Co-Founder

• Dec 2021 - Present

You’ve got a fabulous product/service and an epic experience. It's a real humdinger. But you need help crafting your image and building loyal followers. That’s where we come in. We're Creative Zin and we build ballsy brands, creative campaigns, and marketing strategies that stand out from the crowd. With over 25 years of experience in the world of branding, and marketing we know what works and we thrive on big ideas and new approaches. ​ We're also well-seasoned in many facets of the restaurant field and have award-winning restaurant clients- from nostalgic southern cuisine to fine dining experiences. We've crafted brands, packaging, and displays for desserts, cake & cookie decorating tools, homemade jams, flavored water, and energy shots. Our clients are risk-takers and rule-breakers that aren't afraid to try new things. In fact, that's what they are drawn to. They thrive on blazing their own trail and revolutionary ideas, experiences, processes, and products. Show less

Brand Strategist and Creativity Coach

• Aug 2011 - Present

I build brands, print collateral and marketing campaigns that are authentic, clear in their messaging and attract and convert your ideal clients. I offer my services two ways: I handle your branding, marketing, copywriting, etc. OR I coach you through it so you can learn what works for you and take the reigns.

Owner

• Jun 2009 - Present

Brand Experience Director

• Jan 2020 - Dec 2021

As Brand Experience Director at Design the Experience, I bring my deep background of brand strategy and graphic design to lead the creation of intentionally design and consistently delivered brand experiences. At DTX, I build brand touches that are not only meaningful and authentic, they also drive revenue. As Brand Experience Director at Design the Experience, I bring my deep background of brand strategy and graphic design to lead the creation of intentionally design and consistently delivered brand experiences. At DTX, I build brand touches that are not only meaningful and authentic, they also drive revenue.

Freelance Graphic Designer & Consultant

• Dec 2005 - Dec 2021

I provide Creative and Art Direction, Branding and Design. I have extensive experience in designing a vast array of collateral: ads, entire magazines and retail catalogs, business cards, invitations, billboards, brochures and direct mailers, newspaper, magazine and ValPak ads, POP displays, logos, etc. I also provide website design, social media and copy writing services. I also spec projects, delve into the marketing and big thinking aspects of your projects, and work closely with other vendors. I strive to provide my clients with innovative designs geared toward their target audience, on any time line and budget. I love to design, build relationships and make the impossible possible! Show less

Art Director

• Oct 2007 - Aug 2009

I provide Art Direction, Layout, Design, Branding of printed and web materials for a National Manufacturer of Fine Fabrics and Window Treatments. I handle projects from concept to print and am very adept at handling multiple projects at once. I provide Art Direction, Layout, Design, Branding of printed and web materials for a National Manufacturer of Fine Fabrics and Window Treatments. I handle projects from concept to print and am very adept at handling multiple projects at once.

Graphic Designer

• Mar 2007 - Sep 2007

I worked as a graphic designer at Torque Creative as TTI in Anderson, SC. I mainly handled design of packaging, POP, multi-page instructional manuals, etc. for Milwaukee and Ryobi Tools. I left this position to work at ADO so that I could I could have more responsibility and be more involved in the creative process. I worked as a graphic designer at Torque Creative as TTI in Anderson, SC. I mainly handled design of packaging, POP, multi-page instructional manuals, etc. for Milwaukee and Ryobi Tools. I left this position to work at ADO so that I could I could have more responsibility and be more involved in the creative process.

Manager

• Jan 1997 - Feb 2007

Kosta's was our family business and I started working there at age 14. Not because I was asked to, but because I wanted to help my family and make my own money. I waited tables, worked the cash register, dealt with vendors, worked the grill and deep fry and managed others during my 10 years. I take nothing for my experience there as my father taught me core values that resonate with me today. Through my father I learned the importance of a strong work ethic, how to work well with others, customer service and how to run your own business. I worked in all aspects of the business, from washing dishes to managerial dealings. Show less