MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA NATIVE

I was born and raised in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Martinsburg is a tight-knit community that thrives on high school football—Go Bulldogs! I am a new graduate of Shepherd University. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and New Media, and a minor in Studio Art. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and my pets. My perfect day would end in a night out at the movies.

polynesian pride

I am a proud Polynesian woman. In Samoan terms, I am considered “Afakasi”—or half and half. My father is Samoan and my mother is white. Growing up in a primarily white and black community, owning my ethnicity was difficult. Always being asked “what I was?” became dehumanizing at times. I was too brown to be white, but too white to be black. I never visually had a place amongst the classroom.

I was a minority. As a young adult, I have discovered a new sense of appreciation and inspiration for my culture. Being Afakasi is empowering. I am Samoan with white roots, and I am deeply thankful for the diversity I have been exposed to. I aspire to be a face for Polynesians in the entertainment industry.

ART IS MY PASSION

Art is my passion. My late grandfather was a painter. He inspired me to pick up my first paint brush. Painting quickly became natural to me. I was enamored with the brush strokes. I knew that I wanted to explore more outlets to express my creativity.

I was gifted a digital camera for my sixteenth birthday. I began taking pictures of my family, pets playing outside, and nature around me. Capturing a moment to preserve forever is a beautiful sensation. I cannot wait to help you capture yours!