Get to Know Me

The Human Being

I can’t believe the last time I introduced myself was four years ago when I first started this wild ride. I remember that “version of me,” but honestly, it feels like I’ve lived through hundreds of phoenix cycles since—burning to ashes only to rise again. And now, here I am: a whole new me, ready to reintroduce myself after a summer-long social media break. So, here’s the updated, current-chapter version of me.

Some quick (and possibly cliché) facts about me:

  • My favorite color is green—specifically Kelly green. Kid me thought it was the coolest that my name was also a color. Maybe this is where it all began, haha.

  • I technically met my husband in fourth grade, but we didn’t actually connect until a post-college Tinder swipe. The universe works in mysterious ways.

  • Favorite food? The potato. It’s the best at everything—fries, pierogies, gnocchi, au gratin. And don’t even get me started on mashed. Perfection.

  • I know it’s basic, but I’m a sucker for matcha or kombucha.

  • On that note, I’m plant-based and do my best to avoid harming any living thing—except lanternflies. If you’re in Pittsburgh, you know.

  • Mental health and EDs? Yup, been there, done that. Weirdly open to talking about it.

  • Our dog Jaso is my life. He’s a terrible assistant but too cute to fire.

Let’s get real for a minute

At my core, I love creating—especially things that make people feel. You know that girl in Mean Girls with “a lot of feelings”? That’s me. 2903458702%. I feel everything, all the time. Tears are my constant companion—whether it’s joy, frustration, sadness, or fear. I’ve been called sensitive, dramatic—pretty much any word meant to make emotions seem like a weakness. But you know what? I’m done hiding it. My ability to feel is my superpower. I’m embracing it all (and being diagnosed with Bipolar II in 2021 has been a huge part of learning to accept those darker parts of me).

I’ve learned that my emotions fuel my creativity, and life’s too short to live in beige. I want to use my creative energy to make life vibrant, colorful, and full of meaning. Whether it’s bringing to life a big day, celebrating a milestone, helping you feel the way you want to in your space, or helping build brands that make people feel their best—I’m all in for adding a little extra feeling to the world.

Dancing Through Life

Right behind my business (and it’s a narrow margin) is my passion for dance. I’ve been dancing for 30 years now (yep, I’m 32, and I started at 2). Dance is so woven into who I am that it feels like part of my identity. It’s something I’m working through in therapy—like how dance, acrobatics, and the whole world of performance shaped things like my self-worth, perfectionism, and people-pleasing. Did I literally bend myself in half and contort my body to please others? Yes. Yes, I did.

Teaching, though—that’s where the magic happens. It’s wild because I never saw myself as a teacher. Yet, here I am, entering my 10th season, and I love every moment of it. From geeking out over choreography and costumes to helping kids smash their goals—it’s incredible. As someone who’s chosen a child-free life, teaching lets me give back to the next generation in a way that feels deeply fulfilling. I get to create a safe, encouraging space for them, which is so important in a world that constantly demands so much from them.

While I’m down to teaching just one day a week now, it’s some of the best time I spend. My students teach me just as much as I hope I teach them. It’s humbling, it’s beautiful, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Filling My Cup

Lately, I’ve been asking myself: what do I actually enjoy? Not what others think I should enjoy—what makes me happy? Let me tell you, that’s been an eye-opener. Here’s what I’ve learned: I love games, puzzles, and being outside—whether that’s biking, hiking, or skiing. Give me a book or a sketchpad, and I’ll lose hours. I’m all about games like Settlers of Catan, Blatheround, Mario Kart, and Telestrations. I’ll try any game once!

I’m big on plant-based eating, love a good DIY home project, and will upcycle anything if given the chance. Musicals, documentaries, and historical fiction are my jam. As for music, I can tolerate most things, but country? Let’s just say there’s a limit, haha.

Being Human, Being Enough

At the end of the day, I’m just trying to live my best life, take care of myself, and be the best version of me that I can. I want to be the best role model, daughter, sister, aunt, and human I can be—but most of all, I want to be enough for myself.

And for the first time, I think I’m finally getting there.
Today (and every day), I hope you feel the same—or at least that you’re on the way there too.

 
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Piano Man

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Failing Forward: Months Four & Five