I've loved making art for as long as I can remember. But when I was young, it was made clear to me that being an artist was an unrealistic career path. So I put art aside and replaced it with all the things that made sense based on what was acceptable in the world around me. It wasn't until (over a decade later) I hit an incredibly stressful season of life that my mental health required me to pick up something new. I taught myself how to crochet and fell in love with it. Just as I was getting the hang of beanies and scarves, life pulled me away from my new hobby. I became a caregiver for my father, relocated across the state, started homeschooling my kids, operating a small business, and attending college, all while being a wife, mom of two, dog mom of two, and home manager.

Soon after that, COVID hit. Over the next couple years I lost multiple family members and friends, including my father. The grief was heavy in a way I had never experienced before.

Thankfully, somehow, yarn found its way back into my hands. I picked up macramé and other crafts as well. Stitch after stitch, and knot after knot, the grief turned into peace and the peace turned into joy.

I didn’t know it at the time but studies show that crafting reduces anxiety and depression, lowers cortisol, and activates the brain's reward system. It’s a fact, making things with your hands is not only creative, its therapeutic and I can attest to that.

My love for all things creative returned and before I knew it, Katori Space was born. The most painful time of my life birthed the most fulfilling thing I do (besides being a mom)! Crazy, right?

My work comes from a real place of joy and gratitude. My hope is that people can feel that coming through everything I make and every workshop I teach.

Welcome to Katori Space. Thanks for being here.