I am an entrepreneur, owner of Pearly Gates Organic Soapery & Homestead. I've been farming organically, also doing other homesteading skills since 1981, making organic soaps and bath care products along with herbal studies since 1985. In 1984 I was a Regional finalist in the Robert Rodale's Organic Gardening Magazine contest, took up speed skating for over 22 years winning numerous awards, while coordinating local homeschool skate parties 25 years. I am a local organic food producer member with K.C. Food Circle since 2001, a host farm in the Growing Growers KC Program since 2005, a S.A.R.E. grant winner 2008 project titled 'Incredible Crop Yields From Small Urban Spaces', have shown my gardens with the Cultivate KC Urban Bi-Annual Farms and Gardens Tours, 2009 -18, Slow Money NE Kansas Entrepreneur Showcase speaker 2015, featured in several publications for my art, organic soaps and organic farm, 1974-current, 2019 KC Scholars Adult Returning Scholarship winner, KCAI Merit Scholarship 2020, KCAI Presidents Honorable Mention List fall 2021, & Byron & Marilyn Shutz endowed scholarship 2022-to present. I dreamed of being a potter at the age of 3. I attended State College of Florida and Ringling School Of Art And Design 76-80, never finishing my degree. I moved to the midwest in 1980 to start a family. In 2019 when my youngest graduated I knew it was time for me to finish my education going after my dream, ceramics. I entered KCAI in January 2021. I am majoring in ceramics, minoring in entrepreneurial and Asian studies. My anticipated graduation date is late fall 2024.