In 2012, everything changed once again.
My husband, a U.S. military man, received orders to relocate to Hawaii — and just like that, I left my home in Germany, packed up our two-year-old, and stepped into a completely new life.

I had no idea that move would uncover a passion that would change everything.

Shortly after we arrived, my husband deployed for nearly two years. I suddenly found myself navigating solo motherhood, military life, and a new country — isolated from my family, friends, and everything familiar. It was one of the hardest seasons of my life.

Then, on a random day, I bought a Groupon for a photo session. The photos? Not great. But the experience? Eye-opening. I thought:
“I could do this too.”

So I did. I picked up a Nikon D7000 and began photographing my neighbors — kids, families, anyone who’d let me. Each shutter click was more than practice — it was therapy, purpose, and a small spark of something bigger.

That small spark turned into a wildfire.

What began as an escape quickly became a deep love for photography. I wasn’t just creating images — I was capturing emotion, story, and human connection. It became my sanctuary, my art, my career. And eventually, it became a movement.

Today, I’m a boudoir and portrait photographer, photography educator, and creative business mentor — empowering other photographers to find their voice, build their brand, and own their story. Because I know exactly what it feels like to start from scratch.