Did the neighborhood you grew up in have a strong impact on you?

Yes! We lived in the suburbs on a cul-de-sac, and my younger brother and I spent a ton of time outside. We became best friends with the family who lived behind us and created an imaginary world called Riverbend in the woods between our houses.

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A whole world, huh?
Oh yeah, there was property ownership, jobs, a newspaper…I loved being with them and letting our creativity run wild out there.

How about your parents? Anything specific you remember them teaching you?

I felt like I could ask them anything—it was empowering! They never talked down to me or treated me like a kid.

Well, you were a property owner with a job after all.

Oh yes. I remember loving math from a young age, which inspired my dad to teach me about bases using aliens to help explain the logic. So much of it probably went over my head, but it taught me to be endlessly curious and never count myself out of a conversation.

Jumping to your professional life: can you share an important moment from your career journey?

After college, I made the decision to leave the traditional consulting path and join a five-person startup in the wellness space. It was probably the riskiest thing I’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding. I got to touch so many different parts of the business and use every part of my brain. It also gave me a deep appreciation for the challenge of building something from scratch—which I think about constantly with our entrepreneurs.

Sounds great. What’s most exciting to you about working with VMG Consumer’s portfolio company?

Helping incredible founders solve challenging problems every day. I fell in love with the consumer industry early on because you get to use both sides of your brain—the analytical and the creative. I love problems where you have to use multiple lenses to understand what’s going on.

Finally, what’s your favorite way to spend a Saturday?

Definitely with friends! My ideal Saturday would include a hike or walk outside, a dip in the ocean, and dinner at home with friends. The night would have to end with a game of some kind—Bridge, Snatch It, Salad Bowl…

From Riverbend to Salad Bowl—sounds like you’re a true gamer at heart.

I’m up for any of them! As long as I can get everyone to play. 😊