Finding My Voice
The Journey That Shaped the Eating Artist
When I look back on my journey as an artist, I can confidently say that high school was where it all began. Before that, I never really had a clear career path in mind. Sure, there was a moment when I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, but even then, I think it was less about the career itself and more about the idea of standing in front of people, convincing them of something bigger than myself. I loved the spotlight, but I hadn’t yet connected that to my love for storytelling.
Everything changed during a high school theater performance. I vividly remember standing on stage, holding back a cough, when tears began streaming down my face. Those unexpected tears transformed into raw emotion as I delivered my lines. Something clicked inside me in that moment—I realized the power of vulnerability in art. That night, I was awarded Best Actress, and from then on, there was no turning back.
I pursued a degree in theater performance, but my love for the arts didn’t start there. Long before the stage, my heart belonged to poetry. As a child, words flowed from me as naturally as speech, creating verses that captured my emotions and painted vivid pictures of my inner world. Poetry was my first artistic love, and to this day, I still long to write poetry and songs. It’s a medium that feels like home, a bridge between who I was and who I’m becoming.
The Struggles of Being Multifaceted
Being a multifaceted artist isn’t easy, especially when it comes to money. There’s a stereotype in the art world that “starving artist” is some sort of badge of honor—a necessary rite of passage to prove your dedication to your craft. But let me be clear: that’s not my life. I’m not the artist who’s willing to live in her car or go without life’s little joys to chase the dream. Jesus didn’t call me to a life of scarcity, and I’ve never felt compelled to sacrifice my well-being for my art.
Growing up, I never lacked money. My family wasn’t rich, but I didn’t know that at the time. I always had what I needed, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful. However, what I did lack was confidence. That quiet void followed me, shaping how I saw myself and my potential. I think that’s part of the reason it took me so long to believe acting was truly for me. Even as I entertained others and brought joy into the room, I struggled to see my own worth beyond the laughs.
I wasn’t the girl people crushed on—I was always the biggest kid in the room, and I don’t just mean personality. But I learned to find my worth in other ways. I made people laugh. I entertained. I found joy in bringing others joy, and that shaped how I saw myself and my art. For me, artistry has always been about creating space for authenticity, even if that space is messy or imperfect
The Birth of Eating Artist and Twelve Two Productions
When I launched Twelve Two Productions right after college, my goal was simple: to create stories that change people. I wanted to craft narratives that bring people closer to Jesus and open up meaningful conversations about life, faith, and purpose. It’s so taboo to talk anything faith and I wanted to change that. I still want to change that. I want there to be a safe space where any and everyone can say what they believe and why they believe it. That same vision carried over into the creation of Eating Artist. My goal remains the same, to have a space where people feel comfortable and open enough to be themselves, every single part of themselves here. When you wear the merch, you feel it. When you read the blogs, you feel it. When you search for a scene, you feel it. That open-ness to be yourself and love every part of yourself is extremely clear.
The name Eating Artist itself carries a deep symbolism. In a world where many celebrate the idea of the “starving artist,” I’m here to rewrite that narrative. Starving is not a badge of honor—it’s not a sign of dedication, and it’s certainly not my calling. I’ve never wanted that life. I’m the daughter of a bald-headed dad who taught me to value the simple joys, like sipping on a $7 latte while pursuing your dreams. I created Eating Artist as a space where artists can thrive, not just survive.
Creating Stories That Inspire
What inspires me most as an artist is the ability to create stories that touch hearts and spark change. Whether I’m writing, performing, or producing, my goal is always to draw people closer to something bigger than themselves. I believe artistry is about freedom—freedom to be fully yourself and freedom to create without fear of being “too much.” That became the biggest insult for me growing up. “You doing too much” “You cry too much” “It’s not that deep” Oh, but it is. And my feelings are valid, no matter how big and uncomfortable they may make you feel.
Through Eating Artist, I hope to encourage other creatives to step boldly into their purpose. I want my journey to remind people that they were created for a reason, and that reason is worth pursuing, even on the hard days.