Life Beyond the Screen...
There is so much more to me than just web design after all!
I have way more hobbies than any one person should probably have, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
One minute I'm baking bread or fine-tuning a new macaron recipe. The next I'm wandering through my wildflower patch to see what decided to bloom this week, or spending an afternoon cooking something new just because it sounded fun.
Before all of this, I spent eight years in the Navy, where I got to work on F/A-18 fighter jets. Since then I've been in a movie, hosted a podcast, and somehow found my way into strategic web design. Looking back, it probably makes more sense than it sounds.
I've always had one foot planted firmly in creativity and the other in technology, and I genuinely love having both worlds collide.
While I love helping small business owners build websites they're proud of, there's a whole lot more to me than what happens behind a computer screen.
How does this help you???
Believe it or not, this has always been the thread connecting everything I've done.
I don't just build websites because I enjoy technology. I build them because I love helping people take an idea that's been living in their head and bring it to life in a way that feels natural, authentic, and unmistakably them.
Whether I was troubleshooting fighter jets, baking a fresh loaf of bread, recording a podcast, or designing a website, I've always been drawn to figuring things out, solving problems, and creating something I'm proud to put my name on.
I don't just create beautiful websites. I help people build an online presence that feels personal, real, and comfortable. The kind of website you're excited to share because it finally feels like you.
What inspires me?
Sometimes it's a hike with my sister-bestie. Other times it's trying to figure out how to turn a macaron into an adorable little brown sugar bear, or getting completely lost listening to a really good business book.
I also love learning from people who see the world a little differently. Whether it's through books, podcasts, or simply listening to someone's story, I'm always looking for ideas that challenge me to think a little differently and grow a little more.
I think that's one of the reasons I enjoy web design so much. Every client, every business, and every project teaches me something new.
And when I need a little extra inspiration, I turn to music!
I make a new Spotify playlist every year based on how I want to feel. The selection is eclectic to say the least, and not all songs will make sense to others, but every song is intentionally added! Here's this year's playlist!
A Few Questions I Get Asked a Lot...
Why coffee?
Believe it or not, Caffeine Creative wasn't born because I drink a ridiculous amount of coffee.
Back in 2018, while I was still building my business, I started sharing a daily "Coffee Time Inspiration" quote on social media. It wasn't a marketing strategy. I simply wanted to put something happy, encouraging, and beautiful out into the world.
Before long, people started associating me with coffee. Somewhere along the way, it stopped being just a morning drink and became part of my brand.
That's how Caffeine Creative was born.
Why did you give up the Solo Grind Podcast?
This was such a difficult decision for me! I loved creating new episodes every week, and I really loved the conversations that came through the podcast and after an episode was aired.
But in May 2026 I realized that my podcast was positioning me more as a coach than a web designer, and while I have the upmost respect for business coaches, I don't want to be one. I love the work that I do as a web designer, and don't want to change my focus.
Do you only build WordPress websites?
Nope! While I love WordPress sites, I also recognize that some clients need Squarespace and others may need a Shopify website. It all comes down to the goals each client has for their business and what they want to put out into the world.
Is the Coffee Chat really free?
Yes it is, but you do have to provide your own coffee! (We are screen to screen after all!)
While I value my time and believe in charging my worth then adding tax (as needed) I also believe that we need to make sure we are the right fit for each other before we sign on the dotted line. A free coffee chat helps us determine if we'd make a good team.
The Questions You Didn't Know You Wanted to Know...
If you weren't designing websites, what would you be doing?
If money were no object and I could do anything at all... I would be a full time food blogger! So I guess I would still be doing websites... 
When I am not behind the screen...
You will find me hanging out in our own little slice of heaven in the Eden township in rural South Dakota. We live a pretty quiet life, and we love it that way.
When I'm ready to unwind, you'll usually find me on the porch with a little bourbon, a good cigar, and a beautiful South Dakota sunset. If it's the weekend, there's a good chance I'm hanging out with my sister-bestie, Kara, meeting my daughter for coffee or cocktails, experimenting with a new macaron design, or wandering through my wildflower patch to see what's decided to bloom this week.
A few snapshots from my life away from web design...
Did we just become friends?
If you've scrolled this far, I'd say we are! Thanks for taking the time to get to know me a little better. I know there are a lot of talented web designers out there, and I truly appreciate you spending a few minutes here with me.
If you're thinking, "Yep... she's my kind of person," I'd love to get to know you too.
