“Every piece of art begins with a spark, and every spark begins with a story. It’s not just about what I create, but why I create: to evolve, connect, and to simply be.”
This is my journey
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been captivated by nature and creativity in all of its forms. As a kid, I was shy and introspective but fiercely protective of those who couldn’t defend themselves, whether human or animal. By an early age my parents could already tell I had a very passionate, caring spirit, and you could usually find me either immersed in drawing or exploring the outdoors. These early experiences laid the foundation for my deep love for the natural world, a connection that continues to influence nearly all of my work today.
Navigating life in the deep South as a young gay kid wasn’t easy, though I didn’t fully come to terms with my identity until well into high school and didn’t come out until later, like so many of us do. My grade school days were rooted in Dothan, Alabama, it’s been the peanut capital of the world since 1938 and twenty minutes from the State line. You could say I’m half-Floridian by default.
Middle school brought a move to Birmingham, AL, which was a particularly tough chapter. I faced relentless bullying that made those years feel isolating and especially harsh, but a move to Huntsville, AL right before I went into high school gave me a chance to reset, find a community where I could start to thrive and the space to grow into myself. In hindsight, I wouldn’t change a thing. Those experiences taught me resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of striving forward—especially when it’s hard.
By the time I turned 19, I made myself a promise: if I wasn’t doing something I loved by 25, I’d leave whatever path I was on and go find it. After seven years in retail, capped off by a stint in management, I kept that promise. I walked away to figure out what truly mattered to me and that decision has shaped everything I’ve built since. It’s been a journey of wondering, wandering, and stumbling, but every step, every fall, has brought me closer to who I’m meant to be, and what it is I want to create with my life.
After balancing a job and going to Cosmetology school, which was was it’s own full-time job with 60 hour work weeks, I was ready for this new beginning. Following my instructor's advice to help get a better grasp on the industry, I spent the first two years at a commission based salon. Then I spent a year rediscovering myself and being a “traveling” stylist; going to clients houses to do their hair, along with being a live artist at local shows and artist markets, to live painting at some massive music festivals, and all while being an avid traveler. Which in the end, helped keep from from being trapped in an echo chamber of my own design.
It’s been a decade since those days— ten years of being self-employed, of making the conscious effort every day to choose kindness, compassion, understanding, and to actively listen; both to my inner voice and to the people and world around me. My work is a reflection of my deep love for the interconnectedness of art, nature, personal expression, and the perseverance of humanity. It’s this belief in our shared human experience that inspires everything I create.
Now, I finally feel ready and compelled to expand my reach. To share my small corner of the universe with the wider world and to do what I can to make things just a little brighter. Be it through hairstyling, art, photography, or simply showing up, I’m here to inspire, create, and connect.
Montezuma Well, Rimrock Arizona
What inspired the name Earthgrove Artistry?
Deciding between using my name or creating a distinct business name was a challenge, but I ultimately chose to have a 'buffer'—a way to separate myself as a person from the business, even though the two are deeply intertwined.
I see Earthgrove Artistry as more than a name; it’s an extension of who I am, a reflection of my values, creativity, and connection to the world around me.
Earth: the foundation of life itself, the intricate systems and ecosystems that sustain us, and the shared home that connects us all. It’s a reminder of our responsibility to nurture and protect this delicate balance
Grove: a small wooded area, a place of quiet beauty and reflection, free of distractions. Historically, groves were also the original temples—sacred spaces where people gathered in harmony.
Artistry: speaks to the heart of all that I do. It’s about creativity, self-expression, and the transformative power of art in all its forms.
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Together, these words represent the heart of my mission: to create a space that inspires connection, creativity, and care for one another and our world. One that celebrates the beauty of creation and the connection we share through the art we leave behind.
Whether I’m crafting a hairstyle, capturing the world through photography, or creating a vision inspired by nature, every aspect of my work is infused with a sense of artistry and I wanted a name that reflected that, plus a little more.
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Over the years, an idea began to take root. A spark that grew even as I found myself burning out from trying to keep too many fires going at once. I was juggling multiple passion projects, each one deeply important to me, and I refused to sacrifice one for another.
But I knew there had to be a way to bring them all together, to create something cohesive and meaningful. Hair, after all, is an art form of all it’s own. So why not weave it into the larger tapestry of my passions? That realization became the foundation for what I do today: a blend of art, nature, and personal connection.
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Learning & Inner GroContinuous wth
I believe in the power of nurturing a culture that embraces learning from each other, our experiences, including our failures; simply trying to be better than those who came before us. We can enrich our lives and build stronger, more understanding communities by encouraging individuals and ourselves, to explore the fundamental questions of personal responsibility, values, and morals. This dedication to intellectual growth and self-improvement is at the heart of everything I do.
Protecting Nature and the Voiceless
I am passionate about protecting the natural world and speaking up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. By promoting environmental awareness and advocating for vulnerable populations, we can strengthen our collective resilience and foster a sense of connectedness. My commitment to advocacy reflects my belief in the intrinsic value of ALL living beings and the environment we share. As a species, we should all feel accountable with conservation efforts and must collectively stand up for what is right, embracing our responsibility to protect and preserve our world, for all its inhabitants.
Mt. Charleston, Nevada - Elevation: 7,510′
“Don’t seek to have events happen as you wish, but wish them to happen as they do happen, and all will be well with you.”
What do you aim to bring into the world with Earthgrove Artistry?
My quest is to try helping bridge the divides within our community and society. I strive to do what I can with whatever I have at my disposal, in hopes to be better and encourage others to do the same. By cultivating authentic connections and conversations with those around us—even those with differing beliefs, can help provide us with the frameworks for a healthy, progressive (in the right way) society, that we can all feel and be a part of.
Through my diverse offerings – exceptional hair services, connective content, merchandise and inspiring art– I aim to promote transparency, empathy, accountability and unity. I am committed to helping individuals feel seen, heard and understood, so together we can build a more diverse, thoughtful and connected world.
“Above it All” - Acrylic on Canvas, depicting the Himalayan Mountains & Delhi
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I’ve always been this person, it was just a matter of time before I fully stepped into the role. Staying true to myself, my values, and my morals has been a cornerstone of my journey, and no matter how far I go, I don’t plan on changing now. If anything, my vision has only grown clearer and more expansive.
One way I honor this vision is by actively working to reduce the environmental impact of salon waste. I try to ensure that I recycle what salon waste is safe to recycle. This includes hair clippings, foils, used color tubes, and even leftover color from client applications. Every little bit helps.
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Evolving into it’s own organization and aligning with multiple other organizations, to contribute to much larger causes that should reflect all values of every human—protecting the environment, empowering each other, and building stronger, more compassionate communities. So we can finally change the direction things have been heading, and have for a long time. To take back our power. Because every little bit helps to create small ripples of positive change, and I’m excited to see how far this ripple can go.
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It’s simple, really— I believe that what we do in life can be more meaningful when we use it to make the world around us a little better.
“ My life amounts to no more than one drop in a limitless ocean. Yet what is any ocean, but a multitude of drops? ”
― David Mitchell, Cloud AtlasI’ve been fortunate to pursue a career and have a life that allows me to blend my passion for creativity, compassion, and connection. That same passion extends into everything I do, including how I give back.
For me, it’s not just about business, it’s about creating something that reflects my values and makes a tangible difference. Every donation, every small act of giving, adds up to something greater. All that I do and the causes I support are close to my heart because they align with my desire to protect the environment, uplift those around me, and ensure that future generations can enjoy the same resources and opportunities that we’ve all been lucky to have.
Giving back isn’t just a duty; it’s a privilege and a way to create lasting change. It’s a way of saying, “I see you. You got this, keep trying and keep fighting that good fight.”
“ Our lives are not our own. We are bound to others, past and present, and by each crime and every kindness, we birth our future. ”
― David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas
