Welcome!

About Me:

As a young girl growing up on the South Side of Chicago, I was always inspired by my surroundings. Being intrigued by the latest fashion trends and finding ways to implement them into my style and self-expression became second nature.  Intrigued by the latest fashion trends, I always found a way to implement new trends into my own personal style. This only boosted my love for fashion as a way of expressing myself or (self-expression). In my early years, my favorite pastime was taking trips to the mall with my mother, where I would model alongside the most striking mannequins, perfecting new poses until my mom recognized my latest addition to my repertoire. This playful habit paved the way for my entry into the fashion industry at just 13 years old, as a model for Ford Modeling Agency (Chicago).​ Having the opportunity to witness the behind-the-scenes magic of fashion shows and photoshoots for brands like Nike and Abercrombie & Fitch gave me a rush of excitement I couldn't put into words.

At the same time, however, Chicago’s rising reports of gun violence made me acutely aware of the city’s struggles. I wanted to create something bigger than myself—something that celebrated Chicago’s resilience while countering the narrative tied to the nickname “Chi-Raq.” In 2016, I founded my brand, Straight From The Go, with a logo inspired by the Chicago flag. In doing so, i ensured a portion of the proceeds goes to support innocent victims of gun violence, fallen first responders' families, and positive initiatives within the community. This became my way of expressing my beliefs through fashion while giving back to the city that shaped me.​

Following my passion for community and education, I enrolled at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2016, where I initially pursued Athletic Training. Sharing an undying love for sports with my father, I was 1 of 30 accepted into the program.  In 2020, I was 1 of 15 to graduate with honors, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite my success, I felt a deeper calling which led me to re-enrolling at Mizzou to study Product Development in the Textile and Apparel Management program. During my time in the program, I rediscovered my passion for fashion, thanks to my inspiring professors, and opportunities to mentor my peers, and traveling to New York to gain firsthand experience from industry professionals. Over three transformative years, I honed in on my skills and reimagined my brand’s potential, graduating with honors in May 2023.

Since then, I have continued to build on my creative journey. Joining Arc'teryx as a full-time Lead, where I bring my passion for performance and design to life. Additionally, I recently got the opportunity to creative direct and curate my first fashion show Planet R, which highlighted the emerging talent and innovative design Chicago has to offer. My participation in the Creative Futures Collective and partnerships with iconic retailers like Macy’s have expanded my reach, allowing me to host exclusive pop-up shops and connect with a broader audience. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to creating opportunities for others and elevating Chicago’s creative community. With that being said, I strive to bridge creativity, community, and impact with each endeavor, from Straight From The Go to Planet R. My journey, shaped by resilience and determination, is just beginning. I am excited to continue inspiring others while staying rooted in the city that made me who I am.