This is your Story
“The Landmark Project exists to tell your story and the story of all those who answer the grand urge of the wild.”
Click play to watch!My story began in a home surrounded by woods. The smell of fresh cut grass on my father, lilacs on my mother, sweet blueberries plucked by my grandfather, and fresh flowers tended to by my grandma. My siblings and I learned to bike and skate on the meandering trail across from our home. Under a canopy of oak trees erupted the chorus of bird songs, chirping squirrels, and cheerful toads. A small pond was the destination at the end of every walk on this path where turtles napped on logs in the sun rays, deer would wander up for a drink, and tadpoles swam as though they were mimicking the bats swarming the cool summer night sky.
On the outskirts of our home, there wasn’t much forest to be explored in the suburbs of Chicago. Retail stores, chain restaurants, cookie-cutter neighborhoods, and cold business buildings filled our cities with the distant sound of train cars screeching across their tracks. As I grew older, I sought out places that would give me that same sense of home, that same wonder and vastness of the outdoors I loved.
Tennessee was my escape, the place I would return to year after year. Hiking, chasing waterfalls, cold dips in the streams, and the beauty of the mountains captured every longing I had to explore. I knew I needed to be closer to them. I knew my passion for beauty was inspired by these places, and I wanted to live in them forever.
I was introduced to the Carolina’s on a college trip to Greenville, SC where I discovered The Landmark Project. A creative company dedicated to celebrating the beauty and preservation of our wild places, they opened my eyes to a world of design that was foreign to me. I believed I wanted to work for a design firm with a focus on branding, with a love for capturing and telling people’s story. Though I loved connecting with others in this creative process, there was a lack of fulfillment when it came to the end product that I produced, no matter how proud of it I was. I needed more.
I never thought I would know, let alone celebrate the birthday of Smokey Bear. Never imagined I would design products that support Leave No Trace, the National Wildlife Federation, and so many more. My team has not only sponsored but has participated in National Park Cleanups, an Oyster Reef Restoration, as well as the Yosemite Facelift. The young girl who grew up rescuing caterpillars and spending her days in the woods would have been amazed at the career opportunities she’s had now so many years later. My passion for the outdoors, community, beauty, and story has led to the wonder I get to continue exploring.
Weekly Wonder
Finished Reading: Remarkably Bright Creatures
Feel Good, Mystery | 10/10 Would absolutely read again!
Currently Reading: The Mountain in the Sea
Just started reading Part One with the Dapper Ink Book Club
A Moment for the Octopus
I love that these two books seemed to fall into my lap at the same time. One recommended by a friend, the other voted on in Book Club.
Currently Watching: Growing Floret (Magnolia Network)
I’ve always dreamt of having a cut flower garden and Erin’s story has been an absolute inspiration. Currently doing lots of dreaming and planning for our first garden!
Listening To: Endless Summer Vacation album by Miley Cyrus
Miley was my No.1 on Spotify last year and this album will stay on repeat all summer long.
Latest Bake: Blueberry Lemon Pound Cake
A spin on a basic Lemon Pound Cake, recipe here! (Plus fresh blueberries)
Perfect Summer Bake
This recipe is one I’ve played with since moving to SC. With the long warm seasons, I needed a refreshing dessert I could continue reimagining and creating. Excited to try a strawberry version soon!
Let me know what you’re reading, listening to, or getting inspired by on Instagram!