As long as I can remember, I've fantasized about what I'd become when I "grew up." A chef, a veterinarian, a journalist, a skier, a photographer, an author—maybe even an artist. Though I didn't inherit my father's knack for drawing, I always had a deep appreciation for beauty in all its forms. Then at 14, I became a ski instructor and instantly fell in love with it, quickly convincing myself that this was my true calling.

In 2001, with graduation looming from the wonderful Millbrook School (ironically, a college preparatory school), I told my poor parents that I needed some time to "figure things out." Instead of heading off to college that fall, I would be pursuing ski instructing full-time. Every parent's dream, right? While I was enjoying the thrill of skiing every day and hanging out with friends, reality soon set in. My grand plan of moving out West to embrace the ski-bum lifestyle wasn't going to happen. So, in search of new opportunities (or at least a change of scenery), I left my small town in upstate New York and moved even further north to Albany.

Struggling to find my footing  (and running low on funds) I took the first job I could find in Albany as a barista. Though the work was far from glamorous, I was unexpectedly drawn to the creative side of the role—decorating the space, designing signage, and crafting merchandise displays. This spark of creativity would become the cornerstone of my career. I soon realized that this was the type of work I wanted to pursue, and I’d spend the next 20 years chasing it.

In 2003, a chance connection led me to a vintage clothing rental company and trade show, a field I knew nothing about, but one that was rich in creative potential. I spent my days organizing, mending and displaying beautiful garments while helping the business owners develop an inventory system and marketing materials like postcards and flyers. It was during this time that I discovered the multifaceted nature of building and promoting a business—and how much I loved the challenge.  This experience solidified my passion for creative problem-solving and set the stage for the career path I would follow. 

The saying “the best way to learn is by doing” couldn’t be truer in my case! I continued to find myself in small teams where I was expected to wear many hats, learning on the fly. My next role at an independent day school thrust me into the world of communication and marketing in ways I hadn’t imagined. From web design and development to graphic design, print materials, marketing strategy, and even database management and admissions counseling - I did it all! This position also gave me the chance to collaborate with larger marketing and communications firms, as well as utilize cutting-edge technology and design tools.

After many years in private education, I felt it was time to embrace new challenges. I joined a small team within a growing start-up, supporting non-profit organizations in the healthcare and disability sectors. This experience strengthened  my understanding of how creativity, technology, and business intersect. Though I've always taken pride in wearing many hats and contributing to the success of various projects and teams, I’ve dreamed of starting my own business, one that aligns with my strengths and passions - and this dream was starting to pop up more and more.

For years, I had the opportunity to offer my design expertise to close friends and family, helping them build their brands and establish a strong web presence as they launched or grew their businesses. But I never thought I could turn this into my own full-fledged business—especially while working full-time. Then, in the summer of 2024, I was given the chance to take a step back, reflect on my career, and decide what the next chapter of my life should look like. With the encouragement and support of my amazing partner, former colleagues and wonderful friends and family, RoeJan Design was born.