ILLUME is a fully vertical developer of personal fragrance products in Minnesota for their owned brand ILLUME, whose products are sold in retailers throughout the US and Europe. As well as in collaboration with retailers such as Anthropologie, Madewell, JCrew, West Elm, Target and many others. They also develop, design, and source lotions + potions for their owned brand, Good Chemistry. As the creative visionary I grew the company portfolio from a small private label manufacturer into a global player in personal fragrance brands and products. This is where I learned what I’m capable of.

Founded in 1978, Aveda™ creates high performance, botanically-based products for beauty professionals and consumers—while continuously striving to conduct business in an environmentally sustainable manner. Headquartered in Blaine, Minnesota, Aveda manufactures innovative plant-based hair care, skin care, makeup and lifestyle products, available at retail in Aveda Experience Centers and more than 9,000 professional hair salons and spas in more than 30 countries, as well as at Aveda.com. Our mission at Aveda is to care for the world we live in, from the products we make to the ways in which we give back to society. At Aveda, we strive to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility, not just in the world of beauty but around the world. As an Art Director and Senior level Designer, I worked closely with visual, merchandising, education, shows, product development and marketing teams to build compelling campaigns to launch new products and educate the vast sales force on their unique selling points, while always putting the environment first. This is where I learned the impact working for a purpose-led brand can have.

WE BUILD BRANDS FROM THE INSIDE OUT. Without an audience, a brand doesn’t exist. And the strongest brands unify their audience under a common vision. We call this Branding from the Inside Out™. Why is it important? Because having one brand anthem that resonates with employees, customers and even the casual observer is the perpetual motion machine of brand loyalty. Since 1979, we’ve partnered with companies who understand how design can drive culture (inside and out), ideas and sales. We bring together problem solvers, strategic thinkers and conceptual designers to develop compelling brand stories. As a Designer, I worked alongside an incredibly talented team of creatives to build brands that matter. I created some award winning projects and made life long friends. This is where I learned the value of a work family.

IMAGEHAUS, a brand design firm specializing in brand creation and development, has helped companies develop their brand strategy - a plan for long-term and short-term success. We Believe Branding and design are about increasing revenues over the long term, whereas advertising is more short term. If a company is struggling, rarely does an investor come in and want to buy an ad campaign. The value is in the brand. As a designer on a very small team, I designed projects on my own, learned how to fail and succeed. Lived design and won awards. This is where I learned the business of design.