Whenever people ask me where my creative style comes from, I always go back to my roots. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and those early years shaped my personality, my taste, and the way I move through every creative space I touch. Whether I am designing a home, planning an event, or cooking for V’s Vittles and Vibes, my Southern upbringing always finds a way to show up. Today, I want to share how those early influences inform the work I do in Los Angeles and how the two lifestyles meet in everything I create.
Growing Up Surrounded by Warmth and Hospitality
Growing up in Houston taught me the meaning of true hospitality. In the South, hospitality is not just a word. It is a way of life. It shows up in how we greet people, how we cook, how we decorate our homes, and how we gather with family and friends. My family believed in creating an inviting environment, and I carry that belief into every design project, event, and culinary experience I produce.
The warmth I experienced in my childhood home still influences me today. When I work with clients, one of my first goals is to create spaces that feel personal and welcoming. I want people to walk into a room and feel embraced. That Southern comfort is part of my signature style, and it is something I am proud to bring to Hollywood.
Letting Southern Influence Guide My Design Choices
My design aesthetic always reflects the balance between elegance and comfort. Growing up, I saw a lot of beautifully decorated homes that were still very livable. Nothing felt too precious to touch. That approach shaped the way I design today. I love sophisticated looks, but I believe rooms should invite people to sit down, relax, and enjoy the environment.
I am drawn to textures, warm colors, and pieces that feel collected over time. I also love mixing classic styles with modern touches, which is something I trace back to both the traditional Southern décor I grew up with and the contemporary energy of Los Angeles. The combination creates a style that feels familiar but fresh, and it fits my personality perfectly.
Food as a Love Language
In the South, food is more than nourishment. It is an expression of love, culture, and heritage. Houston offered a mix of flavors from soul food to Tex Mex, Creole dishes, and everything in between. That blending of cultures expanded my cooking style and taught me to respect tradition while exploring creativity.
When I work on recipes for V’s Vittles and Vibes, I often draw from those Houston memories. I want the food to feel comforting, but I also want it to reflect the lifestyle I live now. The fusion of Southern roots and Los Angeles freshness opens the door to dishes that are hearty, stylish, and full of personality. Cooking connects me to home, and every time I create a dish, I carry those Houston flavors with me.
Event Planning Inspired by Community and Celebration
Southerners know how to celebrate. Holidays, weddings, church events, reunions, and even simple family dinners are treated like special occasions. Growing up around those gatherings sparked my love for event planning long before I realized it could be a career.
Today, my events reflect that same sense of community. I care deeply about the details because I want every guest to feel seen and appreciated. Whether I am planning a small dinner or a large celebrity event, I aim to create an atmosphere filled with intention. The music, the décor, the food, and the flow of the event all work together to tell a story. That mindset comes directly from my Southern experiences, where every gathering has meaning.
Blending Houston Heart with Hollywood Opportunity
Moving to Los Angeles opened my world to new experiences, creative opportunities, and a broader audience. Hollywood energy is fast, bold, and filled with imagination. It pushes me to innovate and experiment in ways I may not have if I had stayed in Houston.
At the same time, my Southern upbringing keeps me grounded. It reminds me who I am, no matter what project I am working on or who I am working with. Houston gave me my foundation, and Los Angeles helped me build the rest. The combination allows me to bring unique perspectives to interior design, production design, event planning, and cooking.
Staying True to My Creative Voice
As I continue growing and expanding my brand, I always carry Houston with me. The values I learned there guide me in every decision. I believe in authenticity, warmth, gratitude, and creating work that has heart behind it. I believe in telling stories through design, food, and experiences. I believe in treating every client and every project with respect.
My life in Los Angeles inspires my creativity, but my roots give that creativity purpose. The blend of both worlds creates a voice that feels true to me. It influences how I show up on set, how I design a room, how I host an event, and how I create content for V’s Vittles and Vibes.