women, I was figuring it out as I went.
When we moved to Austin in 2019, I gave myself room to consider what came next. I began freelancing without rushing back into a full-time position. Then, after a few dreams about painting, I felt drawn to pick up a brush and explore the creative roots that had always been part of my family.
A friend’s request to paint her wedding became the beginning of something I never could have planned. My formal painting experience was limited to a handful of foundational courses during design school, but I felt a connection to the work that made me want to keep learning. I threw myself into painting—and eventually into building Golden Hour Live Art.
Today, what began with my own brush has grown into a team of talented artists across Texas. I’m deeply grateful to do work I love, to create alongside these women, and to be invited into moments that mean so much to the people we paint for. The relationships have become just as special to me as the art.
Recently, over dinner, my oldest son—now fifteen—asked, “If you weren’t an artist, what would you do?”
I didn’t have an answer. I couldn’t think of anything I would rather be doing.
Being a mom and an artist feels like exactly what I was put on this earth to do. It took time, a few changes in direction, and the willingness to begin again to find my way here. Now that I have, I can’t imagine it any other way.
Dog lover through every chapter. From Lady the Cocker Spaniel to Nipper the Corgi and Pixel the Jack Russell, dogs have always been family. These days, Bentley, our Standard Poodle, has my heart.
A little tennis obsessed. What started as family fun became a shared passion for my oldest son and me. He plays on his high school team; I get my court time in a women’s league!
A little bougie. Okay, maybe a lot. Much like a dentist notices everyone’s teeth, I notice color, balance, and quality everywhere. I love beautiful things—and seeing the potential in something that just needs a little creative attention.
Still designing. Paintbrushes haven’t replaced my keyboard! I still freelance, creating wedding marketing materials for a Dallas-based golf and country club business.
Hill Country roots, big-city heart. This former Houston girl still misses city conveniences, but the Texas Hill Country is home—where my boys are thriving, my business began, and new friendships keep growing.
A creative sidekick. My youngest, Tristan, shares my love of making things. We’ve painted artwork for our home together, and he’s adding music to the mix as a sixth-grade saxophonist!
Married to someone who knew me when. Marc and I went to high school together and have been married for fourteen years. An art career may not have seemed like the most predictable path, but he’s given me room to follow it—and I’ll always be grateful.
When I started Golden Hour Live Art, I never could have imagined the incredible women who would become part of this journey. Each came into my life through a different connection, at just the right time. Looking at our team today, I feel truly blessed.
Emily was one of the first people I met when our family moved to Dripping Springs. I was first her client, then her friend, and now we’re partners in art! It’s been such a gift to see our relationship grow through these different chapters.
Bailey reached out when we were both building our live art businesses. After partnering on a few jobs, we decided to tackle the business as one. What began as a connection between two artists became an opportunity to build something together.
Amanda and I were coworkers years ago. I followed her journey from afar as she started her own watercolor business, and in 2023, I invited her to join GHLA as a live artist. I love that our creative paths brought us back together.
Meira joined us through a friend—her aunt—who wanted to help her build a life in the arts. Having traveled the world honing her craft, Meira brought a wealth of experience and a beautiful perspective to our team.
Madi found her way to us through a chance meeting with Amanda at a bookstore. Their shared love of painting sparked a conversation, and Amanda immediately thought of her as a potential addition to our DFW team. One simple conversation opened a wonderful door.
Alexandra is the only artist who joined us through a job posting! Her extensive fashion design experience brings something special to our portrait work, and her arrival has made our team feel complete.
Our live art assistants are another special part of this story, bringing extra hands, encouragement, and heart to our events.
Heather and I connected through our boys, who are the same age. From girls’ weekends to day adventures with our sons, we’ve shared so many fun memories. She’s always ready to lend a little extra lady power when an event calls for it, and her support and encouragement are unwavering.
Nicola is Madi’s mom—and together, they make the cutest duo! Having her alongside us makes this team feel even more like family. She is another blessing, and we’re so grateful for the care and support she brings to our events.
These women have given Golden Hour Live Art so much more than their talent. They’ve brought friendship, trust, and their own dreams to something that began as mine.
I truly believe each of them was placed in my life at the perfect time. I couldn’t have planned the connections that brought us together, but I will always be grateful for them. This team is one of the greatest gifts this business has given me.
