INSPIRATION
LIST
1. WATCHING THE SUNRISE
There was a period of time I woke up early to film the sunrise to get footage for the ub:inspired launch video. Although it was always difficult to get out of bed and quite cold, it was absolutely magical to start my day with a symbol of a powerful fresh start. The sun’s energy, light and color inspires me like nothing else!
2. COOKING
I didn’t cook until my late 20’s, and I didn’t fall in love with cooking and the art of creating flavor, contrasting textures and designing colorful presentation until I was pulled away from being able to cook. During my three month backpacking trip in South America, where hostel kitchens sometimes didn’t exist and often times offered two burners, I craved cooking. I dove into researching the science of cooking and then fell into the beauty of creating an inspiring experience that delights all the senses.
3. HIKING
I’ve always loved being outside, and pairing being active with our beautiful world always brightens my day and brings me energy!
4. FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
I have my backpacking trip to thank for my newfound obsession with food photography. Whether traveling on thirty-hour bus rides or unwinding after a day of walking a city, Instagram images of food photography became my vicarious adventure of food that wasn’t part of my budget on our lean three-month trip. With the finest attention to detail, mood, color, texture, and intention, I would just get lost in love for these beautiful images! I took my existing photography skills and consumed everything in my grasp to be able to play along with my beloved food photographer idols!
5. RUNNING
I never ran a full mile straight until I was 30. I despised running, I was terrible at it, and I defeatedly accepted that it wouldn’t be part of my life. But it started calling me. As I entered the third decade of my life, I started to feel compelled to not accept what seemed so effortless for most people. Even though I wouldn’t say running makes me happy, and I am the slowest runner I know, I continue to run because it inspires me to do what I never thought possible!
6. SINGING
I have loved signing as early as I remember. I also remember idolizing Phil Collins, which I attribute to my interest in song-writing and music. Singing will always be my number one, whether playing Sandy in Grease in high school or singing myself a private sold-out concert anytime I drive ANYWHERE.
7. LEARNING SOMETHING NEW
I can’t imagine my life without revolving hobbies and opportunities to learn new things! I am self-taught at guitar, web-programming, sewing, cooking and photography (with different ranges of competency), and I’m always diving in to learn everything I can about my newest inspired activity. I like to try different classes to see what I enjoy the most. I get discover new facets of who I am, I feel more fulfilled, and reinforce feeling fearless to create my most inspired life!
8. MARKETING AND BRANDING
I was born to be a marketer. I was writing jingles for fun when I was nine years old (that somehow never made it to television). I’m in my element when I’m in a creative and strategic place helping others share what inspires them in their business with their future customers. I come to life when I get to geek out with marketing!
9. CHRISTMAS MUSIC
I’ve always loved the magic of Christmas time. The lights, eggnog, holiday scented candles, and decorating a tree (or three) all fill me with energy and joy! That’s probably why Christmas music inspires me to a point that I’ll listen all year long. It’s become an inspiration chord that connects me to the most wonderful time of the year all year!
10. STARBUCKS CARAMEL BRULE LATTES
This latte is my favorite flavor of all time. It’s become a winter tradition that I also associate with the holidays, and the only time I splurge on buying coffee drinks!