My story
Decades of building, running and rebuilding.
Every business I’ve run taught me something about where time and money slip away.
- From age 14
Dancer and model
I danced professionally from age 14 and modeled from about 17 until my late 20s, for nearly every major designer in the country, in photo shoots and fashion shows across the country and beyond. Working with clothing lines and designers is where I first learned how they set up, market and run their businesses, and how manufacturing really works.
Where I learned the business - In my 20s
Sundance Professional Dance Artists
I ran my own production company, staging fashion shows and corporate productions for clients such as American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and DuPont.
Production company owner - In my 20s
The Inner Light Company
I founded a cottage manufacturing business with 25 women working for me. Our gift items sold nationally through the New York and Los Angeles trade centers.
Manufacturing · 25 people - 1990
My own jewelry line
I designed and manufactured a jewelry line, represented out of the Los Angeles Apparel Fashion Center, featured in Women’s Wear Daily, Accent and Accessory magazines, and sold in high-end boutiques nationwide.
Design · production · national sales - 1992
Starting over
A serious car accident in 1992 ended my jewelry line and my dance career. I recovered through sheer determination and set out to rebuild.
It just makes me want to work harder and smarter.
Determination - About 1994 to 2001
Teaching fiber arts across the country
I traveled the country teaching fiber arts and beadwork, including for the Handweavers Guild of America and at the Sewing Workshop in San Francisco. I also self-published a book, The Illuminated Beading Manuscript.
Teaching · author - 1999
Back home to Taos
I moved back to Taos in 1999, and it has been my home base ever since.
Home base - Early 2000s
Craft art kits in Hobby Lobby and Michaels
I manufactured craft art kits sold nationally in Hobby Lobby, Michaels and other craft stores. That meant big-box buyers, tight lead times and keeping up with reorders.
National retail - 2002
Photo: The Taos News ZENDOGOLOGY and Dog On It!
I started my dog training business, first called Dogology and now ZENDOGOLOGY (renamed in 2024). I also started Dog On It!, which trains working dogs, such as assistance dogs for people with disabilities and scent detection dogs.
Dog trainer · business owner - From about 2005
DV Art, my glass production studio
I worked as a glass artist in my own company, DV Art, and served as president of the Taos Art Glass Institute. I paused my glass work in 2018 and plan to return to it in a couple of years.
Glass artist · studio owner - 2024
ZenDogz Designz
My newest manufacturing company, which I still run today. It makes dog collars, leads, harnesses and other pet products, alongside a pet-inspired human jewelry and gift line.
A working manufacturer today - 2026
Automation Success
Now I bring all of it to your business: the production know-how, the patience of a teacher and the grit of someone who has rebuilt from scratch, so you can save time and save thousands.
Save time. Save thousands.
