I’ve always been drawn to beautiful things—whether it’s a space that just feels right, a piece of art that speaks to you, or a moment that makes someone feel special.
Growing up in a family of artists, creativity is pretty much in my DNA. One of my earliest memories is begging my grandma to tell me stories, not just because they were good, but because she would draw them out as she told them. That’s when I first understood how powerful art can be—it’s not just about what you see, but the story it tells.
As a kid, I channeled that love of storytelling into scrapbooking. I’d spend hours making collages, turning photos and mementos into little time capsules. It was my way of capturing memories, and I loved it. In high school, I took every art class I could find, and even managed to convince my teacher to let me do an independent study. It was also where I discovered graphic design—piecing together elements to create something meaningful and beautiful just clicked for me.
But I’ve always had a technical side too. Math and science were my jam, and I was that kid who took all the AP classes. People told me I should go into STEM because, you know, “It’s where the money is.” So, I kept my options open. I even got my cosmetology license in high school so I could work my way through college. By day, I was cutting hair and chatting with clients, and by night, I was studying engineering at community college. It felt like I was living two separate lives, but I loved both.
When I got to university, I had to make a choice. My brother, who’s always been someone I look up to, was deep into computer science at ASU, and the more he talked about his projects, the more fascinated I became. So, I decided to hang up my shears and dive headfirst into tech.
That led to a gig at Microsoft as a Commercial Tech Support Advocate. It was intense, but I learned so much—mostly that I’m pretty good at listening to people and solving their problems. I even got to work with the design team, giving feedback on user interfaces. I loved it, but then the layoffs came, and I found myself at a crossroads.
Honestly, it was a blessing in disguise. I had time to explore other interests, like blockchain and crypto (thanks to my brother again). I dove in, did my research, and ended up with a summer internship at ZkSync. My job? Making complex stuff understandable. I wrote educational content, suggested product changes to make things more user-friendly, and generally tried to make the space a little less intimidating for newbies.
Through that, I got involved with Blockchain at ASU, which is where I met Yalor from MetaCartel. He was doing cool things, and I wanted in. That’s where I really started blending my tech skills with design—whether it was event pages, social media content, or sponsor decks, I was all in. My tech world and art world finally came together, and it just felt right.
Now, I’m three classes away from a degree in computer science, and I’ve found my sweet spot in UX/UI design. I’m excited to keep creating experiences that are not only beautiful but also meaningful and human-centered.
Outside of work, I’m settling into life in LA with my girlfriend and our dog. My current goals include keeping my tomato plants alive (easier said than done), getting the most out of our new e-bike, and discovering the best food spots around town. If you’ve got any recommendations, I’m all ears!