What do you do?
Chef / Co-Owner of Evolve Chocolate + Cafe
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
I think the most important thing that has resonated with me was to not be afraid of being yourself, don’t shy away because I may think differently than others and never be afraid to express myself artistically in whatever medium I choose. I was taught early in my career that we in the hospitality industry are fortunate to be apart of hundreds of people’s lives daily, the ability to supply the most basic of staples to someone is so rewarding and nurturing all the while continuing to grow as a person. I believe in the tribe of humanity and I feel privileged that I am able contribute my brand of funky in this life!
What do you do?
I serve as the Dean of Students at Northwest Indian College, located on the Lummi Indian Reservation.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
The best pieces of advice I received have often been the most simple, but carry strong lessons. I would pass on to others to always do your best. In anything you do, it’s important to be your best and most authentic self. While it can be hard to do that during difficult or challenging times, when you are able to do that and reflect on it later, you can be proud of your choices and the way you carried yourself through those difficult times. The other most important piece of guidance I have used was just to think. Think about what you are doing and why. Think about how you want to carry yourself and how you want to present yourself to the world. Think about your decisions and how you may impact other people and their thoughts and feelings. It’s not always easy to think rather than to react, but it has served me well and I encourage any human on earth to think more deeply about anything and everything and to be curious about the world around them.
What do you do?
As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Whiteswan Environmental I work with many others to support community healing through the natural, cultural and historical restoration to the Salish Sea for 7th generation sustainability as a measure of ecological health protection. You can learn more about our multi-faceted approach to support such a mission at whiteswanenvironmental.org
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
As you see from our website, I have been guided by my respected elders and the spiritual signs of my ancestors. There are many teachings, but the following words have impacted me the most.
• The Creator gave us the sacred responsibility to the land, water, salmon, reef-net and language that belongs to it and if it is not supported it is cultural spiritual genocide. (In a little over 160 years, each one of those elements is at risk.)
• The first part of any healing process is to know who you are and where you come from. (And as ancient teachings meet present day ~ I like to say ~ and as neuroscience, epigenetics, adverse childhood experience and resilience is now showing memory is stored in DNA.)
• The most powerful form of prayer are tears. (The first people of this territory called the waters of Whatcom County the tear drop of the mountain, so in this place with one mind for the purpose of the work, I believe the healing process for mother earth shall begin.)
• It is up to us, we must move swiftly.
What do you do?
I am doing fundraising and public relations for the Lummi Nation Boys & Girls Club Auction and Golf Tournament. The Club serves over 100 Lummi kids, and I am proud to make a difference for our Lummi Nation’s future. We have an Auction Committee, led by Henry Cagey, Lummi Indian Business Council and Chair of the Committee. We had a very successful Auction in December 2018 at the Silver Reef Casino. Our next Auction will be June 21, 2019, once again at the Silver Reef Casino and the Loomis Trail Golf Tournament.
Concurrently, I am doing fundraising and public relations for our 73rd Annual Lummi Stommish Water Festival, located at Gooseberry Point on the Lummi Reservation. “Stommish” means warrior and honors the veterans, and the entire community is invited. Events include the 11 men and women war canoe races; the sla-hal bone games; traditional dance performances; the famous barbecued salmon and fresh crab. The festival has sentimental value to me because my Great Uncle Vic and Great Aunt Edit gift deeded the property to the Lummi Nation.
I am a film producer, director, and narrator. My film, “Muckleshoot Sla-Hal Bone Game Tournament 2015” premiered at the American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco and at the Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival in Bellingham, WA.
I am a business owner of MyTribeTV, a livestreaming business, covering tribal meetings, conferences, and the first meeting between President Obama and the tribes throughout the U.S.
Due to legal issues, my non-Indian business partner, Gaard Swanson, (TV personality) had several questionable expenses. We went to court, I was victorious and am the sole owner of MyTribeTV, presently, I have put that business on hold.
I am getting ready to launch a new website, NativeShoppingNetwork.com, which will highlight Native businesses, artists, and more.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
I believe education is very important, whether it be college or technical college. If I hadn’t gone to college, a B.A. in Broadcast Communications at Western Washington University, I would not have had the opportunities. For example, I worked for all the Washington State Tribes who were just getting into Indian Gaming and casinos, and served as the Executive Director. Also, served as Executive Director for the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, comprised of over 60 Tribes in the Northwest, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Northern California, and S.E. Alaska. This organizations advocates on behalf of the Tribes in areas such as Natural Resources, Education, Health, Indian Gaming, Economic Development, and other areas addressing them on the policy level.
I would like to advise anyone who has a dream to pursue it, you may fail, but when you get knocked down, you have a choice, either stay down or get right back up. I choose to get back up! Don’t listen to the people who say you can’t do something, always persevere and continue to move forward and believe in yourself.
Whatever you want to achieve, I would recommend that you seek out supportive mentors and organizations that have a mission that goes along with your belief system.
Finally, surround yourself with people who love you and care about your well-being. It is important to have good health, a balance in your life, both professionally and personally, and happiness will prevail.
What do you do?
I sew.
Both, my day job and my art. I started to explore quilting in 2003 and haven't stopped since.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
The best encouragement I can offer is to "just start." If there is something you'd like to try, sign up for a class or look it up on YouTube, or ask a friend for pointers. Pick a small project for your first one so that you don't get overwhelmed. Don't expect your first one to look like anyone else's. I made my first quilt out of a box of sentimental, old clothes, on my mom's old sewing machine. I never imagined that I would still be making quilts 15 years later, let alone that quilting would become my primary medium as an artist.
What do you do?
Besides Breathe, I am the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator at the Community Food Co-op
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
Growing mentally is not just given it is something you have to work at.
What do you do?
I have created a company that is devoted to working with women in leadership and entrepreneurship. We host events and gatherings for women, provide business consulting and have a hit podcast, helping women all over the world.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
Spend time getting to know yourself. Develop who you are as a woman, mother, daughter, friend, boss, employee, community member, etc. Grow in ways you've always wanted to, or never thought were possible.
It is the greatest gift you can give yourself; self love, acceptance and growth. The world needs more love and leadership, and ladies, it all starts with us.
What do you do?
Well the conventional answer to that question I guess is my profession, which is a Firefighter EMT with the City of Lynden. It certainly doesn't totally define me however it is one of the accomplishments of which I am the most proud. I love how every day when I show up to work I know it will be different, and that I will be helping the citizens that rely on timely, professional, and skilled help showing up fast when they call 911. I love the physical challenge of the job, as well as the close working relationship I build with my co workers. It is inspiring to see the passion and professionalism they bring to the job, and I am lucky to work with such caring and talented people.
Additionally, another one of my closely held identities is that I am a commercial fisherman and have been for most of my life. My family are commercial fishermen on Kodiak Island, where I grew up set net fishing for salmon. I now work in Bristol Bay Alaska, on a drift gill net boat. I love the fast paced competitive nature of the job, and the challenging and exciting working conditions. I also love my coworkers, and the close bond you form from going through hard and stressful seasons together.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
My mom always liked to repeat a quote from Janice Joplin, that goes, "don't compromise yourself, you're all you've got!". I like to remember that one when I come up against a person or situation that I feel is trying to undercut my progress or worth. Other than that, my favorite piece of life advise came from my cross country running coach, who taught us, "take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves". I like to remember that advise when I'm faced with an overwhelming goal or task. It gives me motivation to tackle things one little thing at a time, without getting too distracted by the size of the end result.
What do you do?
I enjoy living in paradise, the Coast Salish lands and the Salish Sea Basin. I live on San Juan with my children, near extended family, lifelong friends, beaches, trees, trails, and whales. For the past six years I have had the most beautiful commute in the world, moving between San Juan Island and Bellingham, first to attend university, and now for work as a writer and principal administrator for Children of The Setting Sun Productions and Board Secretary for WE – White Swan Environmental, both Coast Salish indigenous led non-profit organizations. Along the way I’ve held various board and elected positions with the San Juan Food Co-op, and San Juan County and 40th Legislative Democrat organizations, and continue to serve as a volunteer for events and campaigns.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
“Out of your vulnerability will come your strength.”
What do you do?
This is such a gracious inquiry; I thrive. I move on. I restore. I return. I remember.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
Acknowledge how "everything happens by itself." Walk slowly, knowing Ancestors came, acted, didn't finish and died leaving a lot of work to be done. Heed the intuitive calling of the heart and the practical direction of the spirit. Renew the soul with sobriety and quiet the mind by sitting with whatever is, in this moment. There is limited growth in comfort and if you're not hurting, you're not learning.
What do you do?
Whatcom Chapter 5, Daughter of the Pioneers of Washington members have owned and maintained the Pickett House Museum since 1936. Our organization was established in 1911 and one of our goals is “to identify, protect, preserve, and make known historical spots, documents, relics and records and incidents.”
In 1936 when Hattie Strother deeded the previous home of U.S. States Army, Captain Edward E. Pickett to our chapter members, they knew the importance and historical significance of the home and chose to open the home to the public. Our members give public tours once a month or private tours upon request.
As president of the Whatcom Chapter #5 I feel it is important to educate our citizens about the history of our city. Cap’t Pickett later became famous for his participation in the Civil War, our city, county and state history is directly woven into nation’s historical fabric because of Cap’t Pickett.
For fifteen years I have enjoyed giving tours and meeting people at the Pickett House Museum. As Administrator of the Memorial State Scholarship Fund, I also enjoy meeting University students who apply for and receive scholarships from our organization.
Also, for several years I have enjoyed adjudicating the Washing State History Day Contest student presentations. Hearing and judging the work that students have taken months to prepare is an honor. These students are exemplary and are the citizens who will continue to keep our nation’s history alive and well for many years to come.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
Learning about and sharing the stories of our past citizens can better help us understand how and why our ancestors lived and make the decisions that affect our lives today. If we study and learn about how our history developed, we can be better prepared to make decisions today that will build a better future for many generations to come.
What do you do?
I'm a therapist in private practice.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
1) Don't take anything personally
2) If you don't ask the answer is always NO
3) When people show you who they are believe them the first time
4) Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
What do you do?
So many things! I am the Events Manager at the Mount Baker Theatre, as well as Secretary on the CASCADIA Women’s International Film Festival Board and Events Director. I am deeply involved in the Bellingham film scene. I also have two freelance businesses: Elfen Design, where I am a busy costume stylist, designer and fabricator for films, music videos, web series, and theater. My second freelance business brings my production and events planning skills to a more personal level. Allowing me to create memorable events for weddings, baby and bridal showers, corporations, and private clients. I am a builder of relationships. I cultivate new and existing relationship in all that I do.
My biggest accomplishment though is being the proud mother to an award winning, self aware, creative and passionate young lady. Izabella just keeps me in awe and gratitude every day. Now that she has begun to start her own journey into adulthood I am looking forward to shifting that time and energy that a parent pours on their child and investing it into my own journey.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
It took me way too long to find resolve in living my personal and professional life in my passions. Standing up for what I know will not only fill my soul with gratitude and happiness, but will also help bring others joy reminds me of why I do what I do. If you are not able to find happiness in your work and personal life then you will not be able to truly give 110%, and isn’t 110% what we all want to be able give? Do what makes you happy and never sacrifice who you, because you are worthy!
What do you do?
I am the General Manager of Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro. I help run this business with my husband Ed, son Casey and daughter Madison. I am very fortunate to work everyday with my family and bonus for me a staff and a community I Love! We have over 100 employees which keeps me on my toes emotionally and the business takes up a half a block of downtown which keeps me hopping physically! Boundary has becomes an Institution of Bellingham and at times is Bellingham in miniature. Blessed to work with local bands and to be a part of 100s of community events here at Boundary which help foster the Giving Spirit of Bellingham!
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
Mutual Respect is my mantra. Love and Peace is my signature line. The good old golden rule and walk a mile in someone's shoes goes a long way as well. Travel! Be open and say YES to adventure!!
What do you do?
I do my best to take care of my family and roll with whatever life brings our way. I cheer on my middle schooler from the sidelines at soccer games and from the audience at concerts. I stand in awe as I watch my older child parent my sweet grandbaby. Up until recently, I was a trial attorney practicing criminal defense. Sometimes I read books for fun and I’m always listening to music. I used to teach cultural studies at WWU and I still love to learn about the different ways people experience this world. Currently, I’m spending a lot of time learning my new job as the Judge from District 3 (Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan and Island Counties) of the Court of Appeals – Division I. I do what I can to find ways to contribute to my communities and mentor folks interested in the law or community advocacy. I like to learn about the work that excites and inspires my loved ones.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
My maternal grandmother, Celia Garcia, taught me about the strength of my ancestors and to root myself in my heritage. Knowing where I come from has helped me to be as grounded as possible when I take on fresh challenges. When I am faced with something new or daunting, I can recall the stories she told me of Teresa, Soledad, Amada, Donicia and others and know that their tenacity and resilience are woven into my very being.
She also taught me to share what I have, whether it’s material goods or information or opportunities. I wouldn’t have been able to pursue half of my life’s adventures without the varied support of loved ones, so it just makes sense to me to offer the same to others. Even if all we are doing is acting as a sounding board or making connections or cheering someone on as they pursue a new idea or opportunity…those little moments can have a tremendous impact.
What do you do?
I have been a police officer with the Bellingham Police Department for 29 years. I have served in various units to include Patrol, Special Investigations, Schools, and bikes. I am currently the Deputy Chief of Operations and oversee the following divisions: Patrol, Special Operations, Investigations and Outreach. I love serving my community.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
Words of wisdom that affected my life were told to me by my dad who was a very smart compassionate man.
1) No one cares how much you know, they want to know how much you care
2) No one will remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel (Maya Angelou)
3) Treat people as if they were your family
4) It is easier to build strong children than it is to repair adults (Frederick Douglas)
What do you do?
I am a Residential HVAC (heating, cooling, ventilation and air-conditioning) service technician. I travel to five different counties (Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island, and Dan Juan) to repair fireplaces, boilers, heat pumps, furnaces, and water heaters. I am part of the less than 2% of women in this trade nationwide. I see all walks of life and everyday is different. Even though the hours can be brutal and there are some challenging days, I find so much job satisfaction in the work that I do and I encourage other women to pursue this career.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
If you want to see a change in the world, change yourself.
What do you do?
I am the Coffee Director at Camber Coffee, a cafe and restaurant. I am a manager of sorts but mainly am grateful to have the opportunity to taste some of the most beautifully selected coffees and create drinks for guests that keep them coming back.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
Well, my mother will always be my inspiration and the one who has told me my whole life to “échale ganas”, a Spanish phrase that translates roughly to “do it with feeling, give it your best shot.” My mother still tells me this all the time, no matter what I’m doing, it is important that I put my whole being into it--because if I don’t, is it really a reflection of my love? As I get older these words pop into my head often when I’m making big decisions and I’m slowly starting to realize that my energy, time, love, etc., is precious and delicate and when I put all of it into something, it is because I’ve decided it is worth it.
What do you do?
I work as a server at a steakhouse in Lynden but my ideal job would be as an actor for a TV show with singing involved somehow. Currently I do musicals and short films around Whatcom County to build up my resume.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
I would say the things aren't as scary as they seem. In mid-2018 I was diagnosed with a brain tumor that definitely affirmed the way I look at life. There was a lot at stake because singing is my big passion, and the tumor was affecting my ability to recall lyrics. Having brain surgery didn't scare me because I didn't let it - it was something I wanted done and there was only one way to do it. I guess I’d say just accept things as they are, and surround yourself with people who support you. Things are scary but they always pass and memories of fear will fade over time.
What do you do?
I act, sing, dance, MC, read, watch, listen, parent, practice yoga, eat, drink, be merry, be sad, attempt to be kind to myself, and also I do administrative work & bookkeeping for the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
Drink lots of water? I dunno. I’m not big on advice. Generally, I think it’s unreasonable for me to tell someone how to be when they know their situation far better than I do. With that in mind, though, I will say that communication is key; figuring out how to express our needs & wants to the people in our lives, and learning how to listen and interpret their needs & wants is the only way to keep moving along together on this earth. This means having the courage to ask questions, share ideas, be open to a change of heart/mind, and advocate for ourselves & others. (Please note, this is something that I continue to work on with varying degrees of success.)
But also, drink lots of water. And exercise - not necessarily to lose weight, or attain some goal, but because it feels good in your body and soul. I particularly like dance.
What do you do?
I’m the Assistant Director at the Downtown Bellingham Partnership. I started a small business in 2012 called the Good Time Girls with a business partner and created a tour exploring the seedier side of women’s history in Bellingham and vice in general called the Sin & Gin Tour in 2012. We opened a gift shop selling local artisan’s work called The Bureau for three years until I got into the idea of working more directly for the community. The tour is still going strong under new ownership and I am happily working to support Downtown as a cultural and economic force in the city.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
I find that the harder I work to do no harm but also take no shit from others, the better results I get on a personal and professional level. There really is no better advice that I have received or find to be as universally true as that. Women in particular receive so many mixed messages about how to behave and where to find inspiration and motivation. Being nice all the time and putting others before ourselves is not the answer to a happier life or a successful career. Finding and asserting our boundaries while at the same time, allowing others to be as autonomous and free to pursue their own path in life breeds mutual respect.
What do you do?
I am an Associate Professor at Western Washington University, teaching in the Department of Design with a focus on motion graphics, digital video, web and interaction design. I enjoy creating experimental videos that have appeared in numerous film festivals and exhibitions nation-wide including the Seattle International Film Festival and Atlanta Film Festival. I also co-wrote the third edition of the textbook, Producing for TV and New Media and illustrated the book, Kathleen Turner on Acting: Conversations about Film, Television, and Theater. Marrying my love of design, music, and film, I co-founded the Bellingham Music Film Festival and frequently do design work for local non-profit movie theater, Pickford Film Center. I also stay involved in discussions about design and digital media by attending and presenting at conferences and workshops internationally.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
Being both an educator and designer, I'd like to share the 10 Rules of designer, artist, and activist, Sister Corita Kent.
Rule 1: Find a place you trust and then try trusting it for a while.
Rule 2: General duties of a student: Pull everything out of your teacher. Pull everything out of your fellow students.
Rule 3: General duties of a teacher: Pull everything out of your students.
Rule 4: Consider everything an experiment.
Rule 5: Be self-disciplined. This means finding someone wise or smart and choosing to follow them. To be disciplined is to follow in a good way. To be self-disciplined is to follow in a better way.
Rule 6: Nothing is a mistake. There's no win and no fail. There's only make.
Rule 7: The only rule is work. If you work it will lead to something. It's the people who do all of the work all the time who eventually catch on to things.
Rule 8: Don't try to create and analyze at the same time. They're different processes.
Rule 9: Be happy whenever you can manage it. Enjoy yourself. It's lighter than you think.
Rule 10: "We're breaking all of the rules. Even our own rules. And how do we do that? By leaving plenty of room for x quantities." John Cage
Helpful Hints: Always be around. Come or go to everything. Always go to classes. Read anything you can get your hands on. Look at movies carefully, often. Save everything - it might come in handy later. There should be new rules next week.
What you do?
I am a community building enthusiast with a deep love for the great outdoors. My partner, Ellen Reiche, and I have recently founded two organizations centered around connection with each other and nature, with a focus on serving the women and queer folks of the Bellingham community. Our two organizations are the Bellingham Lesbian Collective and One With.
Bellingham Lesbian Collective (BLC) is a group for northwest lesbians seeking stronger bonds of friendship and solidarity with their queer neighbors. BLC hosts a wide variety of social events like movie nights and bonfires, and anyone who identifies as lesbian (all colors of the gender rainbow included) is welcome to attend. Our Facebook group can be found at facebook.com/groups/sapphicbham.
One With is an organization founded with the mission to break barriers to connection with nature through exploration, empowerment, and community. We aim to eliminate these barriers by encouraging folks to find their place in nature through outdoor education, body and self empowerment, and the creation of welcoming spaces that bring us together. We seek to become One With nature, our bodies, and each other. More information can be found at facebook.com/onewithwa.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
I know that "be the change" is the most platitudinous piece of advice out there, but it's also the most powerful. If you see a need for something in your community and you have the capacity to provide it, I highly encourage you to take the first steps towards creating something that meets the need! And you don't have to do it alone: if you are receptive to collaboration, you will be amazed by the number of people who will want to take that journey alongside you. Take big chances, ask for help, and dive deep into your passions.
What do you do?
I own and operate a sea kayaking outfitter here in Bellingham called Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures. Basically that means I juggle lots of roles that small businesses take on but the most fun part shows up in the summer when I also get to play the role of a professional sea kayak guide in our beautiful backyard islands! We run everything from from shorter 3 hour intro paddles, to Wild Foraging Educational Sea Kayak tours, multi-day island adventure vacation tours and a crowd favorite - bioluminescent night paddles. I also recently became an executive board member for Recreation Northwest, a local non profit that promotes outdoor recreation and bringing people together to enjoy, preserve and improve the places where we play.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
Be open to finding your path. There came a point in my life where I felt really stuck, I was fresh off of a ski injury, back working retail and realizing I wanted to do more with my life. I wanted to spend more time outside and do my best to influence positive change in people's lives through the gift of unique outdoor experiences and be more involved in my community. I couldn't figure out what that looked like until an opportunity came up to take over Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures. I had a ton of self doubt moving into the role of owner/operator/guide but I am so glad I said yes to the challenge and kept my head up when the anxiety or negative self talk came creeping in. A big part of that came with listening to my support (family and friends) to help me say yes to myself and go after my goals. Be patient, be persistent, believe in yourself, be open to support and listed to some Berne Brown if you're ever feeling down!
What do you do?
I am an artist, specifically a printmaker. My one-woman print shop goes by the name of Skyline Printworks, and my area of expertise is linocut and woodcut prints. I also pour beer at Kulshan Brewing Company a few days a week!
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
I feel like I’m not in a place to give advice seeing as I’m still figuring it all out as I go! So I suppose my advice would be that you don’t need to have everything figured out before you start something new. All the learning and growth happens along the way!
What do you do?
I wear a few different hats these days. I have the honor of serving as the Executive Director of the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center, a nonprofit dedicated to providing and promoting constructive and collaborative approaches to conflict. I also currently serve as our statewide associations co-president, and sit on Whatcom County's Commission Against Domestic Violence, the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force, and the Secretary of State's Charities Advisory Council. By centering most of my professional roles around communication and conflict resolution, I'm invested in equipping our community - youth, families, neighbors, workplaces - to positively influence and strengthen our shared social fabric. I am also trying to be a really good mom to my 2 amazing daughters.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
Growing up in a loving and thoughtful family, I absorbed the wisdom to be mindful of how I walk through the world - to take responsibility for my own actions, and to think about the impact of my actions on others. Now raising two daughters, and given the work I do, I regularly reflect on this myself and strive to help others be mindful as well.
What do you do:
I am a retired registered nurse and nurse practitioner and an active dog trainer and writer--dogs and writing are two of my current passions in life. My first novel, "Finding Vera", combines those two passions in a story about a special-needs German shepherd with aggression issues. I also write a blog that focuses on canine behavior called "Kerry Claire and Dogs: the delightful devilry of dogs." and am currently working on a psychological thriller about two sisters. Dogs are a part of the story, but not the focus.
I share my life with my husband of 41 years and our collie, Annie. We love to row, hike, ride bicycles, and play guitar together. Annie hikes with us, listens to our music, and this summer will learn to accompany us in our row boat. I teach classes both at Tails a Wagging, and at Whatcom Humane Society, and Annie and I are currently working on Pet Partners registration for a therapy dog team and Freestyle--dancing with your dog.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
What I have learned in my life thus far:
Compromise is always worth it. Especially in relationships. None of us are perfect.
Pick your battles. Not every conflict is worth pursuing. Consider the fallout.
It's worth trying to see conflict from the other person's point of view. There is always another point of view.
Follow your passions, but pursuing a skill that is marketable first will give you the resources to fulfill them.
Respect your body--exercise, sleep, and eat what is nourishing.
Respect the earth--use your superior brain power to moderate what you consume, build, or contribute to climate change.
If you have a dog, learn as much as you can about their language and their behavior. They are complex companions and understanding them will enrich your life immensely.
Life is shorter than you could possibly imagine. Get your head out of your computer, your phone, your iPad, and live.
What do you do?
I support community costuming needs at a somewhat break even level. I directly costume some local productions now, primarily at the Bellingham Theater Guild, but from connections made during my years costuming Bellingham High School shows I continue as a resource for some other county high schools. Students who are studying theater are always welcome to use my costume stock.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
I did not recognize or nurture my interest in costumes when I was younger or respect my gut instincts. Sometimes you are surrounded by those who will advise you. Sometimes you will hear them.
Personally, I am trying to follow something I read that is close to this: One act is worth a hundred good intentions.
What do you do?
I am in the beer industry in a variety of ways, primarily doing the social media and some events work for Elizabeth Station as well as beertending. I am also the Assistant Editor of Tap Trail, and the Marketing Lead for Pink Boots Society’s Bellingham Chapter. I just finished a brewing internship and I’m looking forward to seeing what my future in beer holds!
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
“Everything is always working out for you.” My friend Marissa says this and it’s become an internal mantra. In times of self doubt or on bad days, things always get better!
What do you do?
I have been a tattooer for over eight years and I own my own shop, Diamond Tattoo. I have also been an active member of recovery for several years and mentor other women in the program.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?
I have discovered over the last several years that so much comes from within. I have to have confidence in myself and self-awareness in order to push through any situation. Learning to stick up for myself and set healthy boundaries has gotten me further in my career and personal life than I ever could have imagined. Being a woman in a male-dominated industry has presented its struggles, but perseverance and determination has continued to get me through. Also, having like-minded women in my life and a super solid support group has allowed me to continue to grow and prosper. I am eternally grateful for all of the support I have gotten over the years and choose to live in that attitude of gratitude and perseverance. Happiness and success are available to anyone, it is all about the mindset!
