I grew up a barefoot, free-spirited child in Florida — climbing trees, swimming in springs, and snorkeling the Keys with turtles and dolphins. From the start, I was wired a little differently — curious, expressive, talkative, persevering, and often a "bit too much" by most adults' standards.

At twelve, my family moved from sunny Florida to a small post-industrial town in upstate New York. Overnight, my barefoot, unbounded life gave way to bundled winters, overcast months, and an insulated culture that had been shaped by a certain way of life for generations. My slight Southern lilt and adventurous nature marked me immediately at school and in our neighborhood — a square peg in a round-hole world. Eventually, I found a way to fit in, but the experience diminished my optimism and easy confidence for years.

After college, I headed to New York City and was fortunate to land at a creative boutique ad agency in the Flatiron District. It was filled with original personalities who didn’t follow the usual script, regardless of age, position, or personal and business style. A company of square pegs. I felt right at home.

Still, as I settled in, it became clear that many of my peers — the same age, in similar entry-level roles — moved easily through situations I’d never been exposed to: speaking comfortably with senior executives, navigating client dinners, confidently presenting their opinions, and reading social and professional cues I didn’t yet know existed.

At first, I assumed this ease simply came more naturally to them. But soon realized it wasn’t innate at all — I was just unbriefed. They had been taught or learned a set of unspoken rules around workplace communication, presence, and social navigation — the very things creating that confidence. And all of it could be learned.

So I began piecing together and learning the unspoken rules — not to copy my colleagues, but to gain the awareness and skills that would help me feel more confident and at ease at work and with new friends.

That path eventually led me into corporate communications — and to Paris, London, and Los Angeles. As my world widened, a few things became clear:

Not all of us square pegs look alike. Some question every rule; others simply ignore the ones that don't make sense. Some thrive in the spotlight; others do their best work behind the scenes. Sometimes you'll find people who understand you; other times you'll need to learn how to navigate different rooms and worlds without losing yourself. Understanding the unspoken rules isn't about becoming someone else — it's what gives you the freedom to be fully yourself.

That’s why, even in the most formal boardrooms and dinner tables, I could meet people where they were, while staying true to who I am — quietly slipping off my Pradas under the table and getting to work, barefoot as always.

That real-life experience and hard-won understanding led me to create Charm & Grit — for my fellow square pegs, and for those who, like me, were never given the briefing and never wanted to lose what made them different. Not to conform, but to expand — with guidance instead of years of awkward trial and error, and the confidence that comes from knowing how things work.

Consider me your modern-day etiquette ally — fairy godmother energy, minus the glitter and wand. I’m here to help fellow originals, free spirits, and delightful weirdos master the unspoken rules — polish without pretending — so you can feel comfortable anywhere and build confidence that’s fully your own, quirks and all.