Finding my way.

When I set out to create The Goodest Girl, my biggest surprise was that it already existed. Painting and drawing people’s pets had been a hobby of mine since 2012. My first pet portrait was a commission from a friend-of-a-friend, just like most of my business today. I reached out to my network; my wonderful friends, family, and colleagues got the word out, and I’ve been painting ever since!

Since that first commission nearly a decade ago, I’ve moved from Washington DC, to Silver Spring, MD, to Longmont, Colorado. I’ve been a substitute teacher, an art specialist at a summer camp, and a nanny (many times over). I worked in a pub, a costume shop, and after-care in 2 different schools. Spent 4 years as an art teacher, 3 as a Spanish teacher. Designed sets for more than 4 school musicals. Was the director of 2 middle school musicals and one straight play. Whew!

When August 2020 came around, Covid-19 had been tearing through the USA at an alarming rate for 5 months. I didn’t feel safe going back to teaching art in a classroom full of kids. So I decided to try and make Art my full-time job. I have been working since I was 16 and this was my first time being self-employed. It was an extremely tricky transition to make. But with help from my network and my business coach I made The Goodest Girl “official” and am open for business!