As her voice echoed through the space, something in me shifted. I tried to steady myself, but the emotion rushed in before I could gather myself.

I was honestly taken aback. I never would’ve pegged Essence as a style that spoke to my new “drummer friend,” at least not in my head. But it was one of those beautiful reminders of how art and story connect us, even when we least expect it.

It’s always a successful day when I leave a venue better than I arrived — uplifted, inspired, and connected. 

One of my favorite moments is when I say, “I’m the artist and designer.”
That’s when something shifts. Their admiration for the collection quickly turns into curiosity about me.