Since childhood, I’ve been captivated by flowers, home décor, and the arts. Growing up in Garden Grove, California, after our family moved there when I was four, I often visited Disneyland where my eldest sister, Patty, worked. Those visits introduced me to the magic of design, color, harmony, and storytelling—even before I truly understood those concepts.

At 16, I began my creative journey working at Moskatel’s, a beloved local arts and crafts store. There, I was inspired by the talented designer Sandy, who ignited my love for holiday decorations, and Leonard Santos, the store manager, who taught me the value of strong work ethics and high standards. Over two years, I progressed from cart runner to cashier and eventually landed a position at Fiesta Florist in Garden Grove.

Under the mentorship of Linda McKinney, the shop owner, I delved deeper into the world of floral design, customer service, and teamwork. During my three years there, I refined my skills in arranging florals, designing window displays, and creating efficient workflows. These efforts were recognized when I won two First Place awards in the FTD Bridal Show and the Orange County Floral Association’s Table Centerpiece competition.

After these formative experiences, I sought broader horizons and eventually embarked on a career that forever shaped my creative outlook: working with Disneyland, EuroDisney Imagineering, and Walt Disney Imagineering. There, I embraced the art of storytelling through design, fulfilling a dream that continues to inspire my work today.