My career has been built on design, communications, publishing and illustration—both in management and execution. But creativity is expressed in many forms so I continue to explore other outlets such as creating artisan soap and body products, custom jewelry making, interior spaces & accessories as well as being an experienced vocalist (with a focus on the blues).

Artisan Soaps and Natural Body Products

Simplí Artisan—Soaps are made from scratch using cold process and hot process methods. I strive to use natural, responsibly cultivated, high-quality ingredients. Other products include emulsified body butters, bath salts, salves, lip balms & scrubs, clay masks as well as a line of men’s products: shaving soap, beard balms and beard oils. I only use Phthalate-free fragrances. NO petroleum-based ingredients, NO pre-made bases, NO GMO ingredients. — Simplí Artisan (simplí means simple and straightforward in Gaelic).

Jewelry

These are one-of-a kind pieces using a variety of materials including semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, crystal, and glass beads (dichroic, hand-blown, foil-lined, etc). I have recently begun using old buttons as clasps and re-purposed vintage beads from disassembled or broken pieces. I love sterling silver findings, but lately I’ve been experimenting with gunmetal and copper. My next endeavor involves stamped solder.

Cigar Box Guitar Finishes

In addition to interior design and decorating projects, I’ve incorporated faux finishing and upholstery techniques by enhancing some of the custom-built cigar box guitars (CBG) and cases done for a previous CBG builder [Bull Run Cigar Box Guitars]. Some examples:

Vocals

I have been singing almost as long as I’ve been talking, but it wasn’t until a trip to Memphis several years ago that made me realize how much I loved the blues…and I needed to sing it. I’ve been the lead vocalist in a few bands in the Washington, DC, area for years, some of which include: Julie Says No; Spellbound; Single Malt Blues, Run for Cover.

“Julie has a great feel, love and talent for singing the blues that sets her apart from other DC area vocalists. She has a great stage presence that can make people leave their seats and hit the dance floor.”
~ Ron T.

Rolling & Tumblin’

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Little by Little

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Oreo Cookie Blues

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Bad Love

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Turtle Blues, live at DogFish Head Alehouse, Fairfax, VA