Picture this: a college grad with a degree in hand, a love for artistry and appearance, and… no job offers. That was me in 2013. Instead of waiting for someone to give me a chance, I decided to make my own. That’s how Material Opulence, my designer clothing brand for men, women, and kids, was born. What started as a response to a challenge has grown into a thriving business — and it’s just one part of a journey that’s taken me from marketing big events to acting on-screen. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way, and why I’m sharing it with high school students today.
Passion Doesn’t Need Permission
I’ve always been obsessed with how things look — clothes, design, the way a story comes to life. When the job market said “no” after college, I turned that passion into Material Opulence. It wasn’t easy — starting a brand with no roadmap or safety net — but it was mine. Fast forward to today, and I’m also a Marketing and Promotions Manager at the Kansas City Convention Center, where I get to flex those same creative muscles: marketing events, designing materials, managing social media. It’s the perfect complement to my entrepreneurial side.
Then, in 2020, I added a new chapter: acting. From stage plays to short films to Hallmark’s Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story and Lifetime’s Girl in the Garage, it’s been a wild ride. The lesson? You don’t have to pick one path. Your passions can evolve, and if you’re willing to take risks and adapt, you can build multiple streams of success. That’s what I tell myself — and it’s what I’ll tell those students.
Obstacles Are Just Opportunities in Disguise
Let’s be real: starting a business with no job wasn’t a fairy tale. There were late nights, doubts, and moments I wondered if I’d made the right call. Fast forward to juggling a day job, a clothing brand, and auditions — time management became my superpower, and rejection (from auditions or business hiccups) taught me resilience. In May 2024, I took the biggest leap yet: going full-time with Material Opulence. It’s been a crash course in trust and tenacity.
The truth I’ve learned? Failure or uncertainty isn’t the end — it’s often the start of something bigger. I didn’t let not finding a job stop me; I created my own. And every “no” since has pushed me to find a better “yes.” That’s the grit I want those students to see: setbacks don’t define you; what you do next does.
Creativity: The Fuel for Everything
Creativity isn’t just sketching a new clothing collection for Material Opulence — it’s dreaming up event promos at work or stepping into a character on set. It’s problem-solving, storytelling, and building something people connect with. Acting’s opened doors I never imagined — like seeing myself in a Sam’s Club commercial or a Chiefs-themed Hallmark film — and it all ties back to that artistic spark.
This summer, I’m passing that spark on. I’m hiring interns through Pro X Summer for a 5-week stint with Material Opulence, from June to early July. It’s a chance for high schoolers to dive into a creative, entrepreneurial world — think designing social media campaigns or helping plan a pop-up event. It’s hands-on, real, and a taste of what hustle looks like. Creativity’s a skill you can use anywhere, and I can’t wait to see what they bring to it.
Skills That Stick
When I look for interns, I’m not after perfection. I want work ethic, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. Marketing, branding, communication — these aren’t just buzzwords; they’re tools that work whether you’re chasing fashion, entertainment, or something totally different. I’ll have my interns tackling projects like crafting a social post for Material Opulence or brainstorming an event idea — stuff that’s practical and future-proof.
My advice to students? You don’t need to know everything now. Just start somewhere. The skills you pick up — like how to sell a story or connect with people — will carry you far. I didn’t have it all figured out in 2013, and I still don’t. But I started, and that’s what counts.
Making an Impact, One Story at a Time
There’s something surreal about seeing someone wear a piece from Material Opulence or spotting my face on screen in Holiday Touchdown. It’s not just about the work — it’s the impact. My background, my identity, my journey — they’ve shaped every step, and I hope they inspire others to see what’s possible. Your story matters, and whatever you create or pursue can light a spark for someone who sees themselves in you.
That’s what I’ll tell those high schoolers today: Don’t wait for permission. Turn your obstacles into opportunities. Lean into your creativity, pick up skills as you go, and know that what you build can change the game — not just for you, but for someone watching. And hey, if you’re a student with hustle in your veins, come intern with me this summer. Let’s make something opulent together.