Graduating from college in June 2012 and growing up in the most amazing family, I was given experiences and opportunities that shaped my character and made me who I am today.  My parents had the desire for my brother and me to travel within the United States and abroad to see the needs of others.  I have had the incredible opportunity of traveling to Romania every summer, since I was 9 years old, for a mission trip.  We worked with orphans, street kids, and the elderly.  The people of Romania quickly became my second family.  I grew up with a heart and a passion to empower others in need.

 

When it was time for me to attend college, my parents allowed me to have the amazing opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a Footwear and Accessory Designer, by attending Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).  At SCAD, I learned how to design and make shoes, handbags, and other accessories.  At the time of graduation, many were recommending interviews with designers that would take me on a high fashion career path working in New York or Los Angeles.  Deep in my heart, I felt the need to start my own business to eventually be able to use my passion to help those with less opportunity to learn a skill and become productive citizens in their own country. 

 

December 2012, I founded UNIVERSOLE.