So, start at the very beginning – Who Are You?

An Owner & Designer of District of Clothing and Co-Founder & CEO of The Creative Ladder

What makes you dope?

Persistence is my number one quality. As one of my heroes once said, “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.”

Who was your first inspiration and how did you first learn about them?

This borders on a Matthew McConaughey answer, but I learned very early on to believe in myself and trust that I had some value to offer even when things seem stacked against me. Punk rock taught me that.

What’s your happy place? Your favorite thing to do to bring yourself joy?

My family. They are why I do this. They inspire me endlessly.

Where do you get your energy and motivation?

Well, redundant, I suppose, but family. And the idea that I must do one good thing. I don’t have to change the entire world. I can’t, and that’s the way it should be. We’re not alone. I just must change one small thing and make it better than my time here on this planet.

What does balance mean to you and how do find it?

Balance, for me, is taking time to sleep, move, be still, and connect with family. It’s realizing I won’t be able to do everything I want. And there’s no perfect time I will be able to do everything I want. It’s ditching perfection and opting for prioritizing my health and family.

What sacrifices did you have to make, or struggles did you face to get here?

Well, I almost sacrificed everything. One morning, after one particularly bad night, I made a choice to live and learn to love myself. I chose to be well. Not to let alcohol or my mental health issues lead me down a path for which there is no recovery. Many people have taken the other route and aren’t here.

What is the early advice you didn’t listen to that you wish you had? Or what advice would you give your earlier self?

Advice to my younger self: Be kinder to yourself. You’re going to be amazing.

What was your greatest failure and what did you learn from it?

My greatest failure was to not believe in the richness of other people’s lives and treat them with the love and respect they deserve. I was so wrapped up in myself at times that I often forgot about others. If your dream doesn’t somehow involve the happiness of others, it needs to be revised.

What was your proudest moment to date?

My son. There is no greater reward than learning to love someone fully without reservation.

ACTION: How Can We Help You Today?!?!

I’m not always good at this kind of self-promotion, so let’s leave you all with this: Love yourself. There is no book thing or person who will save you. But, if you want to make good on- and low cocktails, I can help with that, hahaha. Visit: positivedamageinc.com

Bonus Brag – What are you currently conquering? Is there something exciting in the works? Next steps?

Working on Mindful Drinking Fest with my wonderful partners Maria Bastasch and Erika Goedrich. Check out our site for updates: mindfuldrinkingfest.com.

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