“I was born in Germany and raised in Japan, which gave me a very unique perspective on life from an early age. I attended Japanese school growing up, was immersed in the culture daily, and learned to speak Japanese fluently. Being raised overseas shaped so much of who I am today, from how I view community and respect for others to my appreciation for tradition, creativity, and slowing down enough to enjoy life’s meaningful moments.

 

When I moved to America at 16 years old, it was a huge transition and culture shock, but also the beginning of a completely new chapter in my life. Growing up between cultures taught me adaptability and resilience, but it also gave me a deep appreciation for connection and belonging, which is something I now try to create for other families to the best of my abilities.

 

Growing up, I loved being active and creative. My favorite sport in high school was softball, I played the drums in band, was part of the step team, and loved to dance and sing, which taught me a lot about teamwork, discipline, and expression. I’ve always been someone who enjoys creating, building, and connecting with people.

 

I met my husband, Matt, in Hawaii, and together we eventually made our way to Texas in 2010. In 2018 we were looking for land to call our own and hoping to slow life down a little. We accidentally stumbled upon Winnsboro, and honestly, it felt like fate. There was something about this town that immediately felt different, the people, the pace, the sense of community, and the beauty of East Texas. It felt like home before we even realized it.

 

Today, we live in a very old home filled with history, character, and stories in its bones. It’s imperfect, full of projects, and deeply loved. We have built a life here surrounded by nature, family, and community.”