TheBlondeDutchGirl

I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin, always barefoot, always getting dirty, always exploring. My parents and grandparents let me work alongside them, taking care of a myriad of animals, building and tinkering and discovering. I developed a love for antiques from my mom and learned the art of garage sales. My favorite store was Ben Franklin. I always wanted to pick up a new paint or craft or creative tool. After majoring in pre-Vet biology and fine arts, I decided I'd head to Vet School. I was accepted to numerous Vet Schools around the globe, but it never set right with me. My ultimate dream was owning my own business and living out in the country. ( I moved to Colorado and do NOT yet live in the country, but I have owned my own business for several years! ) I said YES to a five-year program for my Masters Degree in Public Health and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. I finished my MPH...and told the Vet School, "Nope, sorry!" I wanted to work with kids, transform the community, and dive headlong into a creative profession, combining purpose, community development, loving the broken, serving the poor, and being creative. Now, I work with foster children, help lead a non-profit community health and transitional housing organization, and own my own marketing/branding/editing/photography/design/creative innovation business. My new creative outlet is building things by hand and making tangible, real, long-lasting items of beauty for your home, your dining table, your kitchen, your garden. I'm inspired by weathered wood, old Midwest barns, European architecture and charm, rusted metals, old Victorian houses, established neighborhoods, distressed wood, and a combination of old and new. Welcome to my little corner of the world. : ) Melissa