Hi there!
I'm so glad you're here.
Whether you're here out of curiosity, looking for a marketing partner, or just stumbled across my little corner of the internet - welcome. I thought it might be nice to share a bit about how I got here, why I love what I do, and what drives me to keep creating.
How it all started
I didn’t set out into adulthood with a dream job in mind. There was no grand plan… no “this is what I was born to do”. Like a lot of people can relate I’m sure... I left school not knowing what would come next.
As I floated through my teenage years, I worked at Publix, a video store, babysat, pet sat - you name it. At around 22 years old, I got an admin job at a land surveying company in Sarasota, Florida. Being in an office setting felt like familiar ground. I grew up in my parent’s office; my dad is a CPA, and my mom manages the admin and accounting. They often asked me and my two sisters, Rhonda and Becky, for help during tax season, so by the time I was 7 years old, I was answering phones, making copies, and stuffing envelopes.
But marketing? That wasn’t even a twinkle in my eye until one day when the owner of the surveying company asked if I had any creative ideas for getting new clients. It was a tiny business with basically no budget, but I welcomed the challenge. With maybe a little more enthusiasm than I think he expected, I jumped at the chance to help… not knowing that moment would quietly steer the course of my future.
What really lit the spark, though, was my next job with a local homebuilder in the early 2000s. It was a small team, so many of us had to wear multiple hats – mine were in IT, Marketing, Finance, Warranty, and more. When the company needed a creative refresh to their marketing collateral, I was given the opportunity to run with it. And I did.
I bought a DSLR camera and taught myself photography. Things like lighting, shutter speed, ISO, and angles were exciting to me. I took photos of their beautiful model homes, wrote listing descriptions, and highlighted community features to list on the MLS. I learned how to use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to design floor plans and marketing collateral. That’s when I realized... I loved being creative. I wasn’t just doing a task; I was helping bring stories to life.
Now, after more than 20 years in marketing, I've been blessed with many opportunities to grow my skills in all facets of marketing - design, development, strategy, analytics, email, web, paid advertising, social, and even ASP.NET (yep, I went there). I’ve sat at the table with leadership, built trusted relationships, and became the go-to person for making things happen. I’ve worked with companies small and even smaller, but one of the most pivotal chapters of my career was working with Grand Incentives. It was there I learned to question everything. Are we doing this the best way? Is there a smarter, more impactful solution? Could we raise the bar - again?
And it was there I met one of those bosses that would change my life forever - Jose Luis Martinez. He would take his morning walks through the building and be sure to say hello to everyone and compliment them on a job well done. I always felt like he was my biggest cheerleader - he gave me opportunities I never thought I would have and would often tell me “I’m a big fan of your work”. Jose didn't like being called the boss and hated titles lol, so we all called him our fearless leader. But what he really was - was a kind, brilliant, encouraging force who made people believe in themselves. His kindness and generosity will influence me for the rest of my life.
In loving memory of Jose - 1974-2025
While Jose was arguably one of the most prominent influences in my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working with many great bosses and colleagues throughout the years. I want to give a big shout out to all those who have helped shape me and my career. Rick, for always questioning the data and having a unique point of view, looking beyond what’s laid out in front of you. Ellen, for your support and getting things done – Jose was like a son to you. Kirsten, for being a solid foundation and voice of reason, a true friend and ESO partner. Tatiana, for your solid advice and amazing work with people – your gentle and quiet influence speaks volumes. Scott, your vast knowledge of all things IT is impressive – I really enjoyed working with you. Tiffany, I'm so happy you found something you enjoy doing, keep moving toward your dreams. Nicole, your bad-ass leadership style and fierce support knows no-bounds.
After more than two decades in the corporate world, I finally paused. I needed space to breathe, to reconnect with myself and my family, and to decide what was going to come next. During that time, I found myself being referred by family, friends, and past colleagues to businesses who needed help with their marketing. I wasn’t looking for clients - but they found me.
And something clicked.
I realized these weren’t just side projects - it was a chance to do the work I love in a way that aligns with who I am. So, I built Moonrise Agency - intentionally small, deeply personal, and focused on helping businesses grow with purpose.
A Different Kind of Agency
There are plenty of “one-size-fits-all” marketing agencies out there. That’s not me. Every business is unique, and their marketing should be, too. I believe in creating strategies that align not just with the business itself, but with its mission, employees, and customers.
My philosophy? Do better than we did yesterday. Every campaign, every design, every launch - it should always be better than the last. Marketing isn’t just about making noise; it’s about making an impact, backed by data, and with a clear purpose.
My Greatest Blessings: My Family
My husband, Pete, and I have two incredible children, Ethan and Logan.
Ethan lives for basketball - if there’s a hoop nearby, he’s playing. After years of hard work, he made the team in his final year at middle school, and now often plays with his friends, constantly improving his game.
Logan, on the other hand, has found his passion in music, playing the alto saxophone. His talent speaks for itself - he recently earned three superior ratings for his solo, duet, and trio performances. We couldn’t be prouder of both of them.
Life on 27 Acres
Outside of work, my life is rooted in the countryside. My husband and I had always dreamed of owning land - he imagined one or two acres, I imagined many more (and won that debate, thankfully!). We searched, toured, and dismissed plenty of properties before we found our perfect 27-acre home. That’s a story for another time, but let’s just say, we knew it was meant to be.
Now, we share our little slice of heaven with donkeys, chickens, three dogs, two beehives, and a chameleon. My husband takes on most of the farm work - he loves it - and I happily get to enjoy the animals and focus on running my business.
While Ethan and Logan love the peacefulness of country life, they occasionally remind us that living a bit further from their friends can be challenging.
The Values That Guide Me
At the heart of everything - business, life, and family - I believe in one simple but powerful value: Always be kind.
Whether I’m working with a client, mentoring a colleague, or raising my kids, kindness is what matters most.
If you’re looking for a marketing partner who listens, who truly cares, and who will always push for better, I’d love to connect.