I studied fashion design at the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati in the United States. During my final year of study, I discovered silk painting and two worlds collided splendidly: my desire to paint and work with pattern all the while continuing to work with fabric and form. Soon after graduation, I found my calling: surface design.

I designed for over 11 years for a high-end retailer in addition to small, large and specialty fashion retailers. I designed for a variety of products, including apparel (kids, juniors, women and men), bedding, pillows, plates, ornaments, and even snow globes. During this time, I perfected my artistic and business skills such as strong organizational skills, meeting deadlines and staying under budget. In addition, I worked closely with manufacturers learning all aspects of design from concept to creation.

In 2008 a long-time dream finally came to fruition: I started my own business with a 110% focus on its success. Part of the dream included a move to Europe with my husband. I now spend my time building my licensing and design business while immersing myself in all the inspiration that Hungary and Europe has to offer. My portfolio has expanded to included magnets, stationery, fabric, lamps, wallpaper and wall art with other products in current production.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
After years of wanting to move to Europe, we sold everything and made the leap in 2008. We choose Hungary after visiting several other central and eastern European capitals. Budapest easily won.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Nope. This is my first expat experience and I have a feeling it won't be the last.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
How difficult it is to find art supplies…and when you do find them how expensive they can be.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Széchenyi Baths and visit the countryside. If they are visiting in August then the Mezőkövesd Folk Festival!

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Gomba paprikás with a pinch of Erős Pista.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Tejföl.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Fürdőszoba. It is a silly word to be a favourite…it is just fun to say.

8. What do you miss most from home?
The sea….the sea…the sea.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Art restoration.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
BKV ticket controller.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Sümegprága, Hungary.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Somewhere by the sea. See question #8!

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Band: New Order. Hobby: dancing. Film: anything by John Hughes.

14. What can't you resist?
A dry gin martini. Shaken. With three good olives.

15. Red wine or white?
Szekszárdi red in the winter and a dry Tokaji furmint in the summer.

16. Book or movie?
Hmmm… A good book and a cup of tea is perfect.....or a movie with a huge bowl of popcorn. Difficult to choose just one.

17. Morning person or night person?
Morning. Although my husband may disagree.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Education is the key. Raise education levels then we'll see a stronger economy, more respect between those perceived to be different…and reduction in a whole host of other ills that plague us.

19. Buda or Pest side?
Pest.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving there safely and unmarked, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, totally worn out and screaming 'WOOO HOOOOO what a ride!"