Giving Back

Jan 14th, 2026

Community Outreach Through Schools & Senior Living

As part of our Winter Carnival outreach, we spent a full day visiting schools and senior living communities throughout the area. We traveled together to two elementary schools, where we met with preschool students and spoke to an entire second-grade class, sharing the story and spirit of the Winter Carnival in a way that felt fun, engaging, and age-appropriate.

As a mom, spending time with the younger kids felt especially natural. We colored together, made snowmen and paper snowflakes, and simply played. One little girl grabbed my hand and proudly walked me from table to table, introducing me to her friends, while another was clearly heartbroken when I wasn’t sitting with her — so of course I made sure to spend time with both. Those small moments of connection were incredibly sweet and reminded me how meaningful it is to make children feel seen and included.

We also visited a school serving young adults ages 18–22, supporting students with diverse learning needs. One group shared a video they had created themselves, complete with a voiceover explaining what they do at school, the field trips they plan and attend, and the independence they’re building. One young woman, in particular, stood out to me for her ambition and confidence — she was already dreaming big, and it was inspiring to witness.

The day concluded with visits to senior living communities, where we performed and acted out the Winter Carnival legend and shared a short song-and-dance presentation created by our group this year. Afterward, we spent time visiting with residents, listening to their stories and sharing conversation. One gentleman told me about traveling the world with his wife in an RV and the adventures they experienced before eventually returning to Minnesota — a reminder that every person carries a lifetime of stories worth hearing.

What made the day so special was the opportunity to truly connect across generations — playing with children, engaging with students, and learning from older adults. These moments reinforced for me that community outreach isn’t just about appearances; it’s about presence, listening, and creating genuine human connection wherever you go.

Dec 2nd, 2026

Feed My Starving Children – Community Volunteer Experience

As part of my Winter Carnival involvement, I volunteered with Feed My Starving Children in Eagan alongside the full court—including junior and senior royalty, current junior royalty, and Queen of the Snows candidates. It was one of the most meaningful and genuinely joyful volunteer experiences I’ve had.

Feed My Starving Children is a 100% donor-funded nonprofit organization, not a government program. Every meal packed is made possible entirely through private donations and volunteers who give their time to serve children facing food insecurity around the world. During our shift, we packed 123 boxes, providing 73 children in Haiti with one nutritious meal a day for an entire year. Knowing these meals were headed to families still recovering from recent hurricanes made the work even more impactful.

As a freelance artist, I’ve never had access to the kind of corporate volunteer opportunities many people experience, so this was especially meaningful for me. Working side-by-side with fellow candidates and Winter Carnival leadership deepened my appreciation for the organization and its commitment to service. Moments like this remind me how important it is to give back—and how powerful it is when communities come together to help others feel supported and seen.

I’m grateful to be officially sponsored by Fury Motors this season and proud to represent an organization that prioritizes hands-on volunteerism and real community impact.

Saint Paul Winter Carnival & Queen of the Snows 2026 Candidacy

This year, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival is celebrating 140 years of tradition, volunteerism, and community pride. As one of the nation’s oldest winter festivals, the Carnival has a long history of connecting communities through outreach, public events, and recognition of those who make a lasting impact.

I’m currently running as a Queen of the Snows candidate, a role I came to understand as a true community ambassadorship. I am officially sponsored by Former King Boreas, the 82nd, Tom Leonard, owner of Fury Motors, whose support and belief in me are deeply meaningful. Tom was the person who helped me see that this opportunity is less about ceremony and more about showing up—going into schools, nursing homes, and community spaces to recognize people who serve others every day.

What ultimately drew me to this experience was the focus on recognizing community leaders and local business owners—people who have dedicated years of hard work to their communities, created employment opportunities, and often go unseen. Being part of an organization that intentionally celebrates these individuals aligns closely with my own values around service, leadership, and helping people feel truly seen.

November 21st, 2025

I’m thrilled to once again take part in FashionFest 2025, supporting the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital. This annual event brings together fashion, philanthropy, and community to raise funds for children’s health programs that make a lasting difference in the lives of patients and their families.

This year, I’ll have the honor of walking in the fashion show, showcasing looks from local boutiques and designers who generously donate their time and talent for the cause. FashionFest is one of my favorite events of the year—it’s vibrant, inspiring, and proof that when creativity and compassion come together, incredible things happen.

If you’d like to be part of this amazing evening, you can get tickets and learn more here:
👉 FashionFest 2025 – University of Minnesota Foundation

Nov 9th, 2025

As President of The Annex, I was proud to lead and host our Fall Social Event at Elite Salon Suites—an afternoon intentionally designed to bring beauty professionals together for education, connection, and growth.

Unlike our earlier events, this was a ticketed social experience, with a $20 entry supporting The Annex’s mission and a curated raffle featuring generously donated products from leading beauty brands. This structure allowed us to elevate the experience while continuing to keep education accessible and community-focused.

The Fall Social featured two powerful educational sessions—one focused on content creation and social media strategy, and another centered on curl care and textured hair education. These classes addressed real gaps many beauty professionals face after school: how to market themselves effectively, serve diverse clients confidently, and build sustainable careers beyond technical skill alone.

We also partnered with a professional photographer to offer affordable headshots and branding images, recognizing that many freelancers and suite owners don’t have the marketing budgets of large salons—but still need high-quality visuals to grow their businesses. In addition, attendees were able to connect with wellness-focused vendors and participate in a raffle that added both excitement and tangible value to the day.

Most importantly, this event reinforced what The Annex is built on: collaboration over competition. By creating space for beauty professionals to meet, learn from one another, and build real relationships, we continue to strengthen a community rooted in support, confidence, and shared success.

Seeing the conversations sparked, the connections made, and the energy in the room reminded me why this work matters—and why The Annex will continue hosting events that help beauty professionals not just do the work, but build lives and careers they’re proud of.

May 9th, 2025

Each year, I love attending events that blend community, connection, and purpose—like the University of Minnesota WineFest. My husband and I had the joy of attending as guests, spending the evening sampling incredible wines and foods from some of Minnesota’s best restaurants while supporting an important cause.

WineFest raises funds for the University of Minnesota’s children’s health programs, helping advance research and care for young patients and their families. It’s always a memorable evening filled with laughter, learning, and generosity—proof that when a community comes together, even through celebration, we can make a meaningful difference for children and their futures.

Looking ahead, I plan to donate a private makeup lesson to a future WineFest auction to help raise additional funds for the organization. It’s a small way I can contribute my passion and expertise to an event that does so much good for Minnesota’s children and families.

April 24th, 2025

I’m thrilled to be attending this year’s Ann Bancroft Foundation Annual Celebration—an evening dedicated to empowering girls and women who are using their voices, creativity, and talents to shape a better future for all of us.

The Ann Bancroft Foundation does incredible work supporting Minnesota girls in grades K–12 through grants, mentorship, and opportunities that help them dream bigger and step confidently into their potential. Their mission resonates deeply with me: Supporting a girl today strengthens our community now and for generations to come.

If you believe in the power of mentorship, community, and giving girls the tools they need to thrive, this is an event worth knowing about. 💜

Let’s keep showing up for each other—because when girls rise, we all rise.

March 11, 2025

Reflecting on a Powerful Evening: The Power of You in Bloom 🌸

I had the honor of attending The Power of You in Bloom, Dress for Success Twin Cities’ largest annual fundraiser—and what a night it was! As the organization celebrated its 15th anniversary, the room was filled with inspiration, new beginnings, and a community united by a shared belief: when women flourish, our entire community blossoms.

Dress for Success Twin Cities doesn’t just offer career attire—they walk alongside women in their journey to economic sustainability with mentorship, career coaching, and life-changing support. Their programs help break the cycle of poverty and create long-lasting, systemic change for women and the workplaces they enter.

I’m deeply moved by their two-fold approach:
🌟 Client-centered programming that honors each woman’s unique path
🌟 Employer systems change that ensures inclusive, equitable work environments

This isn’t just about employment—it’s about transformation. About confidence. About rewriting futures.

It was an evening of real stories, courageous women, and a community committed to uplifting one another. I left reminded of the power we all have to make a difference—and I’m proud to support this mission.

Here’s to women blooming into their full potential. 💪✨

Jan 12th, 2025

As the President of The Annex, I’m thrilled to have coordinated the upcoming Social Event & Open House on January 12th at Mechanix+Co. This event is a chance for Minnesota beauty professionals to connect, learn, and grow together.

At the event, we’re offering two free classes for our members: one focused on business growth strategies and the other on refining makeup skills. Additionally, we’ve invited a professional photographer to provide affordable headshots and creative photos.

Many of the beauty professionals in our group are sole proprietors with limited marketing budgets compared to large salons. This initiative is designed to help them elevate their branding, strengthen their online presence, and attract more clients. Our goal is to empower our female members to achieve financial freedom and build sustainable, successful careers in the beauty industry.

I’m so excited to see the positive impact this event will have on our community!

Nov 14th, 2024

In partnership with The Dwelling Place, I’m hosting a vital seminar focused on Domestic Violence Awareness, specifically designed for beauty professionals. This event, offered exclusively to members of The Annex, aims to equip beauty professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to support clients, coworkers, and themselves when dealing with domestic violence. By providing this education, we’re not only fostering a supportive community but also empowering beauty entrepreneurs to create safer, more informed workplaces.

This seminar is being offered for free to all The Annex members, because we believe that helping beauty professionals grow their businesses is key to their success and longevity in this industry. When you are better equipped to support your team and clients, you increase your chances of running a thriving, sustainable business.

Beauty professionals and small business owners, join our Facebook group today to access this event and more resources that will help you build a stronger, more successful business in the beauty industry.

Nov 15th, 2024

Get Ready for FashionFest: A Night of Style with a Purpose!

Join us for FashionFest the most stylish event of the season, benefiting M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital. Dress in your chicest attire and get ready for an unforgettable evening where fashion meets philanthropy.

The night will be filled with delicious food and wine tastings, exclusive pop-up shops from the top boutiques in the Twin Cities, exciting raffle opportunities to win luxurious designer handbags, and a spectacular fashion show featuring runway royalty—including yours truly! I’ll be walking the runway wearing stunning pieces from Bumbershute in Edina and Studiiyo23 in Minneapolis.

But the real showstopper is the impact FashionFest has on those beyond the runway. All proceeds support life-changing pediatric patient programs and services at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, helping to transform the lives of young patients and their families.

You’ll be inspired to bid on amazing auction items, all while knowing you're contributing to transformational care for those who need it most.

Mark your calendars and get your tickets today – you won’t want to miss this extraordinary night of fashion, fun, and giving back!

Don’t wait—buy your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable evening that makes a real difference.

PAST EVENTS

Graves Into Garden Gala | The Dwelling Place August 8th, 2024

The Dwelling Place Gala – A Night of Giving and Connection

In August, Bob and I had the privilege of attending The Dwelling Place Gala, an annual event that supports women and children who have escaped domestic abuse and found safety and support at The Dwelling Place. This special evening brought together a community of compassionate individuals for a meaningful night of connection, reflection, and celebration.

The event featured a wonderful social hour, a fun photo booth, exciting raffle prizes, and a heartfelt dinner, where we heard powerful stories directly from the residents of The Dwelling Place. These stories serve as a reminder of the resilience of these women and children, and the incredible difference that support can make in their lives.

Bob and I not only enjoyed the event but also had the opportunity to reconnect with industry friends from different parts of my life and make new, valuable connections. It was a great reminder of the power of community and the impact we can have when we come together for a cause.

To learn more about the amazing work The Dwelling Place does and how you can get involved, visit The Dwelling Place website. Together, we can continue to support those who need it most.

May 16th, 2024

Women’s Gathering at Redeemed Farm – A Day of Inspiration and Connection

My mom and I had the privilege of attending the Women’s Gathering at the stunning Redeemed Farm in Scandia, MN. This event, designed to bring women of all ages together, was a truly uplifting experience. The day was filled with meaningful conversations, delicious food, and a powerful message that resonated with everyone in attendance.

One of the most impactful moments was hearing the personal story shared by an alumna of The Dwelling Place, a moment that reinforced the importance of creating safe and supportive spaces for women and their families.

I met some incredible women during the event, and I’m excited to be working on establishing a connection with the leadership of The Dwelling Place. My goal is to explore how I, along with members of The Annex, can offer our services to these women and their children, providing support and resources to those who need them most.

Stay tuned for more updates as we work toward building these partnerships and making a difference in our community.