Pour some coffee...

I once heard that the things you love as a child are actually indicative of the career you should choose as an adult.

 My favorite things were always art, fashion, and video production. I contemplated a career in broadcast communications, and if it hadn't been for my introverted nature, I just might be your local TV news reporter.

Instead, I graduated with a degree in visual arts communications, and that put me on the long (sometimes really long) winding path to where I am now.

Over the past 24 years, I have worked for my local Borough and Chamber of Commerce planning community events; a large community foundation where I managed digital and print projects like annual reports and liaised with advertising agencies, designers, and photographers; and now as the Director of Human Resources for a non-profit agency that provides services for adults with Intellectual and Development Disabilities.

I have always found a way to use my art and my communication skills to help people and build relationships; but it wasn't until I created Billie Jean that I started to consider myself an artist. 

Having nieces and nephews with dynamic personalities- that I adore more than anything in this world- inspired me to create custom denim jackets to showcase each of their unique likes and interests. I made all three of them (there are now eight!) a jacket for Christmas in 2017, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Well, maybe not history. It still took me awhile to figure out where I fit in as an artist, and it also took a lot of encouragement, and faith from friends and family.

In a few short years, I have had the unique opportunity to feature my work in Jeppie, Ribbon Bridal, and Cord + Iron; as well as to showcase some pieces at New York Bridal Fashion Week, the Rock Steelers Style Fashion Show, and in Table Magazine. 

At the end of 2023, my husband and I launched Rebel Goods in partnership with Cord + Iron. Our online storefront offered curated vintage home and interior decor, and we planned to add vintage inspired pieces and art as well as interior design consulting focusing mostly on small, local businesses.

Unfortunately, in early 2024 our house flooded, causing us to put a pause on our creative endeavors and all of our energy went into renovating a large portion of our living space.

We continue to partner with Cord + Iron in a lot of ways (especially as friends and neighbors); however, Rebel Goods is sitting on a really tastefully designed shelf collecting dust. But just like good vintage, my brain never sits idly for too long. 

I'm casually collecting unique pieces in my new creative space, Grunge House Studios, that may find their way on the site from time to time and will most certainly be available at the occasional pop-up event.

Thank you ever so much for your continued curiosity in my creative indulgences, 

Stephanie