My 30-Year Design Journey: From Studio Art to Haven Clear

Design has been the thread running through my life for more than three decades. My journey began at Oakland University, where I immersed myself in specialized studies in studio art and photography. Those early years shaped the way I see the world—through light, form, and composition—and gave me a deep respect for both the technical and emotional power of visual storytelling.

After college, my path led me to the advertising world, where I stepped into my first major role as a production manager at an ad agency. This was in the era before digital printing had fully taken hold, a time when press checks were still the norm and graphic design was just beginning to move into the mainstream. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop had recently emerged, and I taught myself how to use these groundbreaking tools. That curiosity and drive to learn opened the door for me to become fully immersed in the expanding world of graphic design and printing.

Over the years, I gained invaluable knowledge and experience—working with clients, refining my design skills, and navigating the evolution of technology in the creative industry. Eventually, I made the leap to entrepreneurship, opening my own store so I could be closer to home, bring my babies to work with me, and carve out a creative space that was truly my own.

My dream had always been to become an architect, with a passion for restoration and architectural salvage. While I didn’t follow a traditional architectural path, I found a way to weave that dream into reality through Elements, the store I co-owned with an incredible business partner.

Elements was a living, breathing creative outlet—a place where design, architecture, restoration, and retail all intersected. I sourced one-of-a-kind products from across the country, restored a historic downtown building, and created displays that were both immersive and inspiring.

Alongside running the store, I launched Bstreet Design, taking on freelance projects ranging from food magazines to local branding, event design, and beyond.

After eight successful years, Elements closed its doors, but my design journey was far from over. I continued running Bstreet Design, which gave me the flexibility to stay creative while also being present during my kids’ school years. My projects ranged from wedding invitations and event branding to logos, websites, and full event design.

In time, my interests expanded into real estate and property management. In 2021, I purchased two cottages on Lake Orion and began restoring them into short-term rentals. It was incredibly rewarding to bring together all the design and interior decorating skills I had honed over the years—transforming those cottages into airy, bohemian lake getaways. Over the last four years, I also flipped two additional properties, each project deepening my knowledge of building, renovation, and design.

This experience inspired me to officially pursue real estate, and I earned my real estate license, along with a certification as a Military Relocation Professional—a designation close to my heart, as my son proudly serves in the United States Air Force.

Meanwhile, my daughter began college locally and, in 2025, joined me in launching Haven Clear.

Haven Clear brings together everything I’ve learned and loved throughout my career. My daughter thrives in organizing and creating order, while I bring my passion for collecting, design, decorating, consulting, and reimagining spaces. Together, we offer services that are deeply needed, blending practicality with creativity. From organizing and estate services to online sales and thoughtful decorating, our work reflects a philosophy rooted in restoration, creativity, and design inspired by nature.

For me, design has never been just a profession—it’s a way of life. Every stage of my journey, from photography and advertising to retail, graphic design, real estate, and now Haven Clear, has been a step toward shaping spaces, stories, and experiences that are meaningful, beautiful, and lasting.