Interview by Emily Hessney Lynch.

Published July 12, 2018.

Where are you originally from?

I’ve lived in the Rochester area my whole life, in Farmington specifically. I lived in Brockport for about six years while getting my undergraduate degree in Arts for Children and Education and my master’s in literacy. I also have two children, ages 5 and 2.

What is your favorite part of living in Rochester?

So many things! I love that we’re such a hidden gem, in terms of art, music, food, drink, and the collaborative entrepreneurial community. I love that we have Roc Girl Gang and that there are enough female entrepreneurs in Rochester that something like that can thrive. It’s so cool to see collaborations go up, like flowers at Hedonist or amazing new murals around the city.

What are some of your favorite Rochester spots? 

Lots of places come to mind. The Bug Jar, for sure. All the WALLTHERAPY murals everywhere. The little park in the South Wedge, near Lux and Hedonist. I love all the coffee shops we have; my current favorites are Cafe Sasso and Joe Bean. I also enjoy art spaces like Makers Gallery and Whitman Works, where I work by day. Oh! And ArtisanWorks. The founder is a great guy and I’ve never seen another place like it.

What's the most unique event you've attended in Rochester? 

I love the Fringe Fest and its spirit of collaboration. A fellow artist friend of mine is doing a live painting event there this year. I also love Lilac Festival, especially when I get to listen to Danielle Ponder. Years ago, I got to see Ingrid Michaelson at Lilac Fest before she blew up! This is my first full summer in Rochester in a long time, so I’m looking forward to experiencing it in full.

What are some of your favorite local organizations to support? 

I love supporting Calvin at 540WMain. He has great conversations and workshops on a regular basis. Recently, they had an awesome workshop about feminism that blew my mind. They’ve also done topics like weaning yourself off sugar and spiritual self defense for people of color. They’re really meeting the needs of their community.

Girls Rock! Rochester is another great one. They’re giving girls of all ages opportunities to learn and practice music and to gain confidence through the process. The Queer Rock Camp they’re running for this year is amazing, too--a true safe space for young queer girls.

The Rochester Postpartum Wellness Coalition is near and dear to my heart. I had bad postpartum depression with both of my kids--especially my first. It was terrifying and isolating. Once I started going to therapy and creating art, that was a huge help.

If you had $100 and two hours to kill in Rochester, how would you spend the money/time? 

I’d have a shopping spree at Statement and Peppermint. They have a great curated collection of cute and funny things. Afterwards, I’d probably land at Han Noodle Bar for a bite to eat.

What's your favorite neighborhood? 

I’m partial to the South Wedge. The Wedge is like its own mini Portland. The types of people I jive with are also the ones who end up at Lux. Another great one is Beechwood; I live there and love the community, so that one is up there for me.

Best place to get a garbage plate? 

Monroe Hots--they’ve got the right mixture of things, and it’s not too greasy. Dogtown has great vegetarian options, though.

What is your personal coping mechanism for cold/gray weather? 

You often hear it said that there are so many artists and makers in Rochester because we have so many cold months! I try to ignore the never-ending gray; the gray sky bothers me far more than the snow. I usually dig into my art projects, and then supplement with Netflix, coffee, warm blankets, and ordering groceries via Instacart.

What is your favorite Rochester memory?

Every time we go out, it’s a great new memory. I’m exactly where I want to be right now. Going to the Genesee Brew House terrace at sunset and enjoying a beer in the summertime is pretty perfect. We had a great day this year walking around Highland Park, taking in the intoxicating smell of the lilacs, hanging out in the Sunken Garden, and enjoying golden hour. Also, nothing beats walking the pier at Charlotte on a summer night. I love it.

What makes Rochester unique?

I love that there’s so much hometown pride. My boyfriend is from Philly and has lived in San Diego, and when he got to Rochester he was surprised by how proud our people are. People who live here really love this city! That’s the reason boomerangs come back. It’s also really neat to see so many old, historic spaces remade and used in new ways.

What do you think could be improved?

The schools, for sure. Both our funding for them and speaking up more for what students need. Students’ education shouldn’t depend on what teacher they have. Some teachers are fantastic, while others are burnt out from a system that’s so hard to work in. I taught for awhile and felt like there was a glass wall between me and my kids--so much bureaucracy I had to fight against in order to advocate for what they needed.

If Rochester was a type of art, what would it be?

Something collaborative. We’re all eager to help support each other rather than competing with each other. I’m always surprised and in awe of that attitude every time I encounter it.

What are some small ways we can all take part in making Rochester a better place?

Lean into relationships and be kind to each other. It goes a long way. As a city, we should lean more into our diversity and our status as a Refugee Sanctuary City. Let’s find little ways to serve one another. I like to leave little Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts giftcards for $5 each around town with a note that says “you might need this today.” You never know what someone else is going through. Be kind always.

Tell me a little bit about your business, The Darling Rage.

The Darling Rage comes from the idea that people are darling and loved, right in the middle of all the messy rage of daily life. You’re enough. I try to infuse those ideas into my art. My business is multifaceted, involving art, coaching, and podcasting.

I’ve been working on my coaching business especially in the last few months. I’m helping people with Instagram design, assisting them in finding their voice, and using color psychology to shape their feed. I ask deep questions and try to find the why behind the why.

My podcast focuses on finding your voice and explores ideas around creativity and play. I have a series called the “Rad AF Women Series” where I interview awesome women, particularly in the arts and creative fields. I’ve featured lots of women who I’ve built relationships with over time, and it’s been really rewarding.

Do you have any advice for up and coming entrepreneurs, artists, or creatives in Rochester?

Just start. The fear is always going to be there. The phrase “Be messy and afraid and show up anyways” has stuck with me ever since I first heard it. You might as well do something and not be paralyzed by fear. Know that you’re not alone and seek out community. That community exists--both online and in Rochester.