As a kid, all I wanted to be when I grew up was a pop star…

I carried a notebook everywhere I went, filling it with songs and putting on sparkly performances for anyone who would listen.

It was that dream that led me to audition for my first musical, thinking it was my moment in the spotlight. But somewhere between the nerves and awkwardly practicing my dance moves in the mirror, I realized it wasn’t the performing that I loved—it was storytelling. Whether I was tree #3 or part of the chorus, I loved being part of something that could move an audience.

In high school, when asked about my plans for after graduation, I practically shouted: “I’m going into advertising because it’s the theater of the business world.”

People laughed, but I knew I wasn’t wrong.

Nowadays, every client I work on feels like I am a part of a new musical. From the hours spent researching, writing, planning, and rehearsing, and when they come together, the story feels complete. Each time my pen touches the paper, I am reminded that my happy place is where it’s always been—storytelling. And I know my younger self would be proud.