Growing up can be tough...especially when you live in the middle of "almost nowhere", California. I was a farm girl, tomboy, geek, dreamer, and I LOVED using my imagination! Literally the punching bag of most kids growing up in the early 80s-90s. You know how the story goes, leave town as quick as possible to find a better life, and my story was no exception! I wanted to find more who understood me, my love for animals and for the arts! I set off quickly to Southern California where I heard dreams came true and opportunities flowed like chocolate in Wonka's Factory! TAKE ME THERE!
With a lot of struggles, no college degree, working 2-3 part time/"odds and ends" type jobs since the age of 14, an opportunity presented itself to open a small shop in Anaheim, CA with a friend. We built a cute consignment shop selling local artist's handcrafted and art goods. We hosted shows, curated galleries, got our community involved and much more. Watching other artist's sell in a retail store made me start to wonder if I could be any good at it. I had a lifetime of drawing, owned a face painting and caricature business and was learning the latest digital art technology. I started working on my art at the shop on slower days to better my skills and be like the artists I loved!
For the last decade I have owned 2 retail shops, closed my beloved brick and mortar, and built Critterosity up to an online shop, live sale shop, DIY virtual workshops, in person and virtual Sip and Paint events, and of course, this beloved subscription platform. I haven't stopped, and I hope I won't ever have to because of the love and support my community and "Critterosity Fam" has shown me. Thank you. Thank you for being a part of my adventure to pursue happiness through sharing my art.
